Shows
Hall of Frames
HOF 2026, a new chapter
Words editorial staff
09/10/2026
Hall of Frames 2026 moved to Zurich, bringing together more than 60 eyewear brands and a diverse range of design approaches, from natural materials and minimalist frames to sculptural 3D-printed creations
Hall of Frames (HOF) opened a new chapter in 2026, moving from the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne to AutoCity Emil Frey Zurich North in Oerlikon, a new venue that provided more space for over 60 Swiss and international brands presenting their autumn collections.
The event took place last September 20 and confirmed its role as a meeting point for independent eyewear professionals, offering an overview of emerging directions in design, materials and technology. Natural materials remained a strong presence, with Wollenweber Hornline and Medart showcasing horn frames, while Rolf explored the possibilities of wood and stone. Atelier Next by Silhouette continued to blur the boundaries between eyewear, jewellery and design objects through refined materials and meticulous craftsmanship.
One of the most evident developments was the growing prominence of 3D printing, represented by brands including Lars, Headrix, You Mawo, Rolf, Ørgreen and Annu. Berlin-based designer Veronika Wildgruber, exhibiting at HOF for the first time, presented frames characterised by sculptural volumes, intersecting shapes and unconventional lines. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Minima, Silhouette and Flair focused on lightweight, understated designs, while Dita Lancier, Coblens and Kador explored bolder silhouettes and distinctive details.
The fair also offered opportunities to discover emerging names, including Belgian brand Binôche, whose frames are produced in Italy's Cadore Valley, and Swiss distributor Superfresch, specialising in independent international labels. Technology featured alongside design through Reize Optik's presentation of Nuance, eyewear integrating hearing technology into the frame. Across these different approaches, HOF 2026 highlighted the variety of an independent eyewear scene increasingly shaped by material experimentation, individual expression and the relationship between function and form.
Photos by Sarha Kim Studio