NEW YORK—Vision Expo East 2024 announced the winners of the inaugural NOW Awards on Friday afternoon, March 15, at the Javits Center in New York City. The awards honored brands that embodied the latest trends and innovation in eyewear. All Vision Expo East eyewear exhibitors were encouraged to participate in NOW by Vision Expo by submitting one product per brand and/or collection that they believed best encapsulated the 2024 themes. The NOW by Vision Expo trends showcase returned to Vision Expo East for its third year.

This year’s edition expanded upon the successes of years past, showcasing a broad array of eyewear designs that illustrate the latest trends across the industry in colors, materials and styles. The themes included NYC Nostalgia, NYC Fashion, Peach Fuzz (the Color of the Year), Earth and Love.

The awards ceremony included a panel discussion featuring the NOW Advisory Committee, a champagne toast and award presentations to the winners. The 2024 NOW Award winners are:

 
 (L to R) The 2024 NOW Award winners include Gustavo Assis, LAPIMA; Mehran Baghaie, Spectacle Eyeworks; Selima Salaun, Selima Optique; Lorena Serrano, Nina Mur; Rebecca Giefer, Modo; Jamie Shyer and Chris Shyer, Zyloware; and Alessandro Mariani, EssilorLuxottica.
  • Best Optical Style of 2024 by a licensed brand
    Swarovski by EssilorLuxottica

  • Best Optical Style of 2024 by an independent brand
    Pussy Galore by Spectacle Eyeworks

  • Best Sunglass Style of 2024 by a licensed brand
    Longchamp by Marchon

  • Best Sunglass Style of 2024 by an independent brand
    Nina Mur

  • Best Sustainable Style of 2024
    3D by MODO

  • New Emerging Brand/Designer
    LAPIMA

  • “Eyewear, the Ultimate Accessory” Award presented by the Accessories Council
    Selima Optique

  • Optical Lifetime Achievement Award
    Zyloware – Chris Shyer and Jamie Shyer
The themes for Vision Expo East 2024 were:

NOW loves NYC NOSTALGIA – commemorating nearly 40 years of Vision Expo with archives or vintage-inspired frames.

NOW loves NYC FASHION – featuring high fashion eyewear accessories, from runways to NYC activewear.

NOW loves PEACH FUZZ – highlighting the 2024 Pantone Color of the Year.

NOW loves EARTH – showcasing innovation, new technology and materials.

NOW loves LOVE – featuring independent WOW and the jewelry of the eyes.

An application was required to be considered for inclusion in NOW by Vision Expo, and final products were selected by an advisory committee of industry leaders. Selected items will be displayed throughout the duration of Vision Expo East at the NOW Pavilion.

All participants of NOW by Vision Expo were automatically considered for the NOW Awards.

Attendees were encouraged to vote for the People’s Choice Award by visiting the NOW Pavilion and scanning the QR code paired with their favorite frames.