Design + Inspiration

EYESTYLIST : “A memorable, intimate showcase – with plenty of fresh products and innovative design brands” Written by Clodagh Norton

Last week’s Silmo 2021 welcomed exhibitors and visitors to their traditional venue in Paris with a particular atmosphere after the COVID hiatus and a period which until this point had remained difficult through most of 2021, particularly for business colleagues to come together. The show offered an intimate, meaningful experience for many people who we met, and a long awaited chance to engage with visitors and designers and view their innovations and new collections. The fair saw a good representation of brands from different countries including specialist collections from Italy (highlights included Delirious and L.G.R), Spain (Nina Mur and Sea2see), Austria (Rolf Spectacles), UK (Covrt Project) and Germany (Mykita and Leinz). France was well represented. Above: a new collection with elegant thick uniquely styled acetate shapes and exciting colour launched by VUE DC, the French artisan eyewear company, a longstanding exhibitor at the SILMO event

A mix of bold and striking design trends alongside classic timeless collections with a love for minimalist details were the two overriding key directions throughout the fair. The colour palette was in sync with these two directions, either strong and surprising with new and innovative combination tones and exciting neons, or on the other hand based on a nature-inspired palette with many intriguing finishes and patterns. Inspiration was extensive and ingenious, and designers we spoke to often cited nature, natural phenomena such as a sunset or a sunrise, and art and architecture as their most important influences in the last months.

Creative acetate collections were particularly colourful and explored new combinations and graduated colorations, while the strong presence of minimalist metal and 3d printed proposals showed that this is a time where there is room for all extremes – big and small proportions, very fine or very thick structures, cool and warm colour and smooth and rough details.

Sustainable design was talked about with frequency and many existing brands and new sustainable ones are taking  some kind of steps to be more eco-conscious in how they work or produce products. Designers are paying attention to processes, materials and production to move away from the fast fashion culture and into an era where there is greater respect for lasting quality and frames created as design pieces “to be kept for life”.

Now that an international fair has been possible in Europe in 2021, the industry looks forward to further exchanges and in person events in the months to come. SILMO 2022 dates are confirmed for 23rd to 26th September 2022 (Paris Nord Villepinte). To find out more about SILMO, visit www.silmoparis.com

Eyestylist.com will report on more of the new innovations and trends in detail in the weeks and months ahead. This article was written by Eyestylist.com. Please seek permission if you wish to reprint our articles and viewpoints.

Silmo 2021 takes place this weekend after much anticipation and planning for all those involved. The international event will bring together the European optical industry for the first time since the start of the global pandemic – and promises an “ultra-positive” experience with upbeat energy, emotion and atmosphere as colleagues meet again after a long period of uncertainty and difficulties to meet with friends and clients as they once would. Well over 500 brands from 32 countries have booked to exhibit from 24th to 27th September, and the venue of the Parc des Expositions – Paris Nord Villepinte – will be fully prepared in compliance with the regulations in force in France to make the event safe (face coverings and provision of a health pass will be required.) Above: The French design label JF REY from Marseille will bring its colorful and creative high-end frames to Paris this week. www.jfrey.fr

From Austria, Rolf Spectacles will show the impressive 3d-printed plant-based line SUBSTANCE at Silmo 2021, with the model Amur 02 nominated for a prestigious Silmo D’Or Award in the Technological Innovations category. The frames and patented hinge in this line are produced in the plant-based material that is flexible, natural and skin friendly. The line has already been successfully received by the market and is a multiple award-winning collection already, with a European Green Award and IDA design award achieved so far to date. www.rolf-spectacles.com

French artisan collections are a highlight of the fair at the annual event. This year, they include the creative label, VUE DC who will present a series of enchanting designs in acetate in the exclusive RENEW FW2021 collection. The geometric model Lou is a strong signature piece in the line with rough cut angles and new colours of light grey and champagne. VUE DC is known for its French handmade quality and artistic design style. Founders Chris Mascre and Yoma (Yolande de Clercq) devote particular attention to the excellence of the materials and the traditional realisation of the frames in their partners’ factory in Oyonnax. www.vuedc.com

Parisian designer Jeremy Tarian shares previews of his new collection showing at Silmo this weekend. Among the several ‘thematic’ series are the fun models Smiley and Ice Cream in the Play collection, a joyful, surprising line with a very creative and striking look. For each model, the acetate section of the frames is laser cut to reveal a contrast in colour and a new take on the traditional eyewear ‘aesthetic’ code.

Eyestylist looks forward to attending this long-awaited international reunion in Paris and we wish all our Eyestylist friends and sponsors as well as visitors to the fair a very successful and inspiring weekend! For more details: www.silmoparis.com

RG2046WD nominated for Silmo D’Or : homage to architectural shapes and lines

A new design from the avantgarde eyewear designer Ti Kwa of RIGARDS captures a moment in time and a personal fascination for architectural contrasts. The design is directly inspired by a pandemic home improvement project and combines four unique materials with focus on sustainability, longevity and aesthetic beauty: the solid wood salvaged from high-end furniture timber contrasts with elements in aluminum-magnesium, beta-titanium and stainless steel. Above: Rigards RG2046WD, a new work with a finely structured frame and circular lens

Each element of the frame is painstakingly thought out to balance materials, design details and function – like the planning and construction of a unique architect designed building. The frame has adjustable beta-titanium arms hollowed on the underside to reduce the weight.