An original podcast series hosted by EYECON founder Tarrence Lackran, exploring the worlds of eyewear, fashion, music, art, and culture through honest, human conversations. Each episode features designers, innovators, and cultural voices shaping visual culture and creative identity today.

As part of EYECON’s mission as a 365 cultural platform, the podcast deepens connection, celebrates creativity, and spotlights the personal stories behind the industry’s most inspiring minds.

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PAST LIVE EPISODES

  • [Approved for 1 hour of ABO credit]

    Panelists

    • Dee Carroll, Editor-in-Chief at INVISION Mag

    • Edward Beiner, Founder of the Edward Beiner Group

    • Gisela Assis, Co-founder of LAPIMA

    • Alcia Hartman, Founder of EYEQ Stylist Opticians

    Course Description: This course will explore the essential dynamics of vendor-retailer partnerships in the luxury eyewear market. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of best practices in fostering strong business relationships, optimizing inventory strategies, and implementing innovative collaboration methods that drive sales and enhance customer satisfaction. The course will also cover the evolving challenges in the optical industry and how professionals can adapt to changing consumer trends.

  • [Approved for 1 hour of ABO credit]

    Panelists:

    • Siria Alvarez – VIP/Restaurant Manager, Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi

    • Jeff Rednour – General Manager, Equinox Hotels

    • Dr. Jennifer Tsai – Optometrist & Founder, Line of Sight

    • Julia Gogosha – Founder, Gogosha Optique

    Luxury isn’t just about price—it’s about emotion, storytelling, and the seamless fusion of aesthetics and service. This panel explores how leaders in eyewear, fashion, and hospitality design experiences that captivate, indulge, and inspire. From curating high-touch retail environments to crafting elevated dining and hotel experiences, our panelists will uncover the art of making customers feel exclusive, valued, and deeply connected to a brand.

  • Panelists:

    • Marge Axelrad, Editorial director emeritus at Vision Monday/VMAIL

    • Alain Mikli, Creator and Founder of Alain Mikli Eyewear

    • Tommy O’Gara, founder of The Light Co.

    • Christos Karabelas, founder of SOMA Optical

    Join us for an in-depth conversation with three visionary forces in eyewear: Alain Mikli, the legendary designer known for his avant-garde aesthetic and pioneering craftsmanship; Tommy O’Gara, the creative mind behind some of the most technically refined and beautifully engineered frames in the industry; and Christos Karabelas, founder of SOMA Optical, a boutique celebrated for its expertly curated selection and commitment to independent eyewear. Moderated by Marge Axelrad, this panel will explore the intersection of artistry and innovation in eyewear design, touching on material advancements, the evolving role of independent eyewear in the luxury space, and how designers continue to push creative and technical boundaries. Christos will also highlight the vital role of independent retailers in championing design-driven brands, fostering creativity, and shaping consumer appreciation for craftsmanship.

  • [Approved for 1 hour of ABO credit]

    Panelists:

    • Christine Yeh, Executive Editor at 20/20 Magazine

    • Will Claye, Olympic Athlete

    • Gary Black, Founder of Kuro and Black Optical

    • Drew Oppermann, VP of Sales at DITA Lancier

    Join us for an insightful discussion with some of the leading experts in sports vision, high-performance eyewear, and the growing influence of fashion in the space. This panel features Will Claye, Olympic medalist and athlete, representing DITA Lancier is Drew Oppermann, VP of Sales, and Gary Black, founder of Kuro Athletics, brings his expertise in performance-driven eyewear.

    Together, they will explore how cutting-edge eyewear technology is enhancing athletic performance, the intersection of luxury, function, and fashion, and the growing demand for sport-specific designs. With performance eyewear becoming a key accessory in luxury fashion, discover how these industry leaders are shaping eyewear not just for athletes, but for the fashion- conscious consumer. Learn about vision optimization, sustainable innovations, and the role of eyewear in everyday style.

  • Dr Fayiz Mahgoub, Sr Manager of Learning and Development Leonardo EssilorLuxottica, who will explore how this innovation is reshaping the industry and elevating the eyewear experience.

    • Karen Giberson - President & CEO of the Accessories Council and Editor-in-Chief of AC Magazine

    • Selima Salaun – Founder and Creative Director of Selima Optique

    Join Karen Giberson, President & CEO of the Accessories Council and Editor-in-Chief of AC Magazine, for an exclusive conversation with Selima Salaun, the creative force behind Selima Optique. In this engaging interview, Selima will delve into her vast archive of over 50,000 optical and sunglass frames, revealing the historical significance, artistry, and design inspirations behind some of the most iconic eyewear pieces. As a lifelong collector and industry trailblazer, she will share how her passion for preserving the legacy of eyewear has influenced her work and shaped the future of optical design. This is a must-attend discussion for optical brands and retailers looking to explore the intersection of fashion, history, and innovation in eyewear.

ADVISORY BOARD

Our Advisory Board is made up of experienced industry professionals who are here to provide event organizers with valuable insights and feedback on industry trends, attendee experiences, and educational content, ensuring that EYECON meets the evolving needs of its professional audience. They will collaborate to enhance the event's relevance, fostering a platform that supports networking, innovation, and business growth within the eyewear industry.

  • Black and white portrait of a woman with long wavy hair, wearing a black blazer, sitting on a stool against a plain black background, smiling and holding a smartphone in her hands.

    Dr. Jennifer Tsai, OD

    Founder - Line Of Sight

  • A smiling man with glasses, wearing a black sweater, sitting at a table in front of a display of eyeglasses on wooden shelves.

    Gary Black

    Founder - Black Optical

  • A woman with shoulder-length wavy hair and glasses standing in front of display shelves with multiple pairs of sunglasses, in a store or showroom setting.

    Kyly Zakheim-Rabin

    Owner - Zak.

  • A woman with dark lipstick and large round sunglasses leaning on her hand, looking out of a window with a thoughtful expression, wearing a striped shirt.

    Alicia Hartman

    Founder - EyeQ Barbados

  • A man with a bearded face and wavy hair wearing sunglasses holding a tabby cat outdoors, with a cloudy sky in the background.

    Christos Karabelas

    Founder - SOMA Optical

  • Black and white photo of a woman with short hair, wearing large, artistic sunglasses and a patterned scarf around her neck, outdoors in a sunny setting.

    Julia Gogosha

    Founder - Gogosha Optique

  • Black and white portrait of a middle-aged woman with shoulder-length hair, wearing glasses, earrings, a necklace with a pendant, and a dark collared shirt, smiling softly against a black background.

    Wendy Salle

    Founder - Salle Opticians

  • Black and white portrait of a woman with dark, curly hair, wearing a necklace, and a low-cut top.

    Cristina Frasca

    Editor-in-Chief at LYF Magazine

FEATURED EXHIBITOR

SATO EYEWEAR | EYECON SHOW
A woman with long hair lying on a pink satin sheet, wearing a pink lace nightgown, holding sunglasses. SATO EYEWEAR | EYECON SHOW
sato-ezgif.com-video-to-gif-converter-3.gif
A person with a shaved head wearing sunglasses, looking downward, with a metallic chain necklace, and the text "Too Young to Die Old" at the bottom. SATO EYEWEAR | EYECON SHOW
A man lying on a motorcycle at night, looking at his phone, with a clear dark sky in the background. SATO EYEWEAR | EYECON SHOW
A woman in pink satin sleepwear laying on a satin bedsheet with sunglasses in the foreground and the text 'Too Young to Die Old' at the bottom. SATO EYEWEAR | EYECON SHOW
A woman wearing a motocross helmet and glasses looking at the camera against a purple background. | SATO EYEWEAR | EYECON SHOW