Eyestylist

Alpagota: changing the face of eyewear care

The Antwerp-based brand by Gaëtan Gaye proposes a practical but stylish and original solution for cleaning eyewear – Gaëtan told us he is excited to be heading to Munich this week to exhibit the Alpagota product lines at the opti fair 

Alpagota, the eyewear-care brand that has quickly become a talking point for independent opticians in the business since its launch in 2022, is a breath of fresh air in the cleaning product segment in optics, bringing some much needed style, quality and design innovation where such qualities have not been explored together before. Above: Alpagota’s Vision, a protective cleaning product for lenses which is also described as ‘multisensory’ – since showing at Silmo and other trade fairs, Alpagota has been attracting a lot of attention all round and has new distribution in several European countries as well as a distributor in Japan. Gaëtan was recently interviewed for a Monocle Podcast on ‘Entrepreneurs’.

Alpagota Vision Protective Aromatic Lens Cleaner – the bottle has mid-century aesthetics and is comparable to an elegant perfume or beauty product with stunning presentation and eye-catching luxury packaging

The unique formulation of Vision is enriched with anti-static and anti-smudge active ingredients and forms a protective barrier to guarantee a long-lasting effect, Gaëtan told Eyestylist. “It is enhanced with sophisticated fragrances such as sandalwood and matcha, green mandarin and cedarwood or eucalyptus and patchouli.”

Alpagota: Carré SilkTech™

Carré is a cleaning cloth concept, with products produced in Silktech™, a material that is very effective for cleaning thanks to its high density of ultra-fine yarns and wonderful softness. Cut and sewn by hand, this patented Japanese-made fabric also absorbs impurities. Colour design and harmony is at the heart of the cleaning cloth collection by Alpagota. A focus has been placed on offering cloths with a timeless design and a really sensual feel, as the perfect compliment to its Vision range.

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Alpagota will be exhibiting at opti – the trade-only optical fair in Munich from Friday this week. Find out more at https://alpagota.com

An Eyestylist Exclusive feature by Clodagh Norton, www.eyestylist.com

Eyewear innovation, timeless design: opti 2025 approaches

The Munich fair takes place from Friday 31st January to Sunday 2nd February 2025 at Fairground Munich – the event will be an opportunity to identify the latest directions for colour stories, sustainable materials, and design innovations and the rising focus on ‘timeless’ design attributes of many new eyewear lines

The opti fair promises visitors a first view of trends and innovations in eyewear this year, with exhibitors coming from across Europe and further afield to show their latest collection for Spring/Summer 2025 and beyond. Some of the big brands who regularly attend and a display of new and emerging independent labels have reserved for the show, and for those with an interest in innovation and design, previews suggest there will be plenty of interesting products and new collections available. Above: Veronika Wildgruber – new campaign (photography credits – models: Charmie Pfeffer and Luk Jonas Schwalb; hair&makeup: Felix Stößer; photography: Fofo Altinell; styling: Michael Sonntag) – at opti, Wildgruber is planning to reveal new frames and new colours – www.veronikawildgruber.com

Lotus by ROLF

At the fair, the ROLF creative team looks forward to greeting German customers with new products in their Fusion, Wire and Evolved collections, presented in the finest natural and 3D printed bean based materials. Model Lotus is one example: a frame that belongs to the Fusion Collection at ROLF, the bold, edgy design is sustainably produced in 3D printed material – derived from castor beans. The attractive textured material offers a unique decorative effect on the models in this line, which is also timeless and genderless. www.rolf-spectacles.com

Karula by YOU MAWO in the Bold collection – offering a custom fit, tailored to the individual

YOU MAWO’s stand is always a popular destination at the Munich fair. They have masterminded a process for creating responsibly manufactured eyewear, using a detailed facial scan to create a custom fit and very lightweight comfortable designs. Among their many product updates for the show, model Karula from the BOLD collection stands out with its striking square design and confident lines. Perfect for those who dare to stand out, model Karula redefines boldness with effortless style and a custom fit tailored to you. www.youmawo.com

Bridget by J.F. Rey – a highlight in the sunglasses collection by the French company

A vision of enduring icons has inspired the new sunglasses at J.F. Rey which are bold, oversized and defined by characteristic architectural structures, overlapped layers and daring colour combinations. The Bridget sunglasses feature the innovative layered lamination effect. Graphic and artistic colour ways enhance the custom acetate composition which are further enhanced by satin metal detailing. www.jfrey.fr

Götti Switzerland will show a new exclusive series ‘Precious Objects’

The Swiss brand announced a few weeks ago that they have created a new titanium line called ‘Precious Objects’. Made from high-quality titanium, the frames also feature gold, palladium or rose gold finishes. Particular details have been created for these exclusive designs including subtly curved temple ends, carved from a single piece of titanium and high-quality titanium nose pads and the screws, which have a Torx screw head for added elegance. The fine brown gradient lenses feature a golden accent with a lasered ‘ö’. www.gotti.ch

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Breeze Ultralight by Sea2see: new styles will be launching at opti

Sea2see have recently launched the new Breeze Ultralight collection in their 100% recovered marine plastic material with a 90% recycled stainless steel for temples. Technical details have been a key priority in the development of the collection to ensure each frame is perfectly light (a minimum weight of 9 grams) with enhanced comfort – always maintaining the sustainable focus in materials. www.sea2see.org

neubau eyewear is heading to opti

Neubau are launching an all acetate collection inspired by 80s design and featuring an array of technical details such as a screwless titanium hinge, adjustable temples and 3D temple ends. This collection uses Natural Acetate, a material made from 68% cotton and wood, as well as 32% natural plasticizers and is described as “biodegradable”. www.neubau-eyewear.com

Dover by Blackfin – titanium eyewear, made in Italy

Blackfin has had a succession of optical and sunglass collections announced in recent weeks, from its new Prometheus Iconic titanium Limited Edition to its super lightweight Aero Loop line of rimless designs. There’s more to come too, including a sunglasses release which is especially dramatic and daring. www.blackfin.eu

Didot1 by FACE A FACE: soft, playful and punchy colour combos come to life in the new collections at FACE A FACE

Design Eyewear Group returns to opti this year with plenty of colour and design-led collections including Woow and FACE A FACE. Their FACE A FACE release is based on an experimental concept called Colour Lab / Over Lap with a palette that is described as unforgettable featuring trendy digital, milky and futuristic shades! www.faceaface-paris.com

opti Munich takes place from Friday 31st January 2025 to Sunday 2nd February 2025. Find out about more launches at the show by following Eyestylist.com and signing up to our newsletters. For further information about visiting the trade-only event visit www.opti.de

Carola Nomden on joining Ørgreen Optics

Carola Nomden is an eyewear designer with a wealth of experience in the optical field, previously working at SAFILO and Prada. She is known for her creative expertise and modern, cosmopolitan aesthetic, particularly in sunglasses. Carola has joined Ørgreen as the Danish company brings together a creative team to rival many of Europe’s finest. Eyestylist asked her to share her perspective on her work and creative passion.

How and where did you train to become a designer? How did you get into eyewear? Can you tell us in a few lines about yourself? My journey as a designer began at the IED in Turin, where I studied jewelry and accessory design, diving into a world of precious materials, craftsmanship, and innovation. I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of creating objects that not only adorn but also tell a story and reflect the personality of those who wear them. This philosophy naturally led me to eyewear, a field I see as the perfect bridge between functionality and pure creative expression. For me, every project is a journey through details, shapes, and symbols, with the goal of transforming the everyday into something extraordinary.

What have been the high points of your career so far? One of the most significant moments in my career was having the opportunity to closely observe the work of great creative minds, an experience that deeply inspired and enriched me. It taught me the value of bold and refined thinking, which I strive to bring into my work every day. Above: eyewear designer, Carola Nomden

Tribune acetate glasses by Ørgreen Optics

What do you feel are the most interesting processes as regards designing frames, and do you have a particular style or influence that is typical of your work? For me, the design process is a true form of alchemy. The beauty of design lies in seeing something that was initially just an idea take shape and come to life. I love exploring the endless possibilities of materials, like a craftsman who molds forms and colours, bringing new universes to life. Each project is a moment of discovery, where the idea transforms and takes root in reality. Working with volumes allows me to define essential lines, but my true goal is to give each creation a sense of modernity, while never losing sight of the elegance and purity that make it distinctive.

As part of the Ørgreen team, what are your favourite new challenges? One of the most exciting aspects of being part of Ørgreen is the diversity of backgrounds within the team. Each of us brings a unique perspective, shaped not only by our countries of origin but also by our individual professional experiences. This diversity is a tremendous strength, as it allows us to tackle design challenges from different angles and develop creative solutions that we might not have considered otherwise. It’s this exchange of ideas that makes working with Ørgreen so inspiring.

Sheriff by Ørgreen Optics

When you are not working, what do you like to do and what interests you in the creative field? When I’m not working, I like to immerse myself in what stimulates my creativity: reading books, exploring illustrations, graphics, cinematography, and art. Every form of visual and narrative expression helps me see the world from different angles, enriching my creative language. I am also fascinated by the human being, by their expressions and the small everyday details, which often become inspirations for my design, making it closer and more in tune with people.

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Do you take interest in the evolution of eyewear, new materials and sustainable trends, and if so what do you imagine will be a particularly significant direction for the business in the next 5 to 10 years? The eyewear industry is in constant transformation, and I am fascinated by how technology and sustainability are intertwining to create increasingly innovative solutions. In the next 5-10 years, I envision a significant evolution in the use of biodegradable and recycled materials, with a growing focus on lightness and durability, without ever compromising design. I also believe that, alongside this, consumer awareness will change, driving them to seek brands that prioritize the health of the planet.

Inner Circle by Ørgreen Optics

What is on your mood board this week? My mood board for 2025 explores the meeting between craftsmanship and technology, a return to the roots of human experience fused with the discoveries of the future. Natural, earthy tones are enlivened with vibrant accents, while volumes intertwine in elegant and bold shapes, creating the perfect balance between tradition and innovation.

Finally, could you add any other points of interest about your work as a designer? When I design, I am deeply influenced by the intersection of culture, nature, and personal expression. To me, eyewear is not just a functional accessory, but a way to tell stories and celebrate individuality. My creative approach is rooted in my hometown, Turin, a city where every corner tells a story and where architecture and art continuously engage in a dialogue between the past and the future. Now that I live in Copenhagen, I find myself in a new creative phase, one that is shaping my work in unexpected ways, bringing fresh perspectives and ideas into my designs.

Find out more about design at Ørgreen Optics at www.orgreenoptics.com

Moscot Flagship opens in Union Square, NYC

The new flagship has been designed to celebrate over a century of eyewear design and a family-owned legacy

Located in the heart of Manhattan, NYC, the new Moscot flagship store is offering exclusive features including The Lab, an interactive design studio where customers can mix and match colours and lens combinations. Another feature of the store are the dedicated eye health and eye exam rooms and dispensing station, designed to provide the full ‘MOSCOT experience’. Above: exterior of the new Moscot flagship store in NYC 

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The boutique features nostalgic elements including vintage memorabilia, historical artifacts and New York City-related items, to creating a timeless atmosphere in line with the colourful image of Moscot shops, past and present. The store also offers an extensive collection of iconic MOSCOT eyewear. Find out more at www.moscot.com

Vinylize upcycles brake cables for temples

The cables are used in their new collection called Cyklo

Vinylize is introducing its new Cyklo collection produced in a combination of their classic trademarked grooved vinyl material with the new upcycled brake cables used for the temples. This material is a composite that is hypoallergenic, flexible,  lightweight and durable.

Cycling is a much loved pastime dating back to the 1830s. According to Vinylize – the bike industry produces more than 26 million bicycles each year, and over 43 million metres of brake cable, making it an abundant material to upcycle with ease. Above: the new Vinylize Cyklo collection offers style and design originality – coloured vinyls are also a feature of this line

Vinylize announced the new Cyklo collection this week – it will be on show at OPTI in Munich

The collection offers three models, each available in four colours. Maintaining a link with music – a signature of the eyewear brand – these frames commemorate the hit song by Queen, “I Want To Ride My Bicycle”, originally composed in 1972 by Freddie Mercury.

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Vinylize Cyklo – attention to detail in the combination frames

Vinylize has been making frames from records since 2004 in their own factory in Budapest, Hungary. They are currently using more than three tons of records to produce their frames and accessories each year, products which because they are produced in vinyl are completely unique in the field of  eyewear. The brand is committed to vinyl recycling and also offers recycling services to music distributors and individuals looking to responsibly dispose of vinyl. For more information about Vinylize visit www.vinylize.com