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Love Eyewear Awards

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Celebrating the eyewear industry

The coveted Love Eyewear Awards returned in 2025 to celebrate, champion and promote the best in eyewear amongst independent and major designers, manufacturers and retailers. 

Launched in 2020, Love Eyewear Awards brings together a panel of esteemed judges made up of eyewear bloggers, stylists, journalists, influencers and industry leaders who judge hundreds of entries across a number of carefully curated categories. Winners are announced at the Awards ceremony on the first evening of 100% Optical. 

See below the 2025 winners.

2025 Award Categories & Winners

New Designer 2025

New Designer 2025

TANAKA Eyewear

The designer, Gow Tanaka, stands at the forefront of innovation and sustainability in the eyewear industry, redefining what it means to create impactful, stylish, and ethical designs. With over 25 years of experience as an international session hairstylist working with A-list celebrities and renowned fashion publications, Gow transitioned his creative expertise into product design, launching his brand 3RD/DIADEM in 2020.

His unique background fuels his visions melding the precision of his hairstyling craft with a passion for traditional Japanese aesthetics and sustainable innovation. Drawing inspiration from Japanese gardens, his eyewear designs feature intricate textures and patterns that evoke serenity and timeless elegance.

What sets Gow apart as a newcomer is his unwavering commitment to sustainability. After years of research, he developed a proprietary process using compressed recycled paper fibre, creating a material that is both lightweight and durable. This innovation challenges industry norms by offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials without sacrificing quality or style.

Gow's work is not only about creating beautiful products but also about shifting the paradigm towards ethical design. His eyewear celebrates individuality and craftsmanship, with each frame meticulously handcrafted and unique. This dedication to artistry and sustainability has already captured the attention of the fashion industry, with features in Vogue, GQ, and The Guardian.

Awarding Gow Tanaka would recognise a designer whose fresh perspective and sustainable approach are shaping the future of Eyewear. His ability to merge creativity, sustainability, and cultural heritage into groundbreaking designs makes him a deserving and influential force in the industry.

Women's Frame of the Year

Women's Frame of the Year

SPADA LAURA / GAZUSA - Avantgard Collection/mod Caroline

The uniqueness of this pair is given by the patented processing made on nylon sun filters, cut on the edges and then sewn with leather with customizable colours. Durable colourful and light; The bold elegant and luxury glasses that meets people of character who like to stand out

Men's Frame of the Year

Men's Frame of the Year

Mad In Italy - Espresso

The Espresso frame is a stunning design that embodies elegance and futurism. Its clean, angular lines are complemented by a modern rectangular shape with softened edges, offering a flattering yet bold aesthetic. The frame's standout feature is its cobalt blue accent along the top bar, creating a striking contrast against the ultra-light titanium construction. This subtle yet impactful use of colour adds individuality while maintaining a refined and minimalist design.

Crafted from durable, lightweight titanium, the Espresso frame offers exceptional comfort, making it perfect for all-day wear. Its ultra-thin temples and adjustable nose pads enhance functionality, while the geometric styling reflects contemporary fashion trends. Designed for those who seek eyewear that merges sophistication with a futuristic edge, this frame is a true statement piece.

Women's Sunglasses of the Year

Women's Sunglasses of the Year

Vanni Eyewear - Embrace1 col A01

The collection is inspired by the paintings and sculptural works of Alberti, reflecting her distinctive artistic style. To truly appreciate the design of the glasses, it is essential to be familiar with the artist's work and style.

Elisa Alberti experiments with the relationship between colour, shape, and texture, using them to layer meaning onto the surface of her works. Her art thrives on chromatic contrasts and combines round, soft shapes with straight, bold lines.

The temples of the glasses are made with the typical soft, curved shape that characterises Elisa's work, and the contrasting colours reflect her full artistic identity.
A superlative limited edition.

Men's Sunglasses of the Year

Men's Sunglasses of the Year

Hoffman Natural Eyewear - Bloc V1596

From the Horn Extreme collection, this sunglass pushed the boundaries of what Hoffmann can create. Timeless elegance is reserved for other sunglasses, this frame is front and centre with its bold colour and sharp, contrasting, stacked geometric pattern. Modern as it is, this frame is still constructed in the classic Hoffmann Style, hand made at every step, with expert craftsmanship and quality you can feel.

Unisex Frame of the Year

Unisex Frame of the Year

VASUMA - CERASTE

Ceraste is a bold pilot metal frame combines sleek design with modern sophistication. Crafted from lightweight, durable metal, it features clean lines, a polished finish in classic tones like Shiny Gold, and nose pads for a comfortable, custom fit. Perfect for any setting, its versatile design adds a bold, stylish edge to any look.

Luxury Frame of the Year

Luxury Frame of the Year

Clayton Franklin - CF662

Clayton Franklin 662 SL-DGN - Delicately handcrafted, the CF 662 is a stylish frame evoking the refinement and design-consciousness of classic Japanese eyewear. The round lenses make this a fashion-forward choice combining an eclectic mix of styles. Classic rimless mounting with a modern acetate rim result in a wearable, lightweight frame with a distinctive profile.

Eyewear Accessory of the Year

Eyewear Accessory of the Year

COTI Vision - VITA Ombré


Building on the popularity of the model Vita, COTI Vision are thrilled to unveil the Vita Ombré capsule, an exciting addition featuring a breathtaking Ombré effect, with each chain showcasing four harmoniously blended shades. The gradient design adds the perfect touch of sophistication and vibrancy, making these pieces the ideal accessory to elevate both eyewear and outfits. Whether through soft transitions or bold contrasts, the cascading Vita Ombré Chain offers a stylish and elegant way to express personal flair and it also doubles as a stunning necklace!

The capsule includes four distinctive color options:
• Sassi (tones of grey, meaning "stones" in Italian)
• Rainforest (tones of green)
• Cappuccino (tones of brown)
• Rose Bouquet (tones of pink)

All have already become instant hits, and it's easy to see why. Each chain flawlessly displays the harmonious  Ombré effect, blending four distinct shades. The gradient design, featuring rich cascading tones of brown, grey, and green, is perfectly in line with current trends, while the elegant transition of autumn/winter colours is truly captivating.

Each piece in the Vita Ombré capsule is handmade in Italy from recycled materials, ensuring that no two are ever the same. This dedication to craftsmanship and sustainability only enhances the uniqueness and charm of every item.

About COTI Vision®:
COTI Vision® is a leading eyewear chain specialist, dedicated to creating stylish and functional eyewear accessories. With a commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and a passion for fashion, COTI Vision® aims to elevate the eyewear experience for customers worldwide.

COTI Vision® was successfully featured on the popular TV program Dragon’s Den, where the chains were praised for their versatility. As Dragon Deborah Meaden stated: “They brought an important bit of everyday kit out of the dullness and into the light."

Kid's Frame of the Year

Kid's Frame of the Year

Götti Switzerland - Götti Dimension Next

Next Dimension - For Kids only

Optimized in every detail, they are the next generation's favourite eyewear. Lightweight, flexible and customizable. Modern children's glasses - produced using 3D printing in the company's own factory in Switzerland.

It's the size that makes the difference, not the style and quality -  Götti Dimension Next combines the best features for young people. Thanks to the new and innovative temple design, the children's glasses are easy to adjust and provide even more stability. From the design and production using 3D printing to colouring and final assembly - all steps are taken with great care and experience in the company's own factory in Switzerland. Thanks to this production method, the children's glasses can be custom-made to fit perfectly. Starting with 3 standard sizes, the lens size, temple length and nose bridge can be customized. This means that every age and requirement can be covered. For even more support, the glasses can be optionally upgraded with adjustable nose pads. A novelty in the children's eyewear collection
is the addition of a sun clip, which can be easily fitted and removed.

With Götti Dimension Next, the little ones call the shots. They can choose their favourite colours from a palette of 15 colours, combine them with each other and help create their perfect favourite pair of glasses. This makes wearing glasses even more fun.

Sustainable Frame of the Year

Sustainable Frame of the Year

TANAKA Eyewear - Tortoiseshell


This handcrafted frames redefine sustainable luxury by merging eco-conscious innovation with exceptional craftsmanship. Made from compressed recycled paper, they are a bold statement of sustainability, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional eyewear materials.

The design takes inspiration from the tranquil beauty of traditional Japanese gardens, featuring intricate textures that mimic rippling water, raked sand, and natural stone patterns. This unique aesthetic brings a sense of serenity and timeless elegance, making the frames truly distinctive in the eyewear market.

Crafted with cutting-edge 3D techniques, each frame is meticulously hand-finished, ensuring no two are identical. This attention to detail transforms every pair into a wearable piece of art, blending functionality with a striking visual narrative.

Lightweight yet robust, these frames cater to modern consumers seeking individuality and sustainability. They resonate with the growing demand for responsible fashion, aligning perfectly with contemporary trends while remaining timeless in their appeal.

Awarding these frames would honour a design that not only pushes the boundaries of sustainable materials but also celebrates the artistry and innovation required to create something genuinely unique. These frames are more than eyewear, they are a testament to the future of ethical design.

Eyewear Retailer of the Year

Eyewear Retailer of the Year

Respectacle Co.

At Respectacle Co. we take great pride in curating our eyewear collections.  We visit many Optical shows and take influence from optical stores around Europe. We offer our customers an eclectic mix of eyewear aimed towards the local demographic, however we do attract customers from across the county of Leicestershire and further afield to view our diverse eyewear collections. Customers travel from Essex, Oxfordshire and Derbyshire as they feel we offer an interesting and distinctive range. We have a big presence on social media, showcasing each collection, the history and ethos behind each brand and why we stock each piece. We understand the importance of visual merchandising, and offer an open, interesting store, with bespoke cabinetry to highlight each collection. People comment how it reminds them of an old gentlemen's club. Many of the pieces of furniture have been repurposed for our store, which provides interesting talking points, creating an informal and relaxed environment. We are known for high quality, both in terms of customer care and eyewear. We work with some of the best brands on the optical market and put high quality at the heart of everything we do. Our collections include, Feb 31st, bespoke wooden eyewear from Italy. Theo, pushing the boundaries with both colour and shape from Belgium. L.G.R, hand made Italian collection, steeped in history. Caroline Abram, an award-winning Parisian collection. Faniel, artistic frames manufactured from recycled acetate. Starck biotech, a collection of exquisite design and functionality. Vinylize handmade frames from recycled records.

We endeavour to showcase our eyewear to the wider community by hosting trunk shows, marking milestone moments, and sponsoring local events. During February we are hosting a wellness day, in conjunction with local nutritionist and the body doctor, making people aware about the importance of diet and eye health.

Most Engaging Practice Window

Most Engaging Practice Window

Monocle Eye Care

At Monocle we are always trying to display a window which is not just beautiful to look at, but also catches your attention. Simple posters are an absolute no go zone. It has to be individual and bring a smile to people's faces. Our window displays certainly gets spoken about and often posted on social media by outside sources or reposted. A good window display is so important, especially in optics as people do not necessarily need a sight test there and then, but when they do the will hopefully remember the optician with the lovely window. This also sets the tone of the practice and if inviting will bring people in.

We think we deserve this award as not only has it been a great success with our wonderful customers, new and old, but we have put genuine effort into this window and everything is handmade by us.

Best Use of Social Media

Best Use of Social Media

The Optical Gallery

Social media is a cornerstone of The Optical Gallery success, allowing us to authentically engage with clients and expand our brand awareness globally. Our platforms include Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google Business, YouTube, and TikTok, with all filming, photography, and editing produced in-house to ensure our content reflects our unique identity.

A highlight of our efforts is our YouTube channel, which has over 411 subscribers and continues to grow. Through vlogs, we share insights into our professional expertise, exhibition events, and interviews with leading eyewear designers. These videos have boosted our SEO, ranking us highly on Google and attracting a global audience. We regularly receive enquiries from international clients, resulting in virtual styling consultations and visits to our gallery, expanding our reach beyond the high street. (https://www.youtube.com/@theopticalgallery)

On Instagram and Facebook, we focus on showcasing our delighted clients, promoting exhibitions, and sharing achievements. In late 2023, we launched a campaign to highlight the importance of childrens eye health, leveraging social media to connect with parents and schools. This campaign led to partnerships with local schools, engaging talks with students, and sponsorship of three schools. Additionally, our social media initiated a connection with a family rave company 'Wee Ravers' who regularly sell our family events at Box Park and various nightclubs around London. They now assist us on a school tour making a fun environment that allows us to now distribute information at the schools we sponsor about eye health without making it boring.


We post twice weekly on social media and monthly on YouTube, maintaining a consistent presence. Our engaging content and innovative campaigns, such as our children's eye health initiative, have significantly increased appointments and strengthened community ties.

Social media allows us to tell our story, educate, and connect with clients worldwide. The Optical Gallery strategic and creative use of these platforms has elevated our practice to a global audience while deepening our local connections.

OFFICIAL UK PARTNER

OFFICIAL UK PARTNER

Official Associate Partner

Official Associate Partner

Official Associate Partner

Official Associate Partner

MEDIA PARTNERS

 

 



 

Digital Media Partners


 

Accommodation Partner