iF Gold Award
2009 — URBAND Origami
Honoured with the iF Material Award GOLD for revolutionary folded-metal frame geometry without conventional welds.
Design Engineering Heritage
The Engineering Philosophy Behind International Accolades
Every award earned by Urband International reflects a fundamental design ethos: eyewear must resolve real ergonomic and optical problems before it chases cosmetic trends. Led by Founder and Chief Designer Yang Wah Kiang, our design language merges practical optical shop heritage dating back to Singapore in the 1950s with the structural sophistication of our Paris design office established in 2005.
Independent juries across Europe, Asia, and North America have repeatedly validated our proprietary innovations—from screwless flexible hinges and surgical-grade titanium forming to hypoallergenic pediatric frame architectures that actively protect young wearers.
Yang Wah Kiang
Founder & Chief Designer
"True optical innovation is not merely aesthetic styling; it is mechanical harmony that enhances human comfort and structural longevity."
Verified Track Record
Recognition at a Glance
Our documented portfolio spans 21 international design achievements across four continents, systematically categorized for transparent B2B evaluation.
14 International Design Awards
6 Prestigious Global Nominations
1 Invited Scientific Recognition
Material Innovation
Double iF Material Gold recognitions confirm excellence in precision structural machining and advanced polymers.
Pediatric Validation
SILMO d'Or wins and nominations in Paris establish our EYELET brand as a global benchmark in children's optics.
Continuous R&D
Continuous honours spanning 2006 to 2024 prove persistent design leadership rather than temporary success.
Independent Jury Evaluations
Awards by Global Design Authorities
Evaluated by the world's most demanding independent panels across Germany, France, the USA, Japan, and Singapore.
iF Design Award (Germany)
3 Global RecognitionsRecognized internationally for exceptional material transformation, lightweight ergonomics, and hinge durability.
iF Gold Award
2009 — Eyelet Linkskin
Awarded iF Material Award GOLD for dynamic flexibility and lightweight elastomer integration engineered for young wearers.
iF Design Award
2006 — Urband & Link Eyewear
Pioneering design recognition celebrating modular temple mechanics and minimalist connection engineering.
Red Dot Design Award (Germany)
4 Honors for Product DesignSelected by international juries evaluating aesthetic finish, functional ergonomics, and structural craftsmanship.
Red Dot Winner
2013 — Eyelet Flip
Adaptive double-bridge structural architecture designed for active school wear.
Red Dot Winner
2012 — GLOSSI Fashion
Translucent polymer fronts stitched with high-tensile nylon filaments.
Red Dot Winner
2009 — URBAND Paris
Engineered titanium frame profiles with integrated screwless hinge retention.
Red Dot Winner
2007 — URBAND Structure
Celebrated for precision metal manufacturing and balanced facial pressure dispersion.
SILMO d'Or (Paris, France)
2 Wins & 4 NominationsThe global optical industry's highest competitive benchmark, adjudicated by master opticians and optical scientists at SILMO Paris.
Award Trophies & First Prizes
SILMO Winner
2018 — SILMO d'Or Winner (Children Category)
EYELET Active: Clinically optimized stability lock designed to keep corrective lenses accurately centered during active movement.
SILMO Winner
2009 — SILMO d'Or Prix de l'Environnement
URBAND Paris: Recognized for solvent-free mechanical assembly and recyclable engineering architectures.
Official Nominations
SILMO Nominee
2023 — Innovation
URBAND Paris hinge technology shortlisted for mechanical advancement.
SILMO Nominee
2022 — Children
Eyelet Trend nominated for balancing adolescent fashion with safety.
SILMO Nominee
2019 — Innovation
Proprietary micro-spring mechanical retention nominated in Paris.
SILMO Nominee
2012 — Innovation
Modular frame chassis nominated for technical precision in frame mounting.
National & Scientific Honours
North America, Japan & Singapore
Design of the Year
2014 & 2009 — President's Design Award
Singapore's highest national design honour awarded twice for Eyelet Flip (2014) and URBAND Origami (2009).
IDEA Award USA
2008 — IDSA Design Excellence (USA)
International Design Excellence Award from the Industrial Designers Society of America for innovative ergonomics.
IOFT Tokyo Winner
2012 — IOFT Tokyo (Japan)
Functions & Technologies Category Winner at Asia's premier optical fair for EYELET active pediatric systems.
18 Years of Innovation
Complete Awards & Recognition Chronology
A continuous tradition of independently evaluated eyewear design breakthroughs.
2024 — 24th China Scientists Forum
Invited guest honour acknowledging optical engineering contributions and ergonomic frame architecture.
2023 — SILMO d'Or Paris (France)
Nominated for Technological Innovation in Eyewear for advanced screwless temple articulation.
2022 — SILMO d'Or Paris (France)
Nominated in the Children's Category for the Eyelet Trend junior corrective collection.
2019 — SILMO d'Or Paris (France)
Nominated for Technological Innovation in Eyewear with patented flexible chassis mechanics.
2018 — SILMO d'Or Paris (France)
Winner of the SILMO d'Or Children Category with the Eyelet Active stabilization frame.
2015 — Singapore Design Golden Jubilee Award
Prestigious national honor recognizing 50 years of distinguished contribution to Singapore's design heritage.
2014 — President's Design Award (Singapore)
Conferred "Design of the Year" for the Eyelet Flip pediatric frame engineering system.
2013 — Red Dot Design Award (Germany)
Product Design Award for Eyelet Flip adaptive hinge and bridge engineering.
2012 — Triple International Recognition
Red Dot Design Award (GLOSSI), IOFT Tokyo Functions & Technologies Award (EYELET), and SILMO d'Or Nomination (URBAND).
2010–2011 — Designpreis Deutschland (Germany)
Official German Design Council nomination for premier industrial design excellence.
2009 — Quadruple Global Win Year
Two iF Material Gold Awards, President's Design Award (Design of the Year), Red Dot Award, and SILMO d'Or Environmental Prize.
2008 — IDSA IDEA Award (United States)
International Design Excellence Award from the Industrial Designers Society of America for URBAND Paris.
2007 — Red Dot Design Award (Germany)
Product Design Winner for original precision optical silhouette architecture.
2006 — iF Design Award (Germany)
iF Material Award for Urband & Link Eyewear modular connection mechanics.
Commercial Value for Distributors
What These Accolades Mean for Wholesale Buyers
International awards are not merely decorative trophies—they provide verifiable sales power, clinical credibility, and market exclusivity for B2B optical partners.
Proven Counter Credibility
Independent recognition from SILMO and Red Dot gives optical staff an authentic, documented design story that validates higher retail margins and increases consumer closing rates.
Pediatric Trust & Medical Endorsement
Clinical optical networks, such as France's Optikid, choose our SILMO d'Or-winning EYELET line because ergonomic retention is verified to maintain pediatric focal points.
Original ODM Engineering
Partnering with Urband means sourcing directly from an original design house that develops and tools proprietary hinges and shapes rather than rebranding generic stock.
Partner with an Award-Winning Eyewear Innovator
Whether you require exclusive regional distribution rights for our recognized brands or custom ODM development backed by 18 years of design excellence, our team is ready to discuss your business goals.
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