Eyestylist Preview 2018 ….. SIENS EYE CODE in Milan has announced the official launch for 2018 of their brilliant Light Transmutation project which we have recently experienced. The project explores chromotherapy via sunglasses designed to expand and transform the wearer’s vision through “coloured” light. The seven colours are those of the 7 chakras, each offering different therapeutic benefits corresponding to different parts of the body – red, for example, activates the circulatory and nervous systems connected to the heart.
In the frame design, the transparent coloured ring surrounds a dark UV protective sun lens; the same colour reappears on the temple in a striking ‘wing’ design which represents the beneficial and therapeutic effects of the lens whilst giving the frame a cool futuristic look.
Chromotherapy, also referred to as colour therapy, is an ancient alternative medicinal method. The Siens team – headed up by designers Roberto and Stefano Russo – are known for their experimental approach to eyewear and a consistent exploration into different materials, technologies, design disciplines and conceptual ideas. This is the latest project in a collection that also offers innovative technical solutions in the form of a patented hinge, lens assembling system and packaging integrated with the glasses in their first series, Creatures (launched in 2016). Find out more about SIENS at the website: www.sienseyecode.com CN
HOF Zurich – Eyewear Energised!
Indian summer weather, a unique setting, and splendid eyewear united to make Hall of Frames Zurich 2017 an exciting and informative event. Show coordinators Nathanaël Wenger and Steffen Keil were delighted with the turnout and the upbeat ambience. Wenger commented: “The atmosphere of HOF Zurich was extremely positive for the ninth edition that took place in the Umweltarena in Spreitenbach. The most beautiful autumn weather at a new location warmly welcomed visitors, and over 140 boutiques visited the event.” Top image left to right: Nathanaël Wenger, HOF coordinator; Martha Arenas, Interior designer; Christine Haussener, Eyewear designer; Steffen Keil, HOF coordinator)
Nath noted several new directions in the latest eyewear designs. “Fine-rimmed metal glasses are in demand, and eyeglasses with filigree and softer shapes. Colours are back, and many collections are bolder than previously introduced. Several brands presented new 3D collections.The Wood trend is firmly established with Dominik Gasser from Lungern, Pascal Nüesch from Chur, and Loris Lunettes. So the ‘young wild ones from Switerland’ were creatively represented. Specs Lab from Zurich exhibited for the first time; a small eyewear manufacturer in Zurich’s Old Town. They produce a series for opticians in acetate and horn. EYETECH, the long-standing marketing partner of Hall of Frames, organised photos that were taken by enthusiastic and professional photographer Gilles Stüssi. The images were then developed in an on site darkroom and given to the customer.”
HOF Zurich was also highlighted by well-attended presentations at the Think Tank sessions, as speakers gave educated insights on current topics. Wenger commented: “Martha Arenas demonstrated vividly how to reconstruct a shop or simply decorate a window with simplicity and resourcefulness. For Marcel Zischler sustainability was an issue. He addressed the wide field of employee management, and how employees can be better integrated into a company. Johannes Dillinger talked about the peculiarities and challenges of Carbon eyewear, and Christoph Englehardt on how an optician himself can become a brand.”
Next year is the 10th anniversary of Hall of Frames Zurich, which will take place in the Papiersaal on 7th and 8th October 2018. This is where HOF Zurich launched, so the show is returning to its original roots. Wenger and Keil noted that an anniversary celebration is in the works – so follow – and stay with us for more news from HOF Zurich! www.hallofframes.ch JG
All photos exclusively for Hall of Frames Zurich/Eyestylist by Gilles Stüssi All Rights Reserved
Die Brillenmesse Stuttgart Showcase 2017
Eyewear artisans gather in Stuttgart the weekend of 28-29th October to introduce their latest collections in the captivating atmosphere of Motorworld. The annual event is an ideal platform for independent eyewear designers – both known brands and emerging newcomers – to demonstrate their flair and innovation. Top image: Vintage forever with fabulous Retro style Wyld by Lesca Lunetier www.lescalunetier.com
The Exhibitors
From Adrian Marwitz in Germany to Yuichi Toyana in Japan, plus Götti Switzerland; Coblens; Didier Voirel; Barberini; Blackfin; Lesca Lunetier; Miamai München; Onkel Ferdi; Orgreen; Powder & Heat and more – Die Brillenmesse Stuttgart is an ideal opportunity to experience designs by established companies, and discover intriguing start-ups presenting new and exciting eyewear concepts.
The Think Tank sessions – presented by eyewear professionals – covers informative and timely topics for opticians, including marketing and sales opportunities via social media; 3-D technology; and other creative ideas of specific interest to optical specialists.
In addition to stunning eyewear, visitors can visit the amazing, classic collection of vintage automobiles on display at Motorworld – a nostalgic view of luxury and impeccably crafted motorcars.
Die Brillenmesse Stuttgart looks forward to welcoming you at Motorworld on Saturday 28th October from 11h00 until 18h00, and Sunday 29th October from 10h00 until 16h00. www.diebrillenmesse.de www.motorworld.de JG
NYC release: Masquerade by RVS Eyewear
Masquerade is a one-off RVS design by Vidal Erkohen – striking, uniquely shaped and bursting with vintage feeling, yet there is something of a contemporary ethnic elegance in this little piece of art. The front comprises two 6 sided shapes in exotic acetate – colours include tortoise or black; the eye shapes are joined at the centre creating the feel of a “flat” mask, further enhanced by coloured zero base lenses – a look of the moment and a continuing trend.
Attention to detail is a feature at this colourful label now based out of NYC and adored by celebrities. In this style, pieces of the acetate material are inlayed at the end of very fine metal temples, highlighting attention to detail as well as the Japanese craftsmanship which has brought an excellent new perspective to all the styles in this range. Shop for the Limited Edition Masquerade online at www.rvseyewear.com CN
SILMO’s 50th edition
Design, Luxury, Craftsmanship and Technical capabilities An especially lively atmosphere was enjoyed at the Paris fair this month, as SILMO celebrated 50 years. The event packed in new exhibitors across the halls, as well as a large number of annual attendees and some who have attended the fair through 50 years. The annual party had an extra special line up and took place in Paris’ iconic Grand Palais.
In the creative eyewear segment, emphasis this year was on design and innovation, with continuing developments in the use of materials, combinations of materials, 3d printed collections, artisan excellence and technicalities such as patented hinge designs. Outstanding hinge designs were shown by innovators ROLF SPECTACLES (a SILMO D’Or winner) and Orgreen Optics.
New ideas in colour and styling were also abundant and set an encouragingly dynamic mood. Above: FLEYE Copenhagen’s model Fox, an “artistic” design by the innovative Danish company who launched an exciting eyewear campaign related to Scandinavian food : model Fox was the winner of the Silmo D’Or Premiere Classe Special Prize. www.fleyecopenhagen.com
Luxury is an area that was particularly well represented at the fair, and this specialism is seeing some exciting aspects. Alongside classic brands like Gold & Wood (who have announced a new working relationship with designer Alain Mikli) artisan spectacle-makers Alexanian exhibited their sophisticated handmade jewellery designs and special editions produced in The Netherlands. A particular highlight on their booth were their handmade lorgnettes, produced in 18k white gold and set with sparkling diamonds. www.alexanian.nl
Other noteworthy representatives of the luxury eyewear segment included FALVIN Eyewear who showed new models including Halo, a round fashion-focused semi-rimless frame with precious matte surface details. Halo is an elegant add on to FALVIN´s eyewear concept of two toned signature titanium frames designed by Birgitte Falvin in Denmark and made in Japan. The brand also previewed a new line of eyewear necklaces made in unison with the frames – coming soon to Falvin stockists. www.falvineyewear.com
Award-winning SOL SOL ITO represents a splendid example of design achievements by a small independent European label – and this brand is hugely popular with some of the most creative optical stores this year. Their colour concepts for 2018 retain a fresh individual touch with a mix of stunning acid coloration as well as soft pastels and classically inspired animal print. The customisation aspect of the temples – they can be easily swapped in many different colours is a very attractive addition to the gorgeous designs. www.solsolito.com
Newcomers that caught our eye included the new sunglasses collection by talented optician/designer Joseph Haver and the Belgian brand Komorebi, a youthful trend-oriented design collection inspired by transparency, light and reflection and presented with professionalism and an immediately visible level of quality, attention to detail and craftsmanship. www.komorebi.be
SILMO Paris returns in 2018 on 28th September to 1st October. Eyestylist will share many new insights from this year’s SILMO event in the days and months ahead. www.silmoparis.com CN