First Look London 2027: A New Stage for Independent Eyewear

Wednesday, September 23 2026 | 10 h 20 min | News

A brand‑new eyewear event is set to debut in September 2027, offering a fresh platform dedicated to independent brands and emerging designers. First Look London will present a tightly curated selection of labels in a clean, gallery‑style environment designed to give buyers meaningful time with designers, founders and makers.

Hosted inside the newly reimagined Town Hall at King’s Cross, the event brings independent eyewear into one of London’s most connected cultural spaces. Up to 50 brands will exhibit in the bright Inner Space at Town Hall, designed by Tom Dixon. With St Pancras and King’s Cross stations steps away, the venue is ideally positioned for buyers travelling from across the UK, Europe and beyond.

Nathan Garnett, Founder of First Look London, said: “We have the opportunity to create something genuinely different for the UK market — a focused, design‑led event that gives the right brands meaningful time with the right buyers. The response so far has been exceptional, and we’re only just beginning.”

Founding brands and new designers take centre stage

Early adopters include Bird Eyewear, Caroline Abram, Einstoffen, Eyewear Ltd, Feb31st, House of Spectacles, JF Rey, Kirk & Kirk, Linda Farrow, M2M Eyewear, Ransome, Talla Eyewear, Traders & Makers, Vasuma, with Nikon Lenswear UK as official lens sponsor.

A select number of spaces will be reserved for new designers, offering emerging creators from the UK and around the world their first opportunity to present in the British market.

Alongside the frame showcase, First Look London will introduce a world‑class content programme designed to support independent retailers with leadership, insights and practical guidance to help them thrive on the high street.

Industry voices welcome the launch

A high‑profile advisory group has been formed to guide the editorial direction of the event, with round tables and a launch gathering planned for early 2027.

The independent eyewear community has already expressed strong support:

• Dr Pretty Basra, CEO, Edwards & Walkers Opticians: “Independent practices don’t need another event that simply shows us more of what we already know. We need spaces that expose us to new ideas — from global retail and consumer behaviour to technology, design and entrepreneurship.”
• Rob Barrow FBDO SMC (Tech), Founder, Spec‑Care Ltd: “First Look London is energetic and just what the UK eyewear market needs. Quality over quantity is no longer aspirational — it’s essential.”
• Jason Kirk, CEO, Kirk & Kirk: “The UK needs a serious, focused, independent eyewear event. With Nathan’s track record, we have enormous confidence in First Look London.”
• Jack Lupton, Founder, Ransome: “As a London‑based spectacle maker, I’m excited to be part of it and to show our first Ransome collection — classic shapes, honest materials, handmade in London.”
• Natalie Edwards, Co‑Founder, House of Spectacles: “London has always been known for creativity, fashion and design. It feels natural to have an eyewear show in the heart of the city that reflects that spirit.”
• Panos Nicolaou, Creative Director, Traders & Makers: “The UK needs an eyewear show that lifts eyewear out of the bargain basement and into the retail gallery.”
• Ed Bird, Founder & CEO, Bird Eyewear: “First Look London aligns with what Bird stands for: responsible design, positive impact and eyewear with a story.”
• Luis Fonseca, Founder, Eyewear Ltd: “This event brings together the brands, makers and opticians who care about how frames are truly made.”

Event details

First Look London will take place on September 17, 2027, with advisory meetings and round tables scheduled for early 2027. Partners will be announced in the coming weeks. To stay informed, buyers and brands can subscribe to updates at www.firstlooklondon.com.

Source: First Look London

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