Silmo Paris 2025: Where the future takes shape

In 2025, the trade fair welcomed 33,358 trade visitors, including 52 % international visitors and 48 % French participants, representing a net increase of 6.5 %. More than 900 companies presented their know-how and innovations on an exhibition area of 75,000 m².

More than just a meeting place, Silmo Paris has established itself as a catalyst for opportunity, where creative visions, cutting-edge technologies and lasting synergies come together to drive the industry forward.

Highlights of Silmo Paris 2025:

Exploring the future, understanding the present

This year, artificial intelligence was the central theme of Futurology and Village Tech. Whether generative, contextual or descriptive, AI is already transforming the optical industry: connected glasses, automated examinations, virtual reality, smart store management... Futurology was more than just an exhibition space, it embodied the bridge between research, technology and professional practice, inviting visitors to imagine the future of optics.

The Trends Forum - An immersive insight into the world of style

As the true style compass of the trade fair, the Trends Forum offered an impressive experience of breathtaking visual intensity. Its sophisticated scenography showcased the shapes, colors and materials that characterize contemporary eyewear fashion.

This issue highlighted:

• The return of reinvented icons
• The pursuit of lightness and serenity
• A charismatic and self-confident charisma
• The energy of explorative graphics

A curated selection of frames and sunglasses from the exhibitors' collections illustrated these stylistic directions and confirmed the Forum's role as an indispensable venue for capturing the zeitgeist and anticipating the aesthetics of tomorrow.

The Silmo d'Or Awards - 32nd edition

Chaired by visionary designer Olivier Lapidus, the Silmo d'Or Awards once again honored excellence, creativity and innovation.

A jury of passionate and dedicated experts, consisting of professionals and personalities from different backgrounds, recognized the most outstanding achievements, reflecting the dynamism of a constantly evolving industry.

Beyond the trophy, the Silmo d'Or has developed into an international seal of quality, which the award winners proudly present on their trade fair stands and in their communications to emphasize their expertise and long-standing influence.

RSE Focus - A good eye for the planet

Because the optics of tomorrow must be both innovative and responsible, Silmo Paris, in collaboration with Hyssop, has inaugurated a new area dedicated to CSR initiatives.

The program included:

• Start-up presentations
• Exhibitions on environmentally friendly materials
• Exchange of best practices as part of the Committed Company Award
• Conferences and workshops led by experts

Award for committed companies

This award was created by Silmo Paris in collaboration with Hyssop and recognizes companies with ambitious and concrete CSR strategies.

It recognizes players who succeed in combining ethics, economic performance and social and ecological responsibility.

The winner of 2025: Friendly Frenchy

Optical design competition

Promoting young talent is one of the most important tasks of Silmo Paris. At its fourth edition, chaired by Michel Penneman, the design show invited design students to imagine "superhero" glasses: bold, visionary and innovative.

Winner 2025: GAIA, by Hélène Caffin-Pinon (École Design Saint-Étienne), a children's eyewear frame with plant recognition via augmented reality.

International Optician of the Year Award

This award is presented by the International Opticians Association (IOA) in collaboration with Silmo Paris and recognizes the commitment and vision of opticians who are advancing the profession.

Winner 2025: Blair Wong (USA)

Silmo Talks and Silmo Academy conferences

Researchers, experts and professionals shared their knowledge at inspiring and forward-looking conferences. A program designed to broaden skills, question practices and open up new horizons.

As part of the Silmo Academy, Andronikos Chrysanthopoulos was awarded a grant of 10,000 euros for his research project "The accommodation function in a healthy Caucasian population aged 18 to 28 years".

Museums of Oyonnax and Morez

A heritage-focused exhibition showcased a rare collection that traces two centuries of eyewear development. A journey through techniques, styles and the heritage of the two emblematic towns of Oyonnax and Morez.

Moi Aussi exhibition - Where art meets optics

With Moi Aussi, Silmo Paris presented an unprecedented artistic experience in which eyewear became a canvas for expression. 90 artists were invited to reinvent the object of eyewear: unconventional substrates, reused materials, reinterpreted functions... Each creation went beyond its traditional use and became a unique work of art.

This exhibition, conceived and supported by Etnia Barcelona, reflected the brand's deep commitment to art, color and quality. With this bold initiative, the company reaffirmed its commitment to using art as a pure source of inspiration and making its creative, forward-thinking mark on the industry.

Silmo will take place next year from September 25 to 28, 2026 in Paris Nord Villepinte.

Source: www.silmoparis.com