SILMO Paris Launches 2027 Optical Design Competition for Students
Wednesday, November 4 2026 | 12 h 09 min | News
SILMO Paris has opened its 2027 Optical Design Competition, inviting design students to develop new concepts for eyewear.
The sixth edition marks the show’s 60th anniversary and is themed “Reinventing the Codes.” The jury will be chaired by Belgian designer Alain Gilles, whose work reinterprets everyday objects by bringing form, function and emotion together, according to SILMO.
Under the theme “Reinventing the Codes,” participants are asked to explore new approaches to eyewear’s form, materials and relationship with the wearer. The competition outlines three possible areas of exploration: freedom of form, materials as a means of expression, and the emotional or personal meaning of an object. These are suggested directions rather than limits on project concepts.
Projects will be assessed on innovation and design, use and function, responsible design, and technical feasibility. Up to 10 entries will be shortlisted for prototyping and exhibition at SILMO Paris 2027.
The competition is open to students aged 18 or older who are enrolled in the third, fourth or fifth year of a design program. Multidisciplinary teams may be formed in accordance with the competition’s participation requirements.
Applications are due June 16, 2027. The winning project will be announced at SILMO Paris on September 24, 2027. The €10,000 prize will be divided equally between the winning student and their educational institution.
Full details and project submissions are available at concoursdesign.silmo.fr.
Source: SILMO Paris
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