MILAN—Mido reestablished its place as a firmly international show this year, one not to be missed if you can help it. And with its return to an early February time slot (this year’s show ran from Saturday, February 4 through Monday, February 6), the show has also solidified its place in the trend cycle. Many will see the coming year’s trends fully fleshed out for the first time at Mido, creating a landscape of what the year ahead will have in store. From international business meetings to trend spotting, there’s no denying that Milan becomes the center of the eyewear world for a few days each February. 

Show attendance for Mido 2023 peaked at 35,000 industry professionals, a 60 percent increase over 2022 visitor numbers, organizers said. And that attendance was undeniably international: 80 percent of this year’s visitors were from Europe, while 20 percent visited from the rest of the world. Of the total number of visitors, 53 percent were Italian. 

Of the more than 1,000 exhibitors representing the entire supply chain, 72 percent were international and 28 percent were from Italy. Among the overseas exhibitors, 51 percent were from Europe, 42 percent from Asia and 7 percent from the rest of the world, organizers reported. Plus, about 380 accredited journalists were in attendance. 

This year’s show had an eye on sustainability from all angles. Suppliers, retailers, designers, ECPs and visitors were largely focused on the impact our industry has on the planet, and what we’re doing across the board to soften that impact. Most booths included at least some discussion of sustainability, be it through recycling, showcasing bio materials or any other number of innovative new initiatives. 

The show also awarded its first CSE—Certified Sustainable Eyewear Award in partnership with ANFAO and Certottica—to evaluate sustainability in the eyewear sector at an international level, as reported in VMAIL. Many brands also used our natural world as inspiration for both frame and booth design. 

In the fashion sector, Mido underscored that big, bold and bright will remain on-trend this year. Angular eyewear, unexpected shapes and eye-catching colors were some of the most popular trends on the show floor, while minimalism and lightness also stood its ground. Many of the eyewear brands dedicated to lightness and minimalism also showcased how minimal doesn’t mean boring—thin, clean frames were made even more exciting with bright pops of color and unexpected details. 

Another trend that popped up all across the Mido 2023 show floor: cars and motorcycles. More brands than ever seemed to have collections that were inspired by the open road, while those who partner with car companies and racing teams made sure to specifically spotlight those collections. There was De Rigo Rem’s partnership with Porsche Design and Patrick Dempsey, as well as their Police Eyewear partnership with the Mercedes Formula 1 team, Ray-Ban and the Ferrari Formula 1 team, Safilo’s partnerships with both Ducati and Carrera, Marcolin’s partnership with the Alfa Romeo Stake Formula 1 team, a brand new Bugatti eyewear collection and so many more. 

In just three short days, Mido 2023 established a bold, exciting and colorful season. Next year’s Mido is scheduled for February 3-5, 2024 at Fiera Milano Rho, but for now the stage is set for a very special year of eyewear.
 

Mido’s boldly decorated Academy is a specially curated section of the show that showcases creative, fresh and limitless eyewear.
   

 
Sustainability was a major focus for almost everyone at Mido this year. Safilo showcased some of its sustainable initiatives in a special area of its booth. Mita Eyewear won the CES Award in the Sunglasses – Rest of the World category. They showcased their award alongside a booth inspired by nature.
   
 
Bright colors and bold design were everywhere. Traditionally minimalist brand Silhouette showed how masterfully they can integrate this bold trend with their sleek designs. Cars and motorcycles were a big trend at Mido, too. Marcolin had a Formula 1 car at its booth to celebrate Web Eyewear’s continued partnership with the Alfa Romeo Stake Formula 1 team.
   

Mido was an international meeting ground, as always. Jenn Chinn, OD, from San Diego, California, made the trip to Mido to discover bold, independent brands from around the world. Image via drchinnchinn on Instagram
   

Kristie Nguyen, OD, also made the trip over from Florida to discover something new at Mido. Image via dr.kristienguyen on Instagram

  

Autianna Wilson, ABOC, LDO, SLD, traveled from California to visit Mido, and shared her experience at the show on her blog afterward. Image via opticalgoddess_ on Instagram
  

 
Booths went bold, too: Woodys Eyewear (l) and Mazzucchelli were two colorful, eye-catching booths at Mido 2023.
  

 
Marchon Eyewear president Thomas Burkhardt welcomes visitors at the Marchon booth to celebrate the company's 40th anniversary. Marchon was awarded the Stand Up For Green Award at Mido, which recognizes exhibitors’ commitment to designing and assembling their booths in line with sustainability criteria. Marchon’s booth was designed and produced with sustainable materials and processes. Lafont also went bold and bright at Mido this year, with a booth that embraced the color blocking trend.