Joan

Streamlined, cutting edge design and innovative functionality are essential to eyewear by Sven Götti (above). The internationally recognised Swiss brand has been named winner of the renowned German Design Award 2017 in the Lifestyle and Fashion category for the elegant sunglass design – Tamal. The frame is among the Spin & Stow 360° collection, that features patented rotating temples, enabling the frames to fold flat, so the glasses can be carried easily.

The German Design Award has been recognising extraordinary design for over sixty years. Only projects that uniquely represent international design innovations and pioneering creativity are given this revered and respected tribute. The prize will be awarded in February 2017 at a gala event in Frankfurt. Congratulations Sven and the Götti team from Eyestylist! www.gotti.ch JG

Opticians from Stuttgart and surrounding regions visited the recent Die Brillenmesse event, and eagerly viewed the diverse, independent eyewear collections on display. Creativity, individuality, and sleek design captivated enthusiastic visitors attending the show. Co-organiser Nathanael Wenger commented: “The Hall of Legends at Motorworld was again a perfect location for the 4th edition of Die Brillenmesse in Stuttgart. About sixty brands presented the autumn news. The spectrum from Adrian Marwitz to Zen Barcelona was enormous, and reflected many styles and new concepts.

“We were pleased with the show in Stuttgart this year; over 140 shops visited the event in two days – a few less than last year. The good weather during the weekend, and the closure of one important highway were reasons why fewer opticians visited. Nevertheless, the format of this small and elegant show is very well established in the south of Germany.”

From the fashion perspective, co-organiser Dirk Geissmann added: “Fine rimmed metal frames are more and more visible in several collections. Andy Wolf even launched a rimless line! 3D frames in combination with a face scanner are the next big thing. You Mawo from Munich seems to be ahead in the race. Frames crafted in natural materials are still hot, especially if they are fine rimmed like Feb 31st. The Italian brand offers the lightest wood frames with 2mm thickness. Kaleos is a new fresh brand from Barcelona.

Geissmann continued: “A new addition to Die Brillenmesse this year was the Think Tank Seminars that brought impact – and visitors – to the show. With Think Tank we want to discuss relevant issues for our market. This includes digital change, new technologies, the process of designing glasses, and more. There are many changes in our industry, and it is important that independent opticians are ready for the future. We had more visitors for the new platform in Zurich – and we will make sure that German opticians hear about Think Tank.”

Wenger concluded: “The dates for 2017 are now established. The next stop for us is Cologne on 6-7 May 2017. We are really looking forward to this show. It will be the third time in the Rhine-Ruhr region of Germany, and we think we will have a breakthrough. Zurich is 15-16 October 2017, and Stuttgart on 28-29 October 2017. We moved both shows back because of the late date of SILMO next year. For us it is crucial that brands can show the autumn news.” www.diebrillenmesse.de JG

Top image left to right: Co-organiser Nathanael Wenger; designer Stefan Flegl Wood & Cotton; designer Adrian Marwitz Adrian Marwitz Eyewear; designer Didier Voirol Metal Art Concept; co-organiser Dirk Geissmann

Photos: All images for Eyestylist by Bruno Kickner – all rights reserved www.kickner.de

October sets into motion the holiday spirit with Canadian Thanksgiving, Columbus Day and Halloween. For eyewear fans, it’s time to experience and celebrate fine eyewear at Die Brillenmesse Stuttgart. With its wonderful location – Motor World – where classic car enthusiasts can view spectacular vintage cars, Die Brillenmesse Stuttgart also offers visitors the opportunity to discover unique eyewear in this spacious venue. From Adrian Marwitz to Zen Barcelona, independent designers will present their latest collections. The stellar lineup of exhibitors (see the complete list at www.diebrillenmesse.de) highlights charismatic frames for both optical and sun wear.

Ic! berlin has a striking capsule collection of plotic and plotic-hybrid sunglasses in a smart “weekend blue.” Mountains and blue skies inspired Glacier (above) in 3D-printed design. Sunglasses that provide an outdoor style statement – and protection. www.ic-berlin.de

Round shapes have particular cache this season with new interpretations that are chic and alluring. Among Lafont’s new sunglass designs is Vannes, with a richly textured finish on the frame front. www.lafont.com

Andy Wolf, the Austrian brand, will present their latest innovations in metal eyewear. The frames are handcrafted in a special factory in the Jura region of France. More on Andy Wolf’s new collection at www.andy-wolf.com

A father and son business has launched in Germany, with Gerhard and Stefan Flegl creating their own label. Wood and Cotton features natural materials, skilfully crafted in the Stuttgart region. Bügel highlights a contemporary shape combined with high tech elements, that includes a splice technique between the wood temple and the acetate end piece. Discover more at www.woodandcotton.de

Note the dates! Die Brillenmesse Stuttgart 15-16 October at Motor World JG

An enthusiastic, welcoming reception highlighted the recent Hall of Frames 2016 Zurich exhibition. International independent designers, captivating eyewear creations, and a new venue – Stage One Event and Convention Centre Zurich – resulted in a spacious and successful environment to view beautifully created eyewear.

Co-organiser Nathanael Wenger commented: “The Hall of Frames 2016 edition was a huge success for us as organisers. We changed the location and had more space for exhibitors, visitors and sponsors. Over sixty exhibitors participated, and approximately one hundred and sixty shops visited the show during both days. Sunday was very busy; Monday a little quieter.

“We created a new platform called Hall of Frames-Think Tank. We invited eyewear experts to give a short speech. Themes were digital change, frame production, and the potential of 3D technology. The interest was high, and maybe one of the reasons why we had a record turnout of opticians. We are convinced that the seminars will become increasingly popular in the future.

“We had a nice presentation of Swiss brands at the show – three of them were absolute Newcomers. Baselli is a very elegant Swiss-made collection; Ringsum is a small acetate collection by Christine Haussener, a jewellery designer; and Einstoffen is a cool wood collection, whose origins are in fashion.

“The new location in the north of Zurich fits perfectly with the new concept of Hall of Frames, and there is even more space in which to grow.” Dates for the 2017 Hall of Frames Zurich will be announced shortly. More info at www.hallofframes.ch

Top photo left to right: Nathanael Wenger, co-organiser; Christine Haussener, designer Ringsum; Steffen Keil, co-organiser; Dirk Geissmann, co-oganiser; Sven Götti, designer Götti Switzerland; Eric Balzan, designer Hapter. Photo: Gilles Stüssi All Rights Reserved  JG