Our founder honoured in the Founders category at SILMO Paris
Some moments deserve a little extra attention. Preferably with a good pair of glasses on.
During SILMO Paris 2026, Loes Brussen, founder of Frank and Lucie, received a very special recognition: Most Influential Women in Optical 2026, in the Founders category, presented by 20/20 Europe.
And although you may know Loes as the woman behind Frank and Lucie and its colourful world of designer reading glasses, her story in optics started long before the first Frank and Lucie frame saw the light of day.
A career with optics at its heart
Loes has been part of the optical world for many years. Her career in the industry began with LT Media, the publishing company she founded. Today, LT Media still publishes two professional trade magazines: one dedicated to the optical industry and the other to the hearing care industry.
Through her work as a publisher, Loes came to know the optical world from the inside out. The people, the opticians, the retailers, the brands, the developments and, perhaps most importantly, the passion that makes this industry so special. Over the years, she didn’t just report on the optical world. She became deeply connected to it. Always curious. Always connecting people and ideas. And always with an enormous amount of energy, love and dedication for the industry.
That deep knowledge of optics would eventually inspire a completely new chapter.
From publishing to designer reading glasses
Knowing the optical world so well also meant seeing where things could be different.
Loes believed that reading glasses deserved more attention. More quality. More personality. More colour. More fun.
Because why should something you wear so prominently on your face be purely practical?
That thought became Frank and Lucie, a Dutch eyewear brand with a different perspective on reading glasses. Instead of treating reading glasses as something you simply need, Frank and Lucie celebrates them as something you actually want to wear. An accessory with character. Something that complements your style, your personality and perhaps even your mood.
From distinctive reading glasses to screen glasses and sun readers, the idea has always remained the same: functional eyewear can be beautiful, elegant and full of personality. Because age is just a number. And a pair of reading glasses can definitely be something to fall in love with.
A recognition that goes beyond one brand
That is what makes this award particularly meaningful. The Most Influential Women in Optical recognition celebrates women who contribute to the optical industry through entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation and inspiration.
For Loes, that contribution spans many years and different sides of the business. From publishing and connecting professionals through LT Media to creating and growing Frank and Lucie into an international eyewear brand. Different chapters, perhaps, but always driven by the same thing: a genuine love for optics, entrepreneurship and the people behind the industry.
Receiving the award at SILMO Paris, surrounded by so many people from the international optical community, made the moment even more special.
Here’s to women with vision
Being named one of the Most Influential Women in Optical 2026 feels like a beautiful recognition of a career built on curiosity, entrepreneurship, creativity and passion.
But anyone who knows Loes knows there is little chance she will consider the story finished.
There is always another idea. Another connection to make. Another pair of reading glasses to fall in love with.
So here’s to Loes. To all the years dedicated to this wonderful industry. To entrepreneurship, creativity and following your own point of view.
And, of course, to doing it all with a touch of character.
Congratulations, Loes. We couldn’t be prouder.
