PARIS—Silmo Paris recently announced the final list of nominated projects up for consideration in its annual Optical Design Contest. Among the shortlist of 10 projects culled from entries submited by students around the world, are three projects that center on sustainable and recycled materials including Lupo, Prome and Spora. The 2026 edition of the Optical Design Contest, themed “The Future of Optics: What Vision?” asked design students to rethink eyewear through the lens of design, innovation and new uses. Olivier Lapidus, a designer whose career spans fashion, design and innovation, chairs the 2026 jury for the contest.
Reflecting the diversity of design cultures and the creativity of a new generation, Silmo Paris said, the projects “present bold concepts that are already helping to shape the conversation around the future of optics.” The 10 nominated projects will be showcased at Silmo Paris 2026 before one overall winner is selected, with the winning project receiving a €10,000 prize to share equally between the student and their educational institution.
The three projects featuring green materials and practices include the following:
LUPO – Amandine Crépin – CY Cergy Paris Université (France)
Children’s eyewear made from recycled polycarbonate with photosensitive pigments that change from transparent to violet when exposed to UV light, encourage sun protection awareness in a fun and engaging way.
PROME – Camille Déniel – L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique (France)
A piece of “everyday jewelry” crafted from recycled stainless steel and featuring interchangeable temples in small, medium and large, as well as magnetic accessories that allow users to change the look of their frames without replacing the entire pair.
SPORA – Mateo Caballero Rodrigo / Mario Carrasco García / Gabriel Casado Matesanz- Universidad de Valladolid (Spain)
Eyewear grown using mycelium cultivated on agricultural waste, then molded and stabilized through gentle heat treatment. The result is a 100 percent biodegradable and compostable frame.
The full shortlist of project nominees can be found here. The 2026 edition of Silmo Paris will take place from September 25 to 28 at Paris Nord Villepinte. Registration is open here.
