Eyestylist

This year, the international optical fair runs from Friday 23rd to Monday 26th September at Paris Nord Villepinte

As the optical industry prepares for one of the international events of the year in Paris, optical retailers, buyers and the press await the first chance to see what’s fresh and new in eyewear design on the international stage. For many international visitors and exhibitors this year, Silmo represents an especially important date in the 2022 calendar of events, a fresh start after the difficulties and disruptions to travel during the pandemic, and certainly – for those who attend annually – a very welcome chance to return to pre-pandemic, in-person experiences and direct business engagements and presentations, with new and long-term customers and friends.

Eyewear exhibitors and creative designers will gather from far and wide this year at the Paris Nord Villepinte venue – among them long-established international favourites and emerging designers travelling from many regions of France, as well as all parts of Europe and further afield – Hong Kong, Japan and the USA. Above: The latest styles by Paris label Lunettes ALF will be on show at Silmo 2022: the label has a collection of timeless classics produced in hand polished Japanese acetate – the frames have become very popular with optical connoisseurs – https://lunettes-alf.com

New trends will be unveiled at Silmo: fine lines in bright colours on a classic brown tone – a colour we expect to see much more of this season: Eiffel1 panto at FACE A FACE

In this preview for the event which opens tomorrow at 9am, a number of companies shared their new styles with Eyestylist in advance, offering a taste of what will be on show this edition – and insight into trending colours, materials, design innovations and style directions, all areas we shall comment on in the weeks to come.

At Paris brand FACE A FACE, the model Eiffel1 is part of the new and colourful autumnal line – showing for the first time at the Silmo fair. Compared to a ‘Meccano’ construction set, the style can to fruition as a recreation of the architectural aesthetics of the metal bars of the iconic Eiffel Tower. Fine lines in bright colours stand out against a dark background to enhance the design. www.faceaface-paris.com

The French label VUE DC is always a highlight in the creative heart of Silmo’s much loved Hall 5. This year, the collection will include some fabulous head-turning shapes and statement designs, such as new model Syl – an elegant round/oval shape designed in 8mm Mazzucchelli acetate and offered in tones of champagne, opaline terracotta, teal, black and tortoiseshell. Its character and special definition comes from a slightly rough bevel on the outside of the eye shape. Find out more at www.vuedc.fr

The new Detroit model at JF Rey is part of the Neon Elements collection – inspired by “the Metaverse where reality and virtuality blend”. The frame has a thick rim and architectural structure – a strong and characterful appearance that with resonate with those who love a modern statement style. This new collection is playful with colour contrasts, highlighting neon tones and making them wearable for the face. www.jfrey.fr

The super sharp new model Smith by Veronika Wildgruber – a multifaceted designer based in Berlin – is just one of several exciting pieces that have all the hallmarks of Wildgruber’s innovative and evocative style. Particular attention is paid to the effects of the sharp blocky structures and variation in colours and surfaces which are often combined in interesting ways, shiny with matt, opaque with transparent. www.eyewear.veronikawildgruber.com

About Silmo 2022: the fair (trade only) takes place at Paris Nord Villepinte from 23rd to 26th September 2022. This year the roster of independent labels showing include: Article One, Carlotta’s Village,  Dabrach, Diffuser Tokyo (Joy Every Time), Fleye, FACE A FACE, FOLC Eyewear, Gotti Switzerland, Kirk and Kirk, Kenmark, l.a. eyeworks, Lafont Paris, Lunettes ALF, MOREL, MYKITA, Nina Mûr, RAEN, Res/Rei, Rolf Spectacles, Sea2see, VAVA and Veronika Wildgruber. The SILMO d’Or awards – the much coveted prizes which recognise outstanding design and innovation in all categories of product exhibiting during the fair – will be announced during the Saturday evening of Silmo with presentation by Amélie Morel, President of Silmo. To register, and find out more, visit www.silmoparis.com

Luxury label Maybach Eyewear highlights handcrafting and exquisite materials such as natural buffalo horn, precious metal and titanium 

A prestigious trio of materials, a daring design style and hours of crafting are at the core of one of the collaborations of note this season at the German luxury eyewear brand: ‘The Creator I’ from Maybach Eyewear and Mercedes-Benz offers an interpretation of contemporary couture eyewear that is adventurous and bold with a cool structure, inspired by a shield design. The exclusive model combines lightweight titanium and sustainably sourced natural horn, while 22 carat gold, platinum, and 18 carat rose gold elements add a special and luxurious touch.  Above: the Creator I by Maybach Eyewear + Mercedes-Benz

For ‘The Creator I’, elements of the automobile design language of Mercedes-Benz include dramatic sweeping contours and flowing aesthetics reminiscent of the most luxurious Mercedes-Benz vehicles.