Francis de Lara Named Double Finalist at Vision Expo 2026 NOW Awards

Gold-plated titanium, lapis lazuli cabochons, and a diamond accent define the Tuxedo frame, an award-nominated design by Francis de Lara.

In an industry where eyewear is often reduced to function or branding, Francis de Lara offers something a little more luxurious and upmarket for the discerning wearer. Founded by John-Paul Francis de Lara Pietrus, the independent label crafts opulent frames designed to accessorize and complement your personal jewelry stack.

At Vision Expo 2026 in Orlando, often considered the ‘Art Basel’ of eyewear trade events, the brand was named a double finalist at the NOW Awards, earning recognition in both the Best Emerging Brand and Ultimate Luxury Accessory categories. Judged on innovation, craftsmanship, and design impact, the awards highlight the ophthalmology industry’s emerging leaders and innovators, making these nominations particularly heartfelt.

For John-Paul, the recognition came unexpectedly through endorsement. “Eyewear industry icons Christian Roth and Eric Domège, from Optical Affairs, came by my stall at MIDO eyewear trade show back in early February,” he recalls. “MIDO is considered the largest and most significant eyewear trade show in the world, and it was my first time exhibiting there. They encouraged me to enter a piece for the competition.”

The submission itself was a race against time. “It was so last-minute that I literally had to send a piece the day I learned about it in order to meet the deadline,” he says. “The judges needed to see the physical pieces—not just photos or videos. They needed to inspect the quality.”

He sent a pair of Tuxedo sunglasses, one of Francis de Lara’s ‘OG’ designs, inspired by the dapper lines of a bowtie with a distinctly Elsa Schiaparelli sensibility. “I believe the Tuxedos feel like something you don’t just wear—you acquire them.” He describes the design as sitting “at the intersection of art, jewellery, storytelling, rarity, and timing,” anchored by a concept that is “clear and poetic: the tuxedo outfit as eyewear.”

Matter plays a starring role in this perception. “Gold-plated titanium, gemstones set with my own hands, and the diamond round make a shift from accessory to a desirable artefact,” he explains. “Those materials have history, depth, and an almost mythological resonance, giving the piece an elevated permanence.”

With only 12 pieces produced per stone-lens combination, rarity further defines its appeal alongside its wavy lines and ergonomic rigato texture. “I think that is what people really want these days: something handcrafted and in limited numbers so that it is truly special. There’s a broader shift toward objects with meaning and permanence, away from fast, disposable fashion.”

Looking ahead, de Lara is expanding beyond conventional notions of luxury materials and concepts, in a similar vein to Jonathan Anderson’s use of fossils and meteorites in his debut Dior Couture show. “I do want to produce an eyewear collection incorporating Philippine woods as the ‘gemstones’,” he shares. “I also want to look at more complex designs, whether in luxury titanium or humble acetate.”

New directions are already taking shape. “Barong embroideries inspire me, but I haven’t found a way to translate them into my eyewear designs in a way I like, yet. It’s a work in progress,” he says. “I want to approach my shapes as though they were made of fabric or leaves—something pliable—even though they are not.”

Beyond eyewear, the creative polymath is returning to his goldsmithing roots, a craft he honed at Metallo Nobile. “I have some non-eyewear jewellery pieces in the early stages of creation. It feels wonderful, and natural, getting back to that,” he adds, noting the challenges of building an independent label. “As a solopreneur, it is a challenge to find time and resources to do everything I desire to, but the growth of the brand is allowing that to happen.”