O.T. Through a discussion with Selin Olmsted, Creative Director of 100% Optical 2024’s eyewear design and product development studio, we gained some insight into the burgeoning eyewear trend.
Serin Olmstead Studio 2025 Eyewear Trend ReportAnalyze how key trends will influence eyewear design, development and commercialization.
Olmstead shared the report’s findings, O.T.“What we’re seeing is really interesting. What’s happening now is kind of a polarization in the world of trends.”
Previous seasons have seen statement eyewear become popular with chunky, chunky and expressive styles.
“That effect is still seen today, is still on the market and is still popular, but recently it’s done a 180-degree turn and gone ultra-lightweight,” Olmstead explained.
Innovations from eyewear and material manufacturers have allowed for extremely thin acetates, and beta-titanium has become a popular metal due to its lightweight feel.
“When it comes to color, green comes in abundance,” she adds, ranging from lighter shades like pastel green to neutrals like loden, hunter, mist and khaki to deeper hues like dark emerald, oak and earth green.
“I think green is an appealing color because it comes in a variety of shades and looks good on a variety of skin tones,” Olmstead said.
She noted that speed of eyeglass fulfillment is becoming critical in practices, adding that more eye care professionals (ECPs) are open to offering private label prescription lenses fulfilled by new independent labs.
Consumer buying behavior is also changing when it comes to eyewear choices, and the industry needs to keep up.
“Consumers are educating themselves on social media and other media platforms, taking screenshots of eyewear they like,” Olmstead said. O.T.“As an ECP, I think it’s important to follow the same platforms and stay on top of what they follow and what they want to wear.”
This is where trends come in, says Olmstead: “If we can follow those trends and stay on top of them, we can plan our seasonal buying at fairs like 100% Optical and tell the story of that eyewear to our customers.”
