Eyestylist

“Since 2012, we have held Die Brillenmesse Stuttgart at Motorworld in Boblingen,” said organiser Nathanaël Wenger, “and this year we decided to change the venue to the centre of Stuttgart, where we found a beautiful, historical building – Haus der Wirtschaft. (Top image:Lars Malmsten Vasuma Eyewear and Nathanaël Wenger)

“Quality, independent labels were present – including among others – Blackfin; Orgreen; Von Arkel; Vasuma; Nirvan Javan; Didier Voirol; Götti; Coblens; and neubau. However, we were disappointed with the number of opticians that visited during the two days – which was below our projected expectations. Perhaps the rivalry of superb weather; Stuttgart’s Octobefest; shops open on Sunday; and Stuttgart’s challenging traffic contributed to fewer shops visiting.

“It has always been our goal to bring independent designer brands and opticians together. We have so enjoyed our years of involvement with Die Brillenmesse Stuttgart, but have now decided not to continue for 2019, and will focus on Hall of Frames Zurich for next year. We look forward to seeing you in Switzerland!”  www.hallofframes.ch JG 

Photos:Andrea Tännier All Rights Reserved

Jubilee festivities resonate – as Kirk & Kirk salutes the 100th anniversary of the renowned British brand, with a stunning new range of beautiful designs in exquisite colours – The Centena Collection. Jason and Karen Kirk – the guiding force bringing the label and its optical history into the next century – commented: “The Centena Collection is important to Kirk & Kirk, as it is an embodiment of the celebration of the Kirk family’s one hundred year history in optics. (Top image: Dennisin in Crystal; Sarah in Walnut; Esme in Crimson; Cecil in Tiger; Sidney in Corn from The Centena Collection)

“Ever since Sidney and Percy Kirk converted a sewing machine into a lens cutter back in 1919, the Kirk family has innovated eyewear, offering technical or stylistic approaches that are designed to excite and inspire. The Centena Collection mirrors this enthusiasm with its use of acrylic, an unconventional, avant-garde material that is featherweight – and incredibly comfortable to wear. We have used 10mm acrylic for this collection which has been such fun to work with. Each frame is like an individual sculpture featuring beautiful angles to exploit the glasslike properties of the material.”

Acrylic is not only lightweight – it is strong and durable. The colours are luxurious  – Iris, Tiger, Corn, Crystal, Crimson, Walnut, Sage and Royal. Designs are bold and strong manifesting the confident colours that re-enforce Jason and Karen Kirk’s philosophy that fine eyewear is made to be experienced – and enjoyed. Visit www.kirkandkirk.com for more CENTENA details – and other optical and sunglass designs. JG

Celebrations accompanied the 10th anniversary edition of Hall of Frames Zurich, which took place in “Papiersaal” in Sihlcity in the centre of town. Organiser Nathanaël Wenger noted: “Forty-four exhibitors presented their autumn designs over two floors with the urban style of the former paper mill relating well with the design claim of Hall of Frames. Almost all Swiss Eyewear brands were present, including Newcomers Baselli; Fussungswerk; Specs Lab and Nirvan Javan, and interior designer Martha Arenas. Others are well established like Götti; Didier Voirol; Einstoffen and  Von Arkel.(above image left to right) Marco and Rico Rihm Specs Lab Zurich; Martha Arenas Interior Designer; Nathanaël Wenger HOF Zurich organiser; Joan Grady Co-Founder Eyestylist.com; Sven Götti Götti Switzerland; Birgitte Falvin Falvin Eyewear

“It’s great that the designers use Hall of Frames to show their work together with other well-known international eyewear designers.” Among others participating included: Any Di from Germany; Rolf Spectacles, Andy Wolf and neubau from Austria; Falvin and Orgreen from Scandinavia; Vasuma from Sweden; Blackfin in Italy; Vinylise from Budapest, and Face à Face in France.

The occasion was highlighted with a celebration dinner on the Sunday evening, organised by Nath Wenger with superb food, in the atmospheric restaurant “Rüsterei” in the Papiersaal venue. “Approximately fifty opticians and exhibitors shared and enjoyed a pleasant evening together,” said Nath, “with a relaxed atmosphere, and exhibitors and visitors felt very comfortable in the location.”

With the positive feedback, the show will again be held in Papiersaal for the 2019 event. Note the dates now – 22nd and 23rd September 2019 – one week before Silmo Paris.

In the meantime, Eyestylist will keep you up to date on events and exhibitors for next year’s Hall of Frames Zurich at Papiersaal. www.hallofframes.ch JG Photos exclusively for Hall of Frames Zurich by Robert Gose All Rights Reserved