Eyestylist

LOFT NYC 2024: coming soon

The eagerly awaited New York edition of LOFT takes place from 14th to 17th March 2024

The next edition of LOFT will feature an extensive line-up of eyewear companies in an event that promises inspiration and many new collections and releases. This year the New York event will take place at the  familiar Hudson Mercantile space on the corner of 10th and West 36th St in New York City.

Founder, Richard Mewha, is buoyant and excited for this years event: 2024 will be the 24th iteration of LOFT NYC. This curated trade event was initiated to showcase independent design in the eyewear marketplace. Since then our show has evolved into a very special highlight on the international trade event calendar. Once again we look forward to welcoming independent retailers, boutique owners and buyers to our amazing space. We have already announced our intention to stay in New York City in 2025 and our plans are moving forward at a rapid pace. We are expecting our 25th year to be spectacular!”.

LOFT NYC will present two floors of independent eyewear designers and this year will feature some new additions to the event including Kuboraum, l.a.Eyeworks, Silhouette, Eyevan, Yellows Plus, Cazal and Folc Eyewear.

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Known for its excellent catering and unique atmosphere, LOFT is offering the perfect place to meet industry friends and colleagues while enjoying its relaxed environment. An eyewear escape rather than a traditional event, LOFT has always been a place to see exciting eyewear designs and an opportunity to talk to the people behind those designs.

The location of LOFT in 2024

We really love putting this event together each year!” adds LOFT Marketing Director, Louis Fullager. “Our favorite partners keep returning every year like Bevel, Theo, Mykita, Salt Optics, Anne et Valentin, Blake Kuwahara, Lucas de Staël and Entourage of 7. Were super excited by the new brands coming in and Im especially looking forward to tackling a bigger expanded event in 2025. Staying in NYC was imperative for us and we have been stunned by the amount of interest we already have from brands and customers alike. There is a real appetite for the New York based event to continue.

LOFT NYC is open from 9.00am – 6.00pm Thursday 14th March through to Saturday 16th March, and 9.00am – 5.00 pm on Sunday 17th. LOFT EYEWEAR SHOWS are the premier US independent luxury eyewear events held annually in New York City and San Francisco. For more information, visit the website at www.lofteyewearshow.com

Nova by Stupor Mundi

Part of a micro edition of Italian-made luxury frames, the designers at Stupor Mundi Eyewear have been inspired by the rich history of Sicily, and opulent Arab Byzantine jewellery and clothing, produced by the royal jewellers of Palermo, many centuries ago

Described as a micro production of luxury frames, Stupor Mundi’s collection of eyewear is new to the market, proposing an exclusive style inspired by their origins in Palermo, Sicily. Their four unique designs include the sunglasses model Nova, a frame they have named after an astronomical event that causes the sudden appearance of a bright “new” star.

The frame Nova is a combination of several different frame shapes. The dark surfaces appear to converge gently upwards, where they transform into a shining explosion of yellow micro-diamonds – a decoration that is one of many unique steps achieved by hand. Above: Nova by Stupor Mundi is a handcrafted work of luxury

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Detail – model Nova by Stupor Mundi is decorated with lab grown micro diamonds

The frame itself is a combination of several materials, including parts in M49 bio acetate and in yellow gold coated steel – as well as featuring 24k yellow gold plated seven-barrel hinges. The decoration is created using ethical yellow lab grown pure micro-diamonds while the small logo on the temple is a yellow gold coated metal plate with detailing in sleek black enamel. The production of each design is described as being a long and complex process, with many special steps which are undertaken exclusively by eight craftspeople with a particular expertise in luxury production and jewellery-focused eyewear design.

Stupor Mundi specialises in small-batch sunglass production in Italy and designs with a striking attention to detail, also collaborating with Zeiss for their high-tech protective sun lenses. Find out more about the collection at https://stupormundieyewear.com

Retrosuperfuture opens store in Mexico City

The brand has opened the architect-designed store in Av. Tamaulipas 141

Situated in the vibrant La Condesa area, RSF Mexico City was conceived and designed by RSF’s creative team in collaboration with architect Paul Cournet. The compact store is designed for an organic flow, emphasising key functional elements.

On one side, a custom stainless steel build-out provides a multifunctional experience. Clients can explore the Retrosuperfuture collections on display, starting with a curated selection of pieces. Below, drawers conceal soft velvet pads for placing selections and exploring options. Further down, clients can delve into RSF’s full collections, collaborations, and the vast selection of both sun as well as optical RX frames. Above: the exterior of the new store – opened in February 2024

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Retrosuperfuture – interior – photography by Alejandro Ramirez Orozco

On the opposite side, a full-height mirror spans floor to ceiling, and throughout the entire store, offering a comprehensive view for clients to fully see themselves and their eyewear choices. A huge, fully dimmable lightbox graces the ceiling, replicating the ambiance and warmth of a sunset to enhance the overall mood. For a comprehensive optical service, RSF’s Mexico City store includes private visiting rooms equipped with licensed opticians, optometrists and Zeiss vision testing machines to address clients’ ophthalmic needs. Find out more at www.retrosuperfuture.com

Av. Tamaulipas 141, Condesa, CDMX Mexico City, Mexico. Monday – Sunday 11 am – 8 pm.

GIGI STUDIOS unveils architect-designed HQ

The open plan space was designed by Isern Serra

GIGI STUDIOS’ new headquarters, designed by architect Isern Serra, has been created to convey the contemporary essence of GIGI STUDIOS and the concepts of quality, craftsmanship and sustainability. Located in Sant Cugat del Vallès (Barcelona, Spain), the 1200 m2 area has been transformed into a serene, warm and elegant space that, without losing sight of functionality, moves away from traditional office design. Above: view towards the new showroom, a unique space in which to receive guests and clients – photography by Salva Lopez

Gigi Studios – showroom – the eyewear collection takes centre stage

The new headquarters occupies an entire floor of an office building with four façades and a rectangular floor plan. The warehouse, logistics and quality control departments have remained in the former headquarters, where they have been expanded over a larger area.

“The new office is a dream come true. A space that is much more than an office or a corporate headquarters and it will be the stage and hub for the new products and events we are organising…” Patricia Ramo, CEO and creative director, GIGI STUDIOS

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The showroom is divided into two areas, one for exhibiting the collections and the other for meetings; these areas have been conceived to offer a minimalist atmosphere, giving the collections centre stage. The product is visible on two large sculptural tables that serve as displays. These concrete tables are supported by two pieces of Roman travertine marble carved by artisans in the local Barbany quarry. On the ceiling, circular lighting illuminates the space, and at the back, a tiered piece of furniture serves as a display. Large backlit shelves house the collection and the unique mirrored cabinet hides a large screen.

Meeting area in the vast showroom at GIGI STUDIOS

The renowned architect Isern Serra, who had previously been in charge of the pop-up store in Ibiza and the trade fair stand, designed the minimalist atmosphere and Mediterranean touches. “The idea we wanted to convey most in the space is creativity. All the elements have been custom-designed as if they were small works of art”, explains Serra. “Therefore, each large area of the new GIGI STUDIOS location is conceived from a large custom-designed sculptural object. In the west area, there is a large circular stainless steel sofa with a double function: on the inside, it is a sofa, and on the outside, it is a work table and storage for design books. This large piece is a welcoming element and a stylistic statement that invites you to let yourself be surprised.” For more information visit https://gigistudios.com

Blackfin AirGlass: Mavericks

Ultra-thin pure mineral glass lenses by Barberini paired with lightweight titanium Blackfin Mavericks

Just out at Blackfin for 2024, the two Italian companies, Blackfin and Barberini, have combined their expertise to introduce a design product which balances lightness and quality. Weighing just 9 grams more than equivalent plastic lenses, Blackfin AirGlass is designed to propose a new lens experience which eliminates distortion and aberrations and neutralises glare and reflections to minimise eye fatigue. The new lenses are offered in a selection of Blackfin frames, including Blackfin’s new sleek unisex Mavericks frame. Above: close-up of the new Blackfin Airglass polarised lenses, featured in the Mavericks frame

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Blackfin Airglass – Mavericks, pictured in light gold/brown fuchsia mirror lenses: a fusion of avant-garde design and cutting-edge lens technology

The Mavericks are part of the Blackfin Pacific Series, a collection by the Italian titanium specialists which presents a modern minimalist design style. The technicians at Blackfin skillfully produce the entire front of the frame from a single 3mm block of titanium, eliminating unnecessary welds. Other micro-components are integrated into the front, adding continuity and refinement to the frame’s aesthetic. Find out more about the frame at https://www.blackfin.eu/en-us/sunglasses#5PR1039S52C1661-BF1039_MAVERICKS