Eyestylist

As SILMO approaches next week, eyewear and optical accessory companies are preparing themselves for the 50th anniversary event, expected to showcase new trends, intriguing technical innovations and fabulous designs in eyewear and sunglasses. The exhibitor list has continued to expand in recent months, and creative eyewear designers from around the world are set to showcase forward-thinking styling and, in several cases, groundbreaking eyewear creations.

The line-up of young independent brands includes KARMOIE, a Norwegian label that has managed to secure endorsement by Positive Luxury through its commitment to sustainable efforts and achievements – a key focus for a growing number of collections at this time. KARMOIE returns to SILMO with new models Origami and Totem, as well as classics such as Star, produced in M49, the sustainable acetate by Italian producers Mazzucchelli. Pictured above: model Star. www.karmoie.com

Ørgreen has already announced a new hinge concept in the new line Quantum, described by the Ørgreen team as a “milestone innovation”. The mechanism features a sphere, visible on the frame front and secured by a “secret” patent pending component part. The frames in the collection are made from Polyamide, also a new departure for the brand, which is most famous for its quality titanium designs, designed in Denmark and made in Japan. www.orgreenoptics.com

The French label Plein Les Mirettes has gained notoriety this year with its creative acetate collections for women – and bubbly personality. For the Paris fair, the brand launches six new shapes in a charming Limited Colour Edition with spectacular individuality if you love chic acetate. More information is available at www.plein-les-mirettes.fr

Hapter announces their exclusive collaborative concept with the brilliant indie label, Pawaka – for launch next week. This new angular sports goggle design combines Hapter’s trademark materials with Pawaka’s sense of primitive aesthetic. Hapter has used its lightweight avant-garde surgical stainless steel submerged by textured high-quality rubber, inspired by the asphalt road surfaces in their native Dolomite Mountains. A must-see! www.hapter.it

FRAME CHAIN from the UK has quickly expanded its range of trendy glasses chains which double up as a necklace – ideal for gifts and an elegant addition in the optical store. The contemporary designs, which range from luxurious to uber chic – are already stocked at leading department stores including Liberty London and Browns. www.framechain.co.uk

Eyeshaker is a new product on the market with a super concept for cleaning glasses easily; it is particularly effective on substances that can be hard to remove such as sun cream, sand, and make-up. The set includes a “shaker”, a cleaning agent and a micro-fibre cloth and the result is fast, simple and immediate! The Eyeshaker team will be present at the fair for the first time, as their product launch goes live across Europe. Find out further details about this young startup at https://eyeshaker.at

SILMO Paris celebrates 50 years in October 2017. For more details visit www.silmoparis.com – for a list of SILMO D’Or nominees visit https://en.silmoparis.com/Silmo-d-Or-Awards/Nominees-2017 CN

The majestic Dolomite Mountains are rooted in all that HAPTER creates. The discovery of vintage frames in the mountains by Italian artisans Eric Balzan and Mirko Forti led to their radical design attitudes in eyewear. Now for the latest chapter in the brand’s development, HAPTER has two amazing new additions to the ICONS LINE – collection RBBR001 – and a stunning introduction in Collection TXTL001 – protective goggles.

A wide and dominant bridge in collection RBBR001 on models WO1M the sunglass design, and the optical version WO2M, (top image) highlights the power of the rubber material in the frame. The unique surface is characterised by a microscopic and irregular stone-like texture emphasised by pigmentation. This special process is treated with ancient forging techniques developed in HAPTER’S workshop – Hapteria.

Advanced technology and artisanal elements unite in the amazingly slim and light structure with floating lenses, that connect the bridge to the thinnest temples ever designed by HAPTER. Two gorgeous colours feature on the Grid Bridge – Lichen Green, reproduced from lichens found on the Dolomite Mountain rocks, and Leaf Orange, relating to the decaying autumn colours in nature; a sadly beautiful vision of change, necessary to protect trees in winter, and create new life in springtime.

HAPTER’S revolutionary approach to design and fabrication is further illustrated in Collection TXTL001 with models MO1L+1, and MO2M+1. Inspired by vintage work-wear, the goggles are inventive and combine modern and ancient crafts. The Naked Swoosh Bar is an architecturally inspired cantilever element that starts from the bridge, and is projected downwards to create a protective bar for the lenses  – and those who wear them.

The frame surface is subject to an all-new HAPTER invention influenced by a textile printing technique on wooden blocks. Then HAPTER developed a specific in-house process to selectively remove the fabric colour with acid – known as the Diamond Treatment. The new frames are innovative expressions that combine contemporary technologies with old-world techniques. HAPTER’s avant-garde, revolutionary achievements will be presented at SILMO Paris 6th-9th October. www.hapter.it JG

Stuttgart is a central oasis – a welcoming nucleus of palaces; parks; Porsche and Mercedes-Benz Museums; galleries and theatre. The city has its own unique identity, as does the yearly eyewear event that takes place at Motorworld – an expansive venue for unique frame display, and an opportunity to ogle luxurious vintage cars. Die Brillenmesse creates the stage for a two-day event with independent opticians presenting their latest collections. Co-organisers Nathanaël Wenger and Steffen Keil (above image) have long championed independent creators. Photo for Eyestylist by Patrick Müller/Die Brillenmesse All Rights Reserved

As Nath observes: “Independent designers and opticians belong together like the lid on the pot. They also need each other. I can see a clear division between the mass-market with mass-produced products, and niche opticians with beautiful handcrafted frames. You can see this division in fashion, food and many other domains. The positive thing about the Internet is that it also helps our customers to make mature decisions. The level of information is high, and the consumer IS king.

Nath adds: “Consumers want to know more about a brand; it is all about emotion, connection and good feelings. This is why story telling is a key element in the buying process. Being an optician means working with people, and people love entertainment. Craftsmanship and individuality are also becoming more important than it used to be. It takes courage for an optician to focus only on independent eyewear designs, but the results are often positive, and definitely make working more fun.

“It has always been our aim to strengthen independent eyewear designers, and to create a platform where independent opticians can meet them in a relaxed environment. We have to work together, and build awareness for artisan eyewear, and show the world how exciting eyewear can be. In Stuttgart we have interesting newcomers like Carin Eyewear, Düsseldorf Eyewear, Yuichi Toyama, and well established brands with new innovative lines including Andy Wolf, Götti and Orgreen. The Motorworld location is added value, and has proven itself over the past years.”

The variety of independent creators provides selections that are unique and innovative: Blackfin from Italy will unveil their luxurious titanium designs; Adrian Marwitz and his glamorous sunglass and optical frames; minimalist concepts by Andy Wolf Eyewear; the contemporary charms of eyewear by Miamai München; sculptural beauties by Didier Voirol; meticulously crafted designs by Von Arkel in Switzerland; vintage treasures from Lesca; and more! Note the date in your diary – Die Brillenmesse Stuttgart 28th and 29th October at Motorworld. www.diebrillenmesse.de www.motorworld.de JG