MIDO is set to take place from January 31 to February 2. For us, the most anticipated highlight every year is the ACADEMY zone in Hall 6. ACADEMY provides an international platform for young, independent, and experimental eyewear labels. From cutting-edge materials and bold forms to conceptual designs, everything here embodies the future direction of the optical industry. This year, the ACADEMY will feature an unprecedented lineup of over 90 brands—guaranteed to be visually overwhelming. Before heading to MIDO, we handpicked six particularly noteworthy young brands that are worth discovering. Industry professionals attending the show, don’t miss this guide!
FLAMA – Rugged Minimalism
Founded in Spain in 2023, FLAMA EYEWEAR centers on gender-neutral, dynamic, and art-infused designs. Drawing inspiration from art, fashion, craftsmanship, and technology, the brand emphasizes bold creativity and contemporary aesthetics. Its products are renowned for exceptional durability, featuring the proprietary MRS® mechanical single-axis hinge system, combined with stainless steel Torx screws and nuts for superior longevity and repairability.
The design language stands out with highly recognizable temple and thick, three-dimensional front frames, perfectly embodying rugged minimalism. Through its “Flama Lab” initiative, the brand collaborates with like-minded artists to continuously release boundary-pushing, avant-garde eyewear that transcends traditional accessories. A major highlight at MIDO 2026 will be FLAMA’s debut titanium collection—stay tuned!
Booth: AY115
Website: flamaeyewear.com
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KACI – Imprint of Berber Civilization
Launched in France in 2022 by founders Kalila and Yannis Kaci, KACI draws deep inspiration from Berber civilization (the indigenous peoples of North Africa), Moroccan traditional craftsmanship, and classic lens-making techniques. The brand is characterized by highly sculptural frame silhouettes and striking faceted designs. Its color palette and distinctive patterns are rooted in the vivid, rich hues and iconic motifs of Berber culture.
KACI carefully selects sustainable natural materials in the Jura region of France and partners with local family-run workshops, blending the founders’ traditional handcrafting skills. Every model features prominent ancient Berber script engraved on the temple tips or upper frame edges, accentuating the brand’s bold, graphic contours.
Booth: AY79
Website: kaciparis.com
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PALOCERAS – Bubble-Like, Vibrant Frames
Headquartered between Portugal and Finland, PALOCERAS made its European debut in 2022 and has since been hailed by the fashion world as an extraordinary rising force. Its exaggerated, full-bodied shapes evoke balloons, bubbles, or the pebble-like forms referenced in the main Pebble Collection—delivering a plush texture and unique visual impact.
Offered in a rainbow of jelly-like colors and special patterned finishes, the frames radiate vitality and fashion-forward energy, earning support from numerous European and American influencers. PALOCERAS uses Mazzucchelli acetate and its proprietary DualLayer™ dual-composite structure, resulting in 8mm-thick rounded frames with strong sculptural presence. Paired with Divel Italia lenses, they combine exceptional tactile quality, premium feel, and wearing comfort.
Booth: AY53
Website: paloceras.com
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READ ON – Award-Winning Swiss Portable Reading Glasses
READ ON is a Swiss innovative eyewear brand that redefines portable reading glasses for style-conscious modern users, balancing convenience with refined aesthetics. Debuting in 2021, the brand introduced ultra-thin TR90 designs that fit neatly into smartphone cases. FDA-certified and honored with the German Design Award 2021 and Red Dot Award 2023.
Its latest creation, “Read On Light,” is an ultra-slim reading glass made from premium Swiss materials. When folded, it measures just 3mm thick and fits into a lanyard hard case for effortless portability—transforming reading glasses into an essential fashion accessory for contemporary life. “Read On Light” has also been recognized with the 2026 German Design Award, underscoring its outstanding balance of functionality and artistry.
Booth: AY04
Website: www.readon-mobile.com
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SAPIENS – Inspired by Cranial Eye Sockets
Based in Barcelona, Spain, SAPIENS was founded by veteran designer Xavier Garcia. The brand draws inspiration from paleoanthropology and paleontology—specifically the “orbital spaces” of human skulls across evolutionary stages, from Australopithecus to Homo habilis, Homo erectus, Neanderthals, Peking Man, and modern humans. Though the concept may sound unusual, it creates a distinctive synergy between “cranial orbits” and the eyewear form factor. The resulting frames convey a sense of void and irregular contours, establishing a unique artistic identity.
Constructed primarily from pure titanium and translucent acetate in various shades, the designs emphasize purity and durability while delivering bold, powerful shapes that transform the primal strength of human skulls into wearable art. Earlier, the brand’s ER-1813 M model received the SILMO d’Or Jury Prize, earning widespread acclaim for its design.
Booth: AY83
Website: sapiens-vision.com
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OKKUL – Mystical Aesthetics
Founded in 2020 in Budapest, Hungary, OKKUL is an independent handmade eyewear brand inspired by mysticism. It incorporates elements of tarot cards, forgotten deities, ancient idols, and hidden symbols to create bold, standout, personality-driven designs.
The brand embraces unrestricted creative expression, with frames featuring either raw, rugged textures or deliberately imperfect handmade details that evoke a profound sense of mystery and strong visual language. For wearers seeking a distinctive style, OKKUL offers a way to explore hidden power and beauty. Every pair is handcrafted in Budapest and engraved with a unique serial number, underscoring its one-of-a-kind rarity.
Booth: AY01
Website: okkul.world