Vision Expo East Announces Winners of NOW Awards: 1st Edition
Alexandria, VA – March 23, 2023 – Vision Expo East 2023 announced the winners of the inaugural NOW Awards on Saturday, March 18 at the Javits Center in New York City. The awards honored brands that embodied the latest trends and innovation in eyewear.
More than 100 companies and 180 brands participated in the competition, submitting products to eight different categories. All Vision Expo East exhibitors were invited to enter one frame (optical or sunglass) or lens product per company they felt best represented one of the themes for this year’s show, which included Eyewear Icons, Colors of 2023, Showstoppers, Alternative Materials and Technologies, and Diversity and Inclusion.
Winners were chosen by an Advisory Review Committee comprised of esteemed media and retailers.
The 2023 NOW Award Winners:
NOW Best Sunglass Award: Under $250 retail category
- MITA Eyewear
- Nora Cabrera
- Boca 20W frame
NOW Best Sunglass Award: $250 to $500 retail category
- Maison Nathalie Blanc
- Guillaume Pottecher
- Clara C656 frame
NOW Best Sunglass Award: $500 & above retail category
- BAARS x Gogosha
- Julia Gogosha and Guillaume Thuau
- CHKE frame
NOW Best Optical Award: Under $250 retail category
- Rimmel Eyewear
- Andres Warszawski
- RMLOP11 frame
NOW Best Optical Award: $250 to $500 retail category
- Ethnicity Eyewear
- Chris Esposito
- Laval C04 frame
NOW Best Optical Award: $500 & above category
- Le Lab by Pierre
- Pierre Cariven
- HABIBI Tokyo frame
NOW Optical Achievement Award
- James Spina, Jobson Publishing
NOW Special Design/Brand Activation
- Vintage Frames Company
- Corey Shapiro
NOW People’s Choice Award
- Strak Eyewear
- Tom Kramer
- A5 frame
“NOW by Vision Expo brought together the most innovative designs, trends and technologies from iconic, world-class brands and exciting newcomers, alike,” said Nico Roseillier, Creative Director at Europa / State Optical / American Optical, and Creator and Organizer of NOW. “I am thrilled by the talent and creativity submitted this year and offer my sincerest congratulations to all of this year’s winners. I am looking forward to seeing NOW by Vision Expo grow next year for the 2024 edition.”
“It is a breath of fresh air to be honored amongst creatives striving to change the game,” said Corey Shapiro, CEO and Founder, Vintage Frames Company, and winner of the NOW Special Design/Brand Activation Award.
NOW by Vision Expo was developed in partnership with the NOW Advisory Committee, who helped select the winners for the NOW Awards: 1st Edition.
NOW Advisory Committee Members include:
- Christian Roth and Eric Domège – Designers/Co-Founders, Christian Roth & OPTICAL AFFAIRS | CFDA Member
- Julia Gogosha – Owner, Gogosha Optique
- Kristen McLaughlin – Director of Marketing, Tura
- Dr. Nwamaka Ngoddy – Optometrist and Founder/Designer, Anwuli Eyewear
- Jessica Goebert - Public Relations & Communications Consultant
- Sophia Strawser - Editorial Assistant & Social Media Manager, Accessories Council
"When I heard my name, I was excited thinking the NOW Committee was asking me to come up and present the award,” said James Spina, Editor-in-Chief, 20/20 Magazine and winner of the NOW Optical Achievement Award. “When I realized I was actually being presented with the trophy, tears of absolute gratitude hit my eyes. I’m so honored.”
A curated selection of submissions were displayed at the NOW Pavilion for the duration of Vision Expo East. Launched in 2022, the NOW Pavilion returned to Vision Expo East 2023, and exhibitors were invited to submit products as a complimentary, value-added opportunity to gain additional exposure at the show.
For more information on Vision Expo, visit visionexpo.com and follow Vision Expo’s social media channels, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.