DaTE 2026 Opens in Four Days: Napoli Prepares to Welcome Contemporary Eyewear
Tuesday, September 8 2026 | 11 h 22 min | News
With just four days to go, DaTE 2026 is preparing to open its doors in Napoli for a new edition dedicated to independent eyewear, design research and creative innovation. For the first time, the event will take place in the historic Salone Margherita, bringing contemporary eyewear to the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage city.
From September 12 to 14, more than 130 brands from Italy and abroad will exhibit their latest collections, including companies from Germany, Denmark, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, South Korea, Japan and Tunisia. Opticians, buyers, designers, journalists and industry professionals from across Europe will also attend, supported by a delegation of approximately 30 European buyers in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA).
A three‑day event focused on discovery and connection
DaTE 2026 is designed as a space to explore new collections, emerging trends and experimental projects in independent eyewear. Beyond product discovery, the event aims to foster connections, dialogue and business opportunities, encouraging encounters between designers, retailers and creative professionals.
DaTE President Davide Degl’Incerti Tocci notes: “We are finally here. After months of work, it is nice to see that everything is taking shape. We are ready to welcome exhibitors and visitors from all over the world to Napoli, and we want DaTE to be a pleasant, warm and informal experience — a place to meet, discover, talk and be together.” He adds that enthusiasm from eyewear professionals has been strong since the announcement of this year’s edition.
Saturday evening: the DaTE Party
The opening day will conclude with the DaTE Party, held at Salone Margherita starting at 8 p.m. The evening is reserved for exhibitors, designers, opticians, buyers, journalists and industry guests, offering an informal setting for continued networking with music and entertainment.
A highlight of the evening will be the announcement of the dates and host city for DaTE 2027. Registration for the DaTE Party is available at: dateyewear.com/en/party
Source: DaTE Eyewear
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