Non-sun sunglasses: sport-fashion fusion accessory goes mainstream
CHLOE MAC DONNELL | MAR 2026
Selin Olmsted discusses the rise of “non-sun sunglasses” in a recent feature, highlighting shield-style frames with lightly tinted lenses designed for everyday wear, even on cloudy days.
She connects the trend to a broader shift toward “functional luxury,” where performance eyewear merges sport, fashion, and lifestyle.
2026 trend reveal: sculptural. sentimental. and punk.
ERINN MORGAN | MAR 2026
Selin Olmsted shares her perspective on emerging eyewear directions, highlighting sculptural forms, sentimental influences, and punk-inspired aesthetics shaping contemporary frame design.
The feature explores how cultural shifts and experimental design are informing the future of sun and optical eyewear.
THROUGH HER LENS
NICOLE BENGESER | MAR 2026
The article highlights her expertise in eyewear design and trend forecasting, drawing on insights from the Selin Olmsted Studio's annual Eyewear Trend Report.
Beyond the frame
OPTICAL PRISM | FEB 2026
Selin Olmsted Studio's 2027 Trend Report decodes five emerging eyewear currents, from directional shapes and inventive materials to chromatic shifts, pairing trend intelligence with strategic guidance to help brands, ECPs, and retailers curate smarter buys and collections with true fashion impact.
opti 2026: when design becomes an experience
EYEBIZZ | JAN 2026
Selin Olmsted was featured at opti 2026, presenting her 2027 Eyewear Trend Report on the Design Stage as part of the fair’s international design program.
The presentation highlighted emerging directions shaping the future of eyewear within the global optical industry.
2027 eyewear trend report is here!
4 YOUR EYES | NOV 2025
Selin Olmsted Studio's 2027 Eyewear Trend Report delivers 50+ pages of insight into how global trends in fashion, music, art, and architecture will shape eyewear design and marketing, serving ECPs, independent brands, manufacturers, and beyond.
This year's edition goes further by weaving manufacturing expertise into the forecasting process, bridging the gap between creative vision and production reality.
Selin olmsted studio launches 2027 eyewear Trend report
DANIEL FELDMAN | OCT 2025
Selin Olmsted Studio has launched its 2027 Eyewear Trend Report, a 50+ page forecast exploring how global shifts in fashion, art, architecture, and culture will shape eyewear design and merchandising.
New this year, the report features a cross-industry Think Tank and a first-ever Manufacturing Innovations section, connecting design inspiration directly to production insights.
silmo istanbul 2025 - Optical journal podcast
OPTICAL JOURNAL | OCT 2025
Daniel, the executive editor of the Optical Journal and Optical Business News, speaks with Banu Baran Seven, Gokhan Sahinler, and Selin Olmsted about SILMO Istanbul 2025.
5 questions for selin olmsted
INVISION | JUNE 2025
In this Q&A, Invision Magazine spotlights Selin Olmsted as part of its "Talks to Innovators" series, diving into her creative process, materials research, and perspective on what's shaping the future of eyewear.
Selin shares how cultural shifts and global sourcing inform her trend forecasting, and why collaboration and curiosity remain central to her studio’s work.
See full interview here.
15 PEOPLE, PRODUCTS AND PLACES REIMAGINING WHAT’S POSSIBLE FOR THE FUTURE OF OPTICAL
INVISION | JUNE 2025
Selin Olmsted is recognized by Invision Magazine as one of the changemakers redefining what’s next in the optical industry. Known for her trend and materials forecasting, Selin shares how global shifts are influencing design—from high-density acetates to the integration of smart technology. The feature also highlights her studio’s full-package model, which bridges design and production through a thoughtful, end-to-end approach.
See full interview here.
THE OPTI 2025 BUCKET LIST
EYEBIZZ | JAN 2025
From emerging brands and digital innovation to sustainability and trend forecasting, Opti 2025 offers a thoughtfully curated experience for the optical industry.
Highlights include expert talks, design showcases, and immersive guided tours. Trend researcher Selin Olmsted will be among the voices shaping conversations around future eyewear aesthetics and consumer expectations.
opti 2025: innovation as far as the eye can see
NACHRICHTEN MUNCHEN | JAN 2025
Opti 2025 promises a forward-looking program focused on design, technology, and the evolving optical market. Visitors can expect panels, lectures, and guided tours covering topics like sustainable materials, smart glasses, and retail innovation.
Among the featured speakers is trend researcher Selin Olmsted, who will offer a global perspective on how material shifts and digital technologies are shaping the eyewear of tomorrow. The event sets the tone for a year of fresh ideas and future-ready thinking across the industry.
OPTI 2025 WITH MANY INNOVATIONS
EYEBIZZ | DEC 2024
Opti 2025 in Munich will highlight the optical industry’s next wave of innovation through four key hubs: opti Future Vision Hub, opti Myopia Hub, opti Next Generation Hub, and opti Sustainability Hub.
New York-based trend forecaster Selin Olmsted will unveil how materials, design innovations, and emerging technologies are set to shape eyewear trends for 2026, as outlined in her latest Eyewear Trend Report. She’ll also dive into augmented reality, virtual reality, and smart glasses.
How To Translate Trend Forecasting into Practice Profitability
SELIN OLMSTED | AUG 2024
Selin highlights the critical importance for eye care professionals (ECPs) of embracing long-term eyewear trend forecasting—typically 12–18 months ahead—to enhance inventory planning, storefront appeal, and customer engagement.
It emphasizes how curated, trend-informed frame selections and storytelling elevate the in‑person shopping experience, fostering loyalty and profitability for optical practices.
EYEWEAR TRENDS OF THE FUTURE
SELIN OLMSTED | JUN 2024
Selin Olmsted emphasizes the need for opticians and retailers to stay ahead of eyewear trends, often anticipating styles up to two years in advance.
Referencing her 2025 Eyewear Trend Report, she explains how trends in fashion, culture, and materials can help create product offerings that resonate with customers on both functional and emotional levels.
She also highlights the power of storytelling, thoughtful design, and sensory elements, like texture and color in deepening customer loyalty and enhancing in-store experiences. By embracing these elements, opticians can stand out from online alternatives and deliver more personalized, memorable shopping journeys.
CURRENT TRENDS IN EYEWEAR FASHION AND DESIGN
EYE OWN A BUSINESS | MAR 2024
Selin Olmsted joined Dr. Steve Vargo on the Eye Own a Business podcast to explore a side of optometry that's often overlooked—eyewear design.
In this episode, Selin shares trend insights, guidance on frame selection, and ideas for introducing private label collections. She encourages eye care professionals to consider not just vision and health, but also the style and self-expression patients seek when choosing frames.
amazing eyewear 2
MAARTEN WEIDEMA | FEB 2024
Amazing Eyewear 2 is a comprehensive, visually rich book that showcases the most exciting independent eyewear brands and trend forecasts shaping the future of the industry.
Among the featured insights is the 2025 Eyewear Trend Report by Selin Olmsted Studio, offering a forward-thinking perspective on materials, colors, and design directions. The book serves as both inspiration and reference for professionals and enthusiasts passionate about the evolving world of eyewear.
OPTI: SUCCESSFUL START TO THE NEW OPTICAL YEAR
DANIEL GROß & FRANK SONNENBERG FEB 2024
Opti 2024 marked a vibrant and successful start to the new optical year, drawing 21,500 visitors and nearly 400 exhibitors to Munich for a dynamic mix of business, networking, and innovation. Among the highlights was trend forecaster Selin Olmsted’s presentation at the Trend Hub, where she guided attendees through key shifts in eyewear design, offering valuable insight for creative and strategic direction.
The event offered expert-led sessions on myopia management, sustainability, and modern recruiting strategies, providing attendees with valuable insights into industry challenges and innovative solutions.
idOC ANNOUNCES NEW VENDOR PARTNERS FOR 2024
VISION MONDAY | FEB 2024
IDOC has announced a new lineup of vendor partnerships for 2024, reinforcing its commitment to supporting independent eyecare practices with tools, technology, and design aligned with its core values.
Among the new partners is Selin Olmsted Studio, a B2B eyewear design, product development, and sourcing studio known for its forward-thinking and independent approach.
opti-mism 2024
DANIEL FELDMAN | JAN 2024
The OPTI 2024 event in Munich, Germany brought together nearly 400 exhibitors from 28 countries across four halls, alongside bustling crowds of optometrists and opticians. Among the standout programming was a series of high‑profile presentations, including a well‑attended series by Selin Olmsted on optical trends for 2025, where she detailed the top nine eyewear trends shaping the coming season. Attendees also explored a dedicated career hub, innovation area, and sustainability hub.
fırst comprehensıve eyewear trend report
DANIEL FELDMAN | JAN 2024
Selin Olmsted Studio has unveiled its pioneering “2025 Eyewear Trend Report” creating a significant milestone in the realm of fashion and eyewear. In a groundbreaking move, the Studio introduces a visionary guide spotlighting nine imminent trends that will define the eyewear landscape in the near future. The report offers an array of daring frame design references, visionary concepts, intricate details, and captivating colors sparking creativity for upcoming seasonal collections.
What’s news breakıng
NOV 2023
The Doe Fund's over 970,000 square-foot portfolio of permanent affordable and supportive housing -first opened in 2020. Each resident received essential kits, including hygienic products and winter clothing, that students of KIPP AMP Elementary School donated through its Lending Lions program. Selin Olmsted Studio donated hundreds of designer sunglasses and optical glasses to the tenants.
Is eyecare ready for the metaverse?
HEATH BURSLEM | SEP 2023
WEB3 AND VR TECHNOLOGY promise to revolutionize patient care, eyewear and the customer experience in ways we’re only beginning to understand. INVISION goes total immersion and jumps into the brave new world of the metaverse.
welcome to the metaverse!
SEP 2023
To learn what a leading eyewear designer makes of the metaverse, check out our interview with Selin Olmsted, founder of Selin Olmsted Studio in New York.
EYEWEAR IS ‘STARVING FOR DESIGNERS’: 9 QUESTIONS WITH SELIN OLMSTED
HEATH BURSLEM | DEC 2021
The creator of collections for Raen, Article One, Oscar de la Renta and other top brands discusses the experience of setting up a studio, trends and materials, the state of eyewear design education and more…
“NEW YORK HOME STORIES“ EP 4: SELIN OLMSTED ON THE FUTURE OF EYEWEAR DESIGN
We ventured out to interview another female creative entrepreneur based in New York and peek into her world of design: Creative and charismatic entrepreneur and eyewear designer Selin Olmsted shares her insights on the challenges of starting a business in NYC…
SELIN OLMSTED - EYEWEAR DESIGNER – OPTICAL JOURNAL PODCAST
DANIEL FELDMAN | OCT 2020
Daniel speaks with Selin Olmsted, a designer for many prominent eyewear brands…
SELIN OLMSTED - EYEWEAR DESIGNER
PAUSE NY | OCT 2019
We go down one path in our careers and sometimes it turns into a “choose your adventure” story. Other times, unexpected circumstances take place and dictate our next move. For some people, they forge their own paths and start their own businesses! Selin Olmsted’s career has definitely been one of an exciting journey and she was kind enough to share the details of it with us…