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Opti has impressed with a very wide selection of specialist eyewear labels and busy stands and aisles for an optimistic start to the year. The short journey to Munich from other parts of Europe remains a big draw for many optical retailers who see the post-Xmas show as an ideal way to kick off their new year buying; visitors we met had also travelled from the USA, Japan and the Middle East.

Independent designers attended in force. Leading trends (and there are many we will look at in the months ahead) included a progression in high-tech and 3d design, and continued developments in sustainable production and eco materials. Colours were bold but there is also a sign of more natural, gentle tones appearing again, combined in sensitive, understated ways, as well as some colour schemes linked to the design world: copper is one that popped up several times when we were talking about autumn/winter 16/17.

Among the young exhibitors were a number of Scandinavian designers, including E&E Glasses, Monkey Glasses, Falvin Eyewear and the independent label Karmoie, a Norwegian brand who have specialised in frames created in Mazzucchelli’s quality sustainable M49 material. Designers Kirsten and Lars Iversen launched their 2016 campaign at the fair – pictured above – and showed a collection that is about simple, flattering aesthetics inspired by the nostalgic elegance of vintage styles. www.karmoie.com

RES/REI from Italy illustrates the continued attention to detail and hand-finishing in quality acetate. A close look at new models including Mimosa (above) exhibited the brand’s genuine dedication to artisan design, originality and clever colouration  – very pretty marbling and elegant combinations were beautifully represented by the label. www.resrei.com

Collaborations continue to be an important area for creative exchanges. One example: ic! berlin is working with David Tomaszewski, the fashion designer based in Berlin, and their latest design together, Grazyna has all the makings of an elegant designer icon. Selecting acetate for the first time, Tomaszewski worked closely with the ic! berlin design team to bring his signature architectural and graphical structures into a multifaceted three-dimensional frame. His inspiration – the eclectic colour world of the 1960s and 70s – lead him to caramel and havanna, accents which compliment the rich autumn tones and intense colour gradients found in the upcoming David Tomaszewski Autumn/Winter 2016 collection. www.ic-berlin.de

Wood and paper products continue to arrive in the market. For recycled eyewear, Paper Style shows a refreshingly serious approach to fit and comfort alongside interesting aesthetics – including smart, textured surfaces – and collaborations with creatives from other fields such as Truus Brands in the “Artists by Paper Style” series. www.paper-style.it

Opti 2017 will return next year from 28th to 30th January 2017. More information is available at www.opi.de CN

“When the weather outside is frightful, a new pair of glasses is so delightful!” Gogosha Optique. Gogosha Optique in Los Angeles ring in the holidays with a snow-filled campaign, and glasses by specialist independent labels including Ahlem Eyewear, Kirk & Kirk, Garrett Leight, and THEO. Bold colours, inventive shapes and detailed finishes make for a holiday collection that’s festive and cool, yet sure to warm up any look, says owner Julia Gogosha.

With images by photographer Maggie West, the campaign highlights some of the most covet-worthy artisan frames of the season, with emphasis on the handmade and individual colour selection. Wishing everyone a festive holiday!

For more details about spectacles and sunglasses at Gogosha Optique visit, www.gogosha.com CN

Futuristic creations

3D printing is growing in eyewear and already adding a whole new category to the array of extraordinary frame designs available today. The creative opportunities in 3D tech are vast – those that have already begun to experiment in this field are achieving designs that range from edgy and futuristic to luxurious.

A first ‘luxury’ take on 3D comes from Hoet Couture’s 3D laser-printed titanium collection. Each of the five styles can be created in various lens and bridge sizes – this customisation aspect is exciting-, and are equipped with adjustable temples and moveable nose pads. In this case the high-tech aesthetics are complemented by luxury touches in keeping with the label’s classic collection. Mounted precious stones such as rubies and unique embroidery take the frames into uncharted eyewear territory. www.hoet.be

Model ‘i see’ – from ic! berlin’s plotic collection is a design study: the three prongs on the ic! berlin temple now lock directly into the 3D-printed front. The plotic hinge is smooth, strong and easy to operate, and a concept that is being further extended by the label for 2016.  The open work construction of this design gives a futuristic look to the material that is lightweight and extremely tough. www.ic-berlin.de

Tom Stevens launched their 3D collection one year ago. Mirjam van Hensbergen told us: “Since our 3D collection came to the market a year ago, we have noticed the optical world is now ready for this new material. Our polyamide collection has become our main attraction, next to acetate and titanium. Launching in Munich at Opti (the German optical trade fair in January 2016), we will show our first combination styles featuring polyamide and metal.” www.stevenseyewear.com CN