DISCOVERING TALENTS
Ernani Pestana
Filipe Diniz
The rise of independent brands is in the spotlight — and our moment is NOW.
IHIGHLIGHT was born from the need to integrate, innovate, and transform the optical industry, establishing itself as more than an event: a true movement. Shifts in habits, perceptions, and behaviors are accelerating the market’s evolution. And we’re here to follow, challenge, and lead that transformation. At IHIGHLIGHT, we vote for what catches the eye. What stands out. What impresses and inspires.
Now, our focus is to scout new talent — connecting the Brazilian market to the international scene.
In São Paulo, we bring together the largest gathering of independent eyewear designers.
An invitation to stand out, build real connections, and do business.
Regarded as Brazil’s most influential eyewear designer on the international stage. He was the first Brazilian in history to be a finalist for the Silmo d’Or in France and the Vision Plus Awards in Dubai, and he is a two-time winner of the Love Eyewear Award in London.
In 2024, he launched the world’s first digital course on handcrafted eyewear making, training a new generation of lunetier creators.
Today, Filipe lives in Lyon, France, where he splits his time between his role as Design Director at the French group Opal and his own handcrafted eyewear atelier.
Jury President and International PR
Founder and Curator of IHIGHLIGHT
JURORS AND PROCESSES
Main Jury (5 members)
1 Jury President (integrity, validation, and tie-break decisions)
4 Guest Jurors (design, premium retail, industry, communications)
Process in 4 phases
Phase 1 — Finalist Nomination (March 16, 2026)
The main jury selects the finalists for each category.
Phase 2 — Open Online Voting (March 23–31, until 11:59 p.m.)
All categories open to public voting. Anti-fraud system and transparent governance.
Phase 3 — Consolidation and Validation (April 1–8)
Vote audit + preparation for the ceremony.
Phase 4 — Awards Ceremony (April 9, 8:00 p.m.)
Lecture Auditorium, Expo Óptica Brasil.
Evaluation Criteria
Each category is assessed using a specific technical and cultural scoring matrix. The main criteria include:
Design and originality — visual language, signature, aesthetic coherence;
Proportion and ergonomics — comfort, functionality, weight;
Build quality — finishing, precision, durability;
Innovation — technical solution, material, process, concept;
Identity and narrative — story, purpose, consistency;
Market relevance — desirability, positioning, commercial potential.
For the SUSTAINABLE category:
Evidence of sustainability — materials, processes, traceability, environmental impact.
For the ROOTS category:
Creative potential and originality — authorial vision, innovation;
Technical feasibility — production viability.
TIMELINE '2026
IMPORTANT DATES
PHASE 1
02/09 to 03/27
REGISTRATION
PHASE 2
03/30
NOMINATION OF FINALISTS
PHASE 3
04/01 A 04/07
ONLINE VOTING
PHASE 4
04/09
AWARDS
Institutional
THE LARGEST GATHERING OF TALENTS IN BRAZIL
