Since 2014 students from the Royal College of Art (RCA) have taken part in an annual Eyewear Design Competition run by 100% Optical, the largest optical trade event in the UK.
At a glance
- Over the last 10 years, students have had the opportunity to showcase their work to optical professionals from across the world at the largest optical trade event in the UK.
- Throughout the competition students receive expert input and support from eyewear professionals.
- From the shortlist exhibited at 100% Optical one winner is selected to receive a cash prize.
- Judges for the competition have included eyewear designers Jason Kirk and Lawrence Jenkin, and Prada designer Jesse Stevens.
- The RCA's Principal Investigator for this 10-year project is Flora McLean, Senior Tutor in Fashion Footwear Accessories Millinery and Eyewear
“The feedback from eye care professionals, designers and guests was truly inspiring. It's left me incredibly motivated to develop my eyewear designs even further.”
Fashion MA student, 2024 winner
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RCA Partner
100% Optical is the largest optical trade event in the UK. As Europe’s fastest growing optical event it attracts over 10,000 optical professionals from across the globe.
The Challenge
Each year the RCA x 100% Optical competition asks students to design eyewear as an extension of their existing studio practice. They consider where they might situate themselves within the design world – choosing between either Couture or Ready-to-wear. Students create prototypes of their design, as well as presentations of their research and concept.
Because eyewear designs are ultimately medical devices, they must be developed with the highest standards of scientific, engineering, and mathematical rigour—aligned with RCA’s research strategy.
Each year the competition has a theme. Past themes have included: “Love”, “Party on Face”, “Get in the Frame: Past, Present, Future” and “Sunglasses that do not cost the earth”. For 2024 the theme was “Perfect 10” – to celebrate 10 years of 100% Optical. Students designed eyewear out of their own 10 principles of good eyewear design.
Our Approach / What We Did
Throughout the process of researching and creating the frames, students are supported by advice from industry experts. These have included Tom Broughton from Cubitts, Rocco Barker, frame maker and collector, and Lawrence Jenkin, frame maker and optician, alongside Bryan McGinn from De Selby eyewear. Other prominent industry figures to have supported students are jewellery designer and technician, Peter Musson, and sculptor Steve Bunn.
The competition is also supported by the College of Optometrists via Dr Neil Hendley, the curator of the British Optical Association Museum.
The creation of prototypes is supported by RCA workshops and technical facilities, such as 3D digital making. Sustainability and choice of materials is an increasing concern, with students asked to consider the environmental impact of their designs.
Outcomes
Each year, the competition receives a lot of interest from students across the RCA. In the first year alone 60 students applied, from which a shortlist of 8 were selected.
Alongside prototypes, students also present their research, inspiration, materials and sketches. A shortlist of students are selected to showcase their frames throughout the three days of the 100% Optical trade show at Excel London.
From this shortlist one winner is selected to receive a cash prize. For 2024 the winner was Joy Julius.
Past winners include: Alice Howard-Graham, Jen Cheema, Becky Hong, Julia Haus, Annie Foo, Ely Yili Cao, Maria Nava and Linwei Zheng.
