With a backdrop of blue skies marking the first feeling of Spring, London Fashion Week opened on Friday. Alongside the main catwalk events and the colourful street style scenes off the catwalks – one of the highlights are the Designer Showrooms on The Strand, offering a diverse, handpicked showcase of over 50 smaller, up-and-coming international brands, a valuable platform for exposure and introductions to the world of fashion in the UK. – Above: buffalo horn frame detail, Delirious Eyewear. Photography: G. D’Elia
“Showcasing within the LFW Designer Showrooms allows brands to develop relationships with globally influential stores and helps to increase their exposure to top international journalists, publications and stylists.”
Representing the eyewear category at the Showrooms and premiering in the UK is Delirious Eyewear from Italy, an exclusive design label recognised by Vogue Italia’s “Who’s on next” awards (2018). Created by young entrepreneur Marco Lanero, the collection is produced in titanium and beta titanium, and the finest acetates and natural Indian buffalo horn, and is currently designed and made in Italy, with focus on traditional Cadore craftsmanship and expertise, rigorously monitored to ensure a unique and accomplished finish.
The name is discreet, engraved on the inside of the temple : Delirious Eyewear Photography by G. D’Elia
Buffalo horn remains a popular luxury material in eyewear, and Delirious aims high, using lengthy techniques in the production and final “tumbling” and polishing by hand. Their expertise in this material has attracted the attention of the fashion industry, through an ability to use the traditional techniques and merge them with contemporary design elements.
Oliver from Luxury Men’s Accessories brand Hector Powe – www.hectorpowe.co.uk – wearing buffalo horn sunglasses by Delirious – Photography by G. D’Elia
The Delirious Eyewear collections go into stores in London this season. The definition of luxury eyewear, their alternative design focus brings a contemporary look to the most classical aspects of traditionally made spectacles, as well as providing an impeccable comfort and fit. For more information about Delirious Eyewear visit the company in Milan (Mido trade fair) from 23-25th February 2019 or visit their website at www.deliriouseyewear.comCN Photography by Gennaro D’Elia exclusively for Eyestylist.com. All rights reserved.
Falvin’s Signature Eyewear – launching for the Spring/Summer season – combines Danish design expertise and exquisite Japanese crafting in contemporary shapes in lightweight titanium. The frames celebrate a passion for a Copenhagen landmark – the Crystal – a building from which founder Birgitte Falvin takes inspiration, for an eloquent direction in line and form. Above: released at the German trade fair opti last month, the new Falvin model Stellar. New additions are coming for the Mido trade fair, Milan. The brand exhibits in the prestigious Lab Academy ( Pav 6 / Stand LA 47) where up-and-coming designers and innovators showcase their collections.
Model Stellar (above and in featured video) is a contemporary version of the traditional cat’s eye frame, offering a supreme level of comfort and a statement shape in the state-of-the-art material. Using techniques that can only be mastered by hand, the beautiful two-tone base silhouette offers a luxury expression with black, white or champagne Wesselton diamond settings to create a personalized look. A trained jewellery designer, Birgitte Falvin has studied this element for the finishing of her distinctive eyewear, creating a one-off luxury detail that is both gentle yet sparkling – to catch the beholder’s eye.
The innovative diamond setting is of the highest quality, assembled by a top jeweler in Denmark, appointed by Falvin Eyewear. Find out more about the luxury designs for men and women by the Danish label at www.falvineyewear.com CN
The ways we wear colour in eyewear are always changing, and the impact can be subtle or powerful, depending on many nuances, material combinations and the work on the details and structure of the frame itself. Impactful designs this season include sunglass designs in one single colour for frame and lens. The accomplished innovative fashion brands are doing it – many others are set to follow.
In Europe, Ørgreen Optics is one of eyewear’s trendsetters in colour directions: their Yoko design is defined by the over-sized, circular lenses and elegant details. New vibrant colours of the Yoko include saturated lemon, blue or dusty pink. Above – Yoko in mat vibrant lemonade with yellow contrast lens. www.orgreenoptics.com
Mykita + Maison Margiela MMESSE023
Like Ørgreen, Mykita’s new sunglass collections for Spring/Summer 19 open the door to fresh and fruity colour proposals. The impact of the tone-on-tone effect is seen in their Mykita + Maison Margiela model MMESSE023 – in Baywatch red with matching red lens – as well as the eye-catching tone this style has a bold, eye-catching shape – the experimental flat diamond aviator (1990s inspired) has a very narrow reduced stainless steel framework. www.mykita.com
Zero 14 acetate blue with graduated blue lenses
Finest Seven’s fantastic Zero 14 is a fashionista must-have in this colour genre: luxuriously light to wear, in stunning brights such as shocking pink and baby blue, with the brand’s trademark narrow metal bridge and sinuous temples acting as a a balance to the thin bright blue rim and coordinated lens tone. To find more of their statement colour combos, visit www.finestseven.comCN
Over the years, eyewear for the young set has evolved into an inspiring sector with frame designs that are exciting and innovative, plus incorporating the latest production technology. Frames are crafted from fine quality, hypoallergenic materials, in appealing colours, plus safety factors for notorious tumbles and playground antics. Fashion statement frames also ignite a life-long connection – and identity to – exceptional, intelligent eyewear design. JF Rey has a superb Kids & Teen collection with fresh styling and bright colours. Hannah (above image) happily wears a charming round design – Oasis – created with an exclusive acetate component. www.jfrey.fr
Dimension Next for children by Götti Switzerland
Götti Switzerland’s chic Dimension collection for adults is also available in cool looks for kids – Dimension Next. Luxurious 3-D printing, streamlined styling and sophisticated colourations appeal to emerging fashionistas. Designer Sven Götti approached the designs with an imaginative understanding of the important specifications required for children’s glasses. www.gotti.ch
Devinette by Lafont Paris
Trendy, sporty and charismatic designs for youngsters are a speciality at Lafont Paris. Polka dots are timeless, and Lafont features a delightful variation in Devinette in black and white, and a subtle salute to the cat-eye shape. www.lafont.com
The Mungarutal Jr by Original Penguin Jr
Mini-version of sought-after adult styles are skilfully adapted for youngsters in Original Penguin Jr designs. The Mungarutal Jr is a relaxed, carefree, round shape in a contemporary tortoiseshell variation. www.kenmarkeyewear.com
Zoobug London ZB 1039
Children’s frame specialist Zoobug London has launched flattering, diverse and desirable designs for spring/summer that will enchant kids. ZB 1039 is a hexagonal silhouette in vivid, bouncy colours of Red, Neon Yellow and Navy (above). Ideal for youngsters 5-9 years old. Photo by Lol Johnson – All Rights Reserved. www.zoobug.com
LINDBERG KIDS Skye in air titanium
Exacting craftsmanship, beautiful materials, and styles that children will enjoy wearing highlight frames at award-winning Danish label LINDBERG KIDS. An awesome little shape in air titanium is wonderfully comfortable on young faces, plus frame attributes of durability, lightness and flexibility. www.lindberg.comJG
Consider the eyewear accessory here to stay – a much underplayed fashion item in the past, start-ups and fashion industry creatives have refocused on this element of eyewear to fit perfectly with our insatiable desire to create an individual “style of our own”.
Milan’s Federica Moretti launched Huma Sunglasses + accessories in 2017. Inspired to reflect and embrace the creativity and extravagance of the fashion industry, the hat designer came up with a new eyewear collection idea in a range of clean, “basic” sunglass designs (made in Italy) to be worn with “captivating” decorative accessories – with special fastenings that clip onto temples.
Huma sunglasses with beaded chain
These decorative elements can be worn depending on where your mood takes you. The choice includes small jewellery items that fasten to the ring in the temple, crystals, silks, and decorative stones, through to extravagant slightly humorous acrylic “hair pieces” for those who choose to dress to be seen.
Moretti’s imagination has literally run wild with the hair extensions producing an eccentric look in crazy colours. In contrast, some of the designs are subtle and delicate designed as chic jewellery embellishments, perfect for evenings out, special occasions or a gift for the accessory enthusiast with a taste for all things new and different. For more details about Huma and designer Federica Moretti visit Huma Sunglasses on Instagram: @humasunglasses. Available at I Visionari in Florence https://ivisionari.com/collections/humaCN
Growing in size and stature, the 2019 edition of opti – the German trade fair – offered a vast experience of eyewear from all corners of the earth. It’s hard to know where to start and where to look, and 3 days was barely sufficient to discover the most interesting design directions and innovations of the year.
Our focus was drawn particularly to artisan works addressing a purposeful design thinking, where natural materials are highlighted, incorporated with other materials, and inspiring an extraordinarily interesting study into surfaces and finishes – as in other design disciplines.
Above: Rigards – by Ti Kwa – continues to explore new ways to work with unusual materials. Their gorgeous copper patina finishes are now available in a variety of ‘rust’ and jasper/jade colorations and combinations with the signature miniature lock-in sun clip. Pictured – Model RG1911CU / for Ziggy Chen. www.rigards.com
Izorne Deseraiki Icon – a new release from Nina Mûr
In a new departure, using wood and metal, Spanish label Nina Mûr pays homage to deconstructivism and the maximum exponent of this movement in Spain, The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. The collection consists of two models, Mikel and Izorne (above) in three versions. Following their much loved Memphis inspired collection with Abet Laminati, the Deseraiki launch represents a mature and refined release marked by constructive nuances, textures and materials. www.ninamur.com
Square is a look for 2019: Esaedro by Pugnale – Priscilla collection
Italian label Pugnale has an interesting collection for 2019, following their excellent collaboration in 2018 with architect Hani Rashid. The extensive range this year includes multiple materials such as buffalo horn, leather, mother of pearl and precious silks and several eye-catching pieces such as the square Esaedro which has a metal insert on the bridge. www.pugnaleeyewear.com
Icons Line by Hapter (octagonal model IL03 – collection RBBR002 with rubber finish) – inspired by early 19th century spectacles
Hapter from Italy has an exciting year ahead. A patented hinge – the 8-GON hinge – previewed at opti for the very first time – is to be introduced through the collections. Their extraordinary work with surfaces – in tactile rubber and carefully selected fabric – continues to place them at the forefront of the design led companies in eyewear. www.hapter.it
Rolf Spectacles – Skyline collection
In the fast growing field of 3d printed eyewear (there are already more than 40 3D printed brands we are aware of), opti offered an expansive overview of the current directions: from the sculptured “creative” look of Impressio (www.impressio.lu) to the minimal luxe of Gotti Dimension (www.gotti.ch) high-precision range in Polyamide and Rolf Spectacles’ new 3d printed titanium Skyline collection – which is printed, with additive manufacturing techniques, in Germany and hand finished in Austria. Rolf’s second Skyline edition offers fine silhouettes in natural colours with textured surfaces that are perfectly in tune with the focus on tactile, “raw” earthy finishes. www.rolf-spectacles.com
We are Annu – Round S in nude with temple choice – raw, gold or black Photo by @marjabayer
The opti boxes are always an ideal location to find new ideas. The collective ‘We are Annu’ were a highlight amongst the start-ups with their paper clip inspired glasses made “half by machine and half by hand”. The innovation lies in the easy modular construction of the frames – made of 3D printed nylon fronts with titanium wire temples (in 3 colour choices) and put together with a simple screwless hinge concept; not forgetting an attentive focus on fit with customizable nose pads and temples. It comes as no surprise that an independent optician is among the co-founders. More details at: www.weareannu.com
Eyestylist.com will identify other key trends discovered at opti in the edits we have coming up through Spring 2019. opti munich returns in January 2020 – save the date -10th to 12th January – www.opti.de CN
Dreary, cold, damp winter days bring thoughts of warm, tropical environments; a sunny ambience: rest, relaxation, and fun! Fashion designers salute and celebrate the Resort/Cruise season with stunning outfits, and eyewear creators ensure ensembles are memorably complete with glamorous sunglasses. Treat yourself to new and ravishing sun specs with exceptional quality; tech-savvy materials; sleek styling; and glorious colours. American designer Zac Posen launches new sun styles that include Dolly (top image), a charming and appealing acetate cat eye with trendy narrow proportions in Peach fade – a colour that harmonises with a glowing suntan. www.kenmarkeyewear.com
Charismatic sunnies by Sol Sol Ito Switzerland
Resort holidays and clothing have a distinct and notable glamour – so do sunglasses! Express your inner diva in this charismatic design – style 039 C1 – by Sol Sol Ito in Switzerland. The voluminous square shape in two-tone acetate with surgical stainless steel sides is bold, adventurous, and irresistible. www.solsolito.com
Cloud from the Signature Collection by Fleye Copenhagen
FLEYE Copenhagen’s Flowers of Denmark campaign enlivens sunglass designs that are expertly crafted in stunning new acetate patterns and colourations. The multiple-award winning Danish label endorses graphic elements, as seen in Cloud (above). The sun style is among seventeen new designs from FLEYE’s Signature collection. www.fleyecopenhagen.dk
Bang Bang Baby by Anna-Karin Karlsson
Seductive sunglasses by Anna-Karin Karlsson are expressive and dramatic. Voluminous and finely sculpted in acetate, Bang Bang Baby makes an alluring impression in subtle colourations and 24-caret gold plating with twinkling crystals on the sides. www.annakarinkarlsson.com
Indian Water Buffalo Horn by Delirious Eyewear
One of the most elegant and classical materials in eyewear is Indian Water Buffalo Horn. Delirious Eyewear, luxuriously crafted in Italy under the watchful eyes of founder Marco Lanero, utilises ethically sourced Buffalo Horn. Their sunglasses manifest generous proportions and uncluttered lines. Quality Zeiss lenses with reflective coatings ensure beauty as well as sun protection. www.deliriouseyewear.com
Honey by JF Rey
For Resort and Cruise – and visions of a glorious, sun-drenched summer – JF Rey in Marseille presents a beautiful alloy frame with stylistic details and aesthetics of refined metal craftsmanship, plus gold engravings that distinguish this silhouette. www.jfrey.comJG
Countdown to the opening of opti19 in Munich is only a few days away. Eager visitors are able to view imaginative, innovative, and stylish eyewear at the three-day event that takes place 25th-27th January, at the Munich Fairground. The exhibitors this year are irresistible and exuberant as designers and companies from around the globe showcase their creativity and ingenuity with fascinating eyewear. Inspiration and imagination for sleek and sophisticated eyewear spring from many sources.
Birgitte Falvin at Falvin Eyewear is captivated and enamoured with the streamlined beauty of The Crystal Building in Denmark. The elegant structure derived from its light, crystalline form rests only on a single point and single line – with commanding views of the Kalvebod Bygge waterfront. She has integrated this vision into her new collection of cutting-edge designs, including Zodiac (top image) combined with artisan components, and Japanese craftsmanship. Schmidt Hammer Lassen, an international architectural firm acknowledged for their distinctive buildings, libraries and art galleries, designed the environmentally-friendly structure. Discover FALVIN at opti in Hall C1 Stand 516. www.falvineyewear.com
BOLD 07 and BOLD 12 by Götti Switzerland
An innovative application of 3D printing united with the airiness of rimless, creates a sophisticated interplay of finesse and elegance in Perspective BOLD from Götti Switzerland. The designs have unique character with the silky-matte 3D trim combined with lens transparency. The frame is constructed without soldering and screws. Gorgeous colours too! Learn more about Perspective BOLD in Hall C1 Stand 126. www.gotti.ch
Origami by Karmoie
Karmoie interprets the Japanese art of Origami with its decorative shapely contours. The artisan independent Norwegian label crafts fine acetate into a sleek silhouette that is particularly effective for small faces. Shown in Nimbus, Origami is also available in four additional colours that reflect the beauty of Norwegian waters and forests. Karmoie is in Hall C1 Stand 632 www.karmoie.com
Black Ice by Vinylize
Vinylize Eyewear in Budapest presents their latest innovation in frames with a Special Edition crafted from AC/DC’s 2009 Black Ice album. The specs feature a layered interior lamination visible only when viewed from certain angles. Visit Vinylize at opti in Hall C2 Stand 629, and see their complete collection of creative eyewear crafted with vinyl records. www.vinylize.com
Tattoo by Monoqool
Soft, spring green is elegantly infused onto Monoqool’s chic design – Tattoo. Advanced technology with innovative 3D printing and high fashion, creatively unite with Monoqool’s launch of twelve sleek optical styles they are presenting at opti. The frames are featherweight, crafted without screws for the ultimate in comfort and durability. The Danish brand offers a unique selection of shapes and colours – discover them all in Hall C2 Stand 635. www.monoqool.com
Mille + 64 by theo
Hints of champagne – little bubbles reminiscent of the effervescent sparkling drink – cheerfully accent Mille + 64 from theo in Belgium. Eight different and dynamic colours highlight the panto shape in stainless steel. See the entire Mille +64 collection and other ingenious and visionary theo designs in Hall C2 Stand 330. www.theo.be
Zero 17 by Finest Seven
Luxury metals, dramatic shapes, and comfort embrace the finely crafted designs by Jesse Stevens and Ainjali Fine at Finest Seven. The glamorous designs were photographed in the cult bar “Bananas” in Barcelona (above) including Zero 17: distinguished and impressive aviator with gold mirrored lenses, and on-trend double bridge. Visit Finest Seven at opti Munich in Hall C1 Stand 125. www.finestseven.com
Robinson with sun clip by Claire Goldsmith
Tortoiseshell frames in fabulous new colourations encapsulate the appeal of a material that is treasured in eyewear designs. Claire Goldsmith’s optical collection includes three new striking tortoiseshell variations with Robinson – Green, Blue, and Black. The contemporary, sleek shape is also ideal for sunny conditions with the addition of a polarised sun clip, to enjoy the mystique of a commanding design statement. Both Claire Goldsmith and Oliver Goldsmith optical and sun creations can be discovered in Hall C1 Stand 222. www.clairegoldsmith.com
Himmel by FLEYE Copenhagen
The beautiful “Flowers in Denmark” campaign by FLEYE Copenhagen, unveils the summer version with stunning styles, lovely flower-related engravings and subtle colourations. Among the new optical designs is Himmel, with its intriguing, flattering angles. The entire FLEYE collection will be on display at opti in Hall 1 Stand 619. www.fleyecopenhagen.com
For a spirited display of eyewear, opti Munich is the place to be – and to be seen – this weekend – 25th-27th January. More details at www.opti.de JG
At the 100% fair in London, the UK showcase for all things optical, the year kicked off with diverse eyewear statements, bountiful colour and a mix of individual collections and new accessories that suggest an eclectic trend forecast for the year. It was a chance for some smaller labels to launch and be seen in the UK, alongside annual exhibitors and historic eyewear companies that have a strong and established following in the UK.
Above: model Bert in corn, from The Centena Collection by Kirk & Kirk, eye-catching shapes and dynamic colours. The brand has just launched their new campaign. www.kirkandkirk.com
Accessorise your accessories: Le Kevin is a new glasses holder, designed in London
Accessories label Le Kevin, by Michele Quastel, launched a range of colourful unisex leather glasses holders at 100% Optical. The materials featured range from 100% luxury leather to vegan leather-look designs. This is a lovely practical wearable accessory, that would make an ideal gift. We expect to see much more of this brand in the months ahead: www.lekevin.co.uk
Oval shape in the Outline Collection – Von Arkel Switzerland
Von Arkel is a luxury eyewear company from Switzerland, established in Europe, and ready to expand into new markets. With contemporary style, the company has developed their own technical hinges inspired by Swiss watchmaking. New innovations are coming for 2019…keep an eye on www.vonarkel.com
Cateye glamour: Ezra by Andy Wolf
The quirky cateye is still enjoying a revival, and judging by the examples we saw in London, many new versions are coming in 2019, in metal or in acetate, in classic or bright tones. This narrow model Ezra by Andy Wolf stood out as a nice choice for those who love the classic colorations and the upswept feature of this glamorous feline classic. www.andywolf.com
Recycling plastic waste collected from the sea: Sea2See
The rise in interest in ecological brands, as concerns heighten over the devastating effects of plastic waste, was evident at 100% Optical with several exhibitors showing a sustainable focus including BIRD, Pala Eyewear and Sea2See. The founder of Sea2See – Francois van den Abeele – has created his own eyewear material out of recycled ocean plastic collected from the Catalan coast. The injection molded frames are made in Italy and offer a simple minimal design with classic colours which include havana and matt black. More details at www.sea2see.org
The Royal College of Art Design competition – run in a collaboration with 100% Optical – celebrated optical talent and achievement with six finalists showing creative eyewear projects for the future. Annie Foo came first in the design competition with ‘Party on Face’, using music and fashion as expression and making glasses light up and flash in time to music.
100% Optical returns from 25-27th January 2020. For more information visit www.100percentoptical.comCN
As innovation in 3D printing moves forward with leaps and bounds, in eyewear, new design directions focus on the extraordinary lightness and comfort of the Polyamide material and, increasingly, its adaptability to produce different, more creative eyewear designs. Specialists in 3D printed frames, Danish company Monoqool continues to work in this field with a particular focus on the perfect balance of comfort and astute contemporary style. With an architectural aesthetic and an underlying passion for Danish design, Monoqool has taken their collection forward with combination styles featuring Polyamide fronts and fine metal temples in a palette of eye-catching modern colours from ochre and violet through to a light, dusty green.
Above: The spectacular Ragnarock Museum of Rock in Roskilde (http://museumragnarock.dk/besoeg/), Denmark was selected as the venue for the Spring/Summer campaign. The setting is a colourful, unusual building designed by Cobe Architects (http://www.cobe.dk) – inspired by the 70s looks of Danish designer Verner Panton (http://verner-panton.com), who shocked the world with his colourful space age design.
Balanced design: a Polyamide front with slim metal temples
For SS19, the Danish brand launches 12 eyewear shapes and four new sunglasses. “We aimed for a mix of frames, from the colourful and extraordinary to the classically cool,” says Allan Petersen, founder of Monoqool. “Four new colours are added to the already considerable line of 3D printed frames.”
New hues from Monoqool: Big Love in burnt ochre
The line up of frames features the popular Monoqool Slider series with a flat horizontal temple and screwless hinge. The Slider frames are made in ultra lightweight 3D printed polyamide material, which results in a frame weighing only 4 grams. It is in the Monoqool DNA to make frames with a high degree of comfort and which are easy to adjust and give a perfect fit – as well as offering contemporary design and an accomplished attention to detail.
Exploring 3d printed design: trend-focused cut-out effect
Monoqool will exhibit the new collection at opti Munich in Germany from 25th to 27th January 2019. For more details about the latest designs, visit their website at www.monoqool.com. CN
Munich’s expanding international fair for optical professionals – opti – takes place in a few weeks at Fairground Munich. Known for its wide variety of exhibitors and impressive line up of independent designers, the event is one of the highlights of the optical year in Europe, and is increasingly attended by retailers and business professionals from inside and outside Europe.
This year, the fair offers an exceptional mix of creative designers and distinctive eyewear collections from as far afield as Hong Kong, the US, Swedish Lapland and Canada. First time exhibitors include Rapp, Nirvan Javan, Frency and Mercury and Specs Lab Zurich.
A selection of start-ups and small labels will show in the OPTI Boxes (Hall C2), some, such as Lightbird (Italy), showing product for the first time. Above: Young label PORTRAIT Eyewear from Italy will show their new artistic Glitch Series (opti BOXES). The Interface sunglasses (above) are a tribute to Peter Campus, the American pioneer video artist. www.portraiteyewear.com
Oliver Goldsmith – highlighting new winter sunglasses for opti
Oliver Goldsmith pioneered the idea of “winter sunglasses” in 1966, according to Claire Goldsmith. In an article written about them in the 60s in the UK, the concept was explained: “The idea was that these designs should be worn in the winter months as there was insufficient sun-light to warrant wearing dark lensed summer sunglasses.” Originally, the lenses were made from precision ground optical glass and were very pale in density making them ideal for wearing indoors as well as outside on dull winter days.” Re-exploring the concept with special releases for opti19, the new styles offer the statement style of Goldsmith designs and are fitted with state-of-the-art soft hued lenses by Divel Italy for exceptional comfort and protection. www.olivergoldsmith.com
Honey by BOZ
Always bold and decorative, J F REY’s BOZ collection continues to offer surprising shapes and eccentric combinations, designed with sophisticated creative touches. The BOZ collection will be exhibited with JF REY, 1985, and the much praised leather line – Le Cuir – at the opti fair. www.jfrey.fr
Pantos C8 – Tavat Eyewear
Tavat Eyewear has launched a series of exciting designs in recent months. Their ability to use innovative construction in multiple designs and material combinations continues to develop through a strong commitment to original design and artisan excellence. Find them at opti and visit their website at www.tavateyewear.com
BLACKFIN Black Edition – model Sandbridge
Titanium experts Blackfin return to the fair in Germany with new styles in the Black Edition, where a special treatment – Blackfin Nano-Plating™ – creates shiny finishes on the advanced material. Find out more at www.blackfineyewear.eu
opti Munich takes place atFairground Munich from 25th to 27th January 2019. The show will offer an extensive new layout as it expands to include Halls C5 and C6. For full details and a full list of exhibitors, visit www.opti.de CN
As the first fairs of the 2019 Spring season approach, eyewear companies will reveal the trends of the months ahead, fresh innovations in design, and expressive new colour codes to explore and inspire. 100% Optical, the UK’s optical fair – which takes place at ExCel exhibition centre will set the scene for the Spring optical calendar from 12th to 14th January 2019 and promises a selection of independent eyewear designers as part of the line-up which also includes innovative lenses and technology. Above: From Denmark, LINDBERG is one of the leading independent luxury companies exhibiting at 100% this year. Their collections include fine materials such as titanium, wood and buffalo horn. www.LINDBERG.com
Kirk & Kirk will show the Centena Collection
British label Kirk & Kirk are staunch supporters of the UK fair and return with their colourful Centena collection in January, designed by Jason Kirk in celebration of his family’s 100 years in optics. This line is unique in its 10mm acrylic material which is flattering, bold yet – at the same time – surprisingly light to wear. The sculptural look of the frames is part and parcel of their unique appeal. Check out www.kirkandkirk.com
Quantum by Ørgreen
Ørgreen Optics has an exceptionally strong and varied selection of eyewear collections to show for 100%: as well as the new acetates in the latest Minimal Vintage Collection, they have just announced a 3rd Quantum collection, which features their exceptional spherical hinge design and showcases their design skills in combining Polyamide and titanium. Visit www.orgreenoptics.com
Woow model Super Sonic 1
Part of The Eyewear Design Group, Woow Eyewear will exhibit with other exceptional collections in this portfolio of brands which also includes FACE A FACE. Woow is colourful, exuberant in character and always injects humour and fun! www.wooweyewear.com
Walter & Wassily: a special edition by neubau eyewear
neubau’s latest sunglasses edition offers a homage to Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius and the painter Wassily Kandinsky. The shape of the model is based on the Bauhaus philosophy of “form follows function” while the design and material choices are directly inspired by the movement, with a titanium frame based on bent steel tubes combined with fade tint mirror lenses recalling the facade of Walter Gropius’ Bauhaus school building in Dessau. neubau will exhibit their new optical and sun collections alongside sister company Silhouette Eyewear at the London fair. For more details about the brand, visit www.neubau-eyewear.com.
Rita by Danish sustainable company Monkey Glasses
Just released a few days ago the new Elevate collection by Monkey Glasses also goes on show this month – this sustainable brand is one of several to exhibit at the London show (Bird Eyewear and Pala), and highlights the growing interest in recycling in the frame business. The brand has begun to use packaging in recycled paper as part of its eco action to go plastic free. For more details visit www.monkeyglasses.com.
Arranged by the fair organisers, this year’s RCA Eyewear design competition’s theme is 2020 Vision in Motion. The competition asked the Royal College of Art students to design and make a maquette of a new vision device, which functions as a health aid/ protection as well as a style statement we are opening up the range to possibly include; viewfinder/ device/ VR headset. Six finalists have been chosen by the judging panel and their work will be on show during the 3-day event : Andrew Cullo, Annie Foo, Fi Grew, Giulia Lombardi, Loy Chen and Sunny Kitfung. The winner will be announced during the fair.
100% Optical opens its doors on 12th January at 10am and runs through until Monday 14th January 2019. For further details and registration visit www.100percentoptical.com/about/visiting CN
