Eyewear trends may come and go, but they are an ever and constant evolvement of the past, present and future. When it comes to what’s right NOW, the 20/20 team takes pride in bringing this to you every month, but we also look forward to seeing it come together every spring at the NOW BY VISION EXPO pavilion.

Conceptualized and created by Nico Roseillier, creative director at Europa, State Optical and American Optical, NOW is an eyewear trends showcase featuring curated eyewear selections that embody the industry’s most vibrant trends. Vision Expo exhibitors were invited to submit one frame or lens product for consideration representing one of the following themes for this year’s show: Eyewear Icons, Colors of 2023, Show Stoppers, Alternative Materials and Technologies, and Diversity and Inclusivity.

The NOW showcase returned for a second year this past Expo East in NYC and hosted the inaugural NOW Awards honoring standout brands reflecting the latest trends and innovation in eyewear. Award winners were selected by the NOW Advisory Committee made up of esteemed individuals from our industry: Christian Roth and Eric Domege, CFDA members and designers/co-founders, Christian Roth and OPTICAL AFFAIRS; Julia Gogosha, owner, Gogosha Optique; Kristen McLaughlin, director of marketing, Tura; Nwamaka Ngoddy, OD, founder/designer, Anwuli Eyewear; Jessica Goebert, communications consultant; and Sophia Strawser, editorial assistant & social media manager, Accessories Council. Winners were selected across nine categories including the Best Sunglass Award, Best Optical Award, Special Design/Brand Activation and People’s Choice Award. To the delight of the 20/20 team, our own Editor-in-Chief James Spina was honored with the Optical Achievement Award.

“NOW by Vision Expo brought together the most innovative designs, trends and technologies from iconic, world-class brands and exciting newcomers alike,” says Nico Roseillier. “I am thrilled by the talent and creativity submitted this year and offer my sincerest congratulations to all of this year’s winners. I am looking forward to seeing NOW by Vision Expo grow next year for the 2024 edition.” As we look onward to NOW in 2024, we salute this year’s winners and all eyewear visionaries who continue to exemplify design, innovation and creativity in our industry… and a special shout-out to our Chief for continuing to inspire all of us each and every day.

—Christine Yeh