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 | JUNE 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 | MARCH 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…


 
 

IN THE FRAME

HEATH BURSLEM | SEP 2021

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“NEW YORK HOME STORIES“ EP 4: SELIN OLMSTED ON THE FUTURE OF EYEWEAR DESIGN

ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA

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…

LISTEN TO PODCAST


 
 

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…