Playing, not taking oneself too seriously, laughing. Pursuing the lighter side of existence has long been a valid way to face reality with greater composure; an attitude adopted as a conscious choice, acting as a counterweight to life’s more critical events. A state of mind that is now becoming a macro trend; one that, according to WGSN, will shape consumer choices in 2026.

The international platform, specializing in the analysis and forecasting of consumer trends, has named it ‘Unserious Everything’ and summarises it as follows: “Everything serious is out, everything unserious is in. In a world of overwhelming stress and tension, consumers are seeking powerful tools for emotional release and moments of self-care. ‘Unserious’ takes one step further into the subversive, irreverent and laugh-out-loud territory. This macro trend applies to all industries and shapes all of the Top Trends for 2026.” Irreverence and play thus define the coordinates of a new ‘aesthetic of joy’, which finds fertile ground in eyewear.

Glasses have long been designed to move beyond their primary corrective function: a way of rendering a functional accessory more desirable. Some brands, aware of the widespread need for lightness and escapism in everyday life, have built their identities precisely around this tension. This is the case of Theo Eyewear, which from the outset established itself as a pioneer of a bold visual language. Through the skillful use of colour and striking forms, the Antwerp-based brand continues to demonstrate that the most extreme originality can, and must, coexist with perfect everyday wearability. The latest collection, Friskos, captures the joy of eating an ice cream on a hot summer’s day, whether strolling through the city or heading to the beach. It transports us into an ideal world of lightheartedness. The frames feature a cutting-edge design inspired by the universal silhouette of an ice cream stick, alongside a vividly colourful palette intended to be ‘savoured.’

Operating in the same space of creative freedom is the brand Anne et Valentin (opening image), which has masterfully combined craftsmanship, innovation and aesthetic optimism. Bold colours, high-quality materials and striking geometric forms define its handcrafted frames produced with meticulous attention to detail. For the new season, the French brand has created the Krafties collection: inspired by the art of frosted glass and the gentle flow of time, the frames celebrate the beauty of the unexpected through dynamic, artistic shapes.