Design + Inspiration

Eyewear creatives owe much to the international trade fair, SILMO, which takes place every year in Paris. Founded in the Jura, the traditional spectacle-making region of France, today the French show has grown into an international platform for designers and creators in eyewear, with fairs in Sydney, Istanbul and (shortly) Bangkok as well as Paris where the fair also boasts a strong alliance with the fashion industry via Premiere Classe, the Parisian fashion accessories fair.

Taking place in early October, the 50th edition of SILMO promises a large selection of exhibitors as well as celebrations, special events and what promises to be a memorable SILMO d’Or awards ceremony. As the climate of expansion in the independent sector continues, a significant number of newcomers are listed as exhibiting. They include Komorebi (Belgium), Stealer (Korea) and optician, Joseph Haver (Israel) who launches a brilliant eponymous sunglasses edition (image: above, new campaign by Joseph Haver).

Independent eyewear leaders returning to the annual event include: Ørgreen Optics. The Danish brand will showcase seven bold, yet elegant male and female titanium styles – photographed in a campaign by Philip Messmann. The shapes range from round vintage looking styles to contemporary square college inspired silhouettes. The colour combinations include timeless black, varying shades of brown, and stylish tones of blue and red.

Expect to find further impressive innovations at the Ørgreen stand this year – visit www.orgreenoptics.com and https://www.eyestylist.com/2017/04/orgreen-optics-20-years-tribute-future/ for additional information and our 2017 interview with Henrik Ørgreen.

Claire Goldsmith (UK) brings the iconic OG Sunglasses collection with new colour proposals and new lens details. “The Introduction of 2-base lenses into the Icons collection is giving some of these classics a completely fresh look. Combined with some luscious new acetate from Mazzuchelli some OG icons got a facelift!” Also showing is the new CG Optical Collection. www.olivergoldsmith.com / www.clairegoldsmith.com

US eyewear producers Kenmark return annually to Paris with their designer eyewear collections, Vera Wang and Zac Posen. Vera Wang’s fashionista sunglasses line will be available to view with the new ophthalmics, designed with superb references to directional trends and bold shapes in captivating acetate colours. www.kenmarkeyewear.com

Designer Ti Kwa of Rigards always delivers innovation and expertise in his exceptional artisan eyewear: the Sterling Silver Collection will be one of the highlights at the Rigards stand at SILMO, an expression of precise, luxurious design that is rare, exotic and always surprising. View more details about Rigards at www.rigards.com

SILMO Paris 2017 takes place from 6th to 9th October at Paris Nord Villepinte. For more information visit: www.silmoparis.com Further Previews will be available on Eyestylist in the coming weeks. CN

Visitors to the autumn edition of Hall of Frames Zurich have the opportunity to explore new, expressive and exciting visual horizons. The two-day event – 15th and 16th October – will showcase independent designers and brands, with exceptional collections of beautiful frames. (Top image: Dante-S by Götti Switzerland)

Among the designers exhibiting are Götti Switzerland, Adrian Marwitz; Blackfin: Face à Face Paris; Miamai Eyewear; Neubau Eyewear; L.G.R; Didier Voirol; Johann von Coisern, Orgreen, and more! Over fifty brands will introduce their latest styles in a new, remarkable and architecturally impressive location.

The Umweltarena (Environmental Centre) in Spreitenbach – less than thirty minutes from central Zurich, is a fascinating ecological centre – an ideal location when sustainability has become a global challenge. The optics sector is aware of the need to care for resources, and increasingly, frames are being crafted in sustainable materials.

In addition to fabulous frames, visitors are invited to participate in the “Think Tank” sessions, given by experienced professionals, and include short talks on topics relevant to optician’s needs and interests.

Save the dates! 15th and 16th October – and discover innovative eyewear that exudes style and statement design, plus enjoy visiting the fascinating, dynamic Umweltarena ecological centre.

www.hallofframes.ch www.umweltarena.ch JG Entourage of 7 image: Marc Gysin Photography www.marcgysin.com Model: Tina Thommen by www.aqua-models.com Jewellery: Bucherer Lucerne

Striking new creations with design inspiration infused with the contemporary, technical excellence of IC! Berlin, will be presented at SILMO Paris in October. Experience and capture the imagination of individualistic and passionate frame wearers with minimalistic styling; durability; comfort; and special characteristics. The beauty of durable, stainless steel – in which the frames are crafted – is further enhanced with a patented, screwless spring hinge. Top image: Left Mona sun; right Leon sun

Family history plays an important role in the creation of SEEOO. Gerald Lasnik, founder and CEO, discovered hidden treasures in his Austrian grandfather’s attic, including a pair of reading glasses. Lasnik was so delighted with this vintage find, he wanted to bring this eyewear back to life…with a modern, reinterpretation of a distinctly unique – and legendary classic.

The result is SEEOO MONALEON – a progressive and harmonising concept – complimented by traditional and evocative styling. Expressed with modern flair and avant-garde high tech innovation, the collaboration with Ic! Berlin and the sleek SEEOO MONALEON designs will be treasured by many creative and enthusiastic eyewear consumers. www.seeoo.at JG 

School checklist: backpack; pens and pencils; notebooks and binders; and most importantly – eyewear with punch and personality! From tiny tots to teenagers, this season’s selections abound with appealing frames in sturdy materials, beautiful colours and streamlined shapes, ideal for little faces. Ophus (above) by LINDBERG is crafted in hypoallergenic titanium that is lightweight, strong and flexible, with superb fit and comfort. www.lindberg.com

Sophisticated colourations highlight Merci by Lafont Paris. The charming butterfly shape is ideal for young girls from 4-7 years old, and the frame features Lafont’s exclusive spring hinge. www.lafont.com

Summer holidays may be over, but Indian Summer weekends can be a delightful time for outdoor adventures – and strong sunshine. Protect vulnerable eyes with chic sun specs from Olivier Goldsmith Mini Icons. Lord was originally created for Michael Caine; the Mini Lord is a faithful replica for children in Fresh Mint. www.oliviergoldsmith.com

Children respond positively to colour, and will find Papillon by JF Rey an enchanting design with its melange of different acetates in rich hues. A delightful detail is the little butterfly that is inserted in the temples. www.jfrey.fr

Trendy, hip styling is the hallmark of The Mungarutal Jr by Original Penguin Junior. A retro mood is embraced with the round shape in crystal acetate.http://www.kenmarkeyewear.com

Lafont Paris has just launched their first sunglasses for youngsters – fun styles infused with Lafont’s long history of quality, fit, superb colours and shapes in frames for children. Aloha shown in vivd red – autumn’s hottest colour – is also available in Ocean Blue and Tortoiseshell. www.lafont.com JG