Eyestylist

In the pulsating ambiance of Motorworld, independent designers and brands introduced their latest collections to enthusiastic customers and visitors alike. Offering an excellent opportunity for opticians and their consumers – creative diversification was apparent with a medley of eyewear designs, materials, and colours – enhanced by continuing technological improvements. Top image: Swiss sculptor and eyewear creator Didier Voirol is inspired by the glamour and glitter of the 1980’s…and vintage cars!

Titanium and stainless steel with luxurious finishes; acetate frames in exquisite colours, as well as sensual neutral tones; wood designs and 3-D frames that embrace modern technology, and energise the spirit of eyewear.

The two-day event hosted at Motorworld, coupled with diverse topics in the Think Tank sessions provided visitors with educational inspiration, and creative concepts.

Die Brillenmesse organisers Nathanaël Wenger and Steffen Keil have indicated that the 2018 edition will have exciting new changes. Keep posted at www.diebrillenmesse.de and Eyestylist.com! JG

An unlikely inspiration makes for a brilliant and charming concept in a new release by theo, designed in collaboration with South Korean fashion student, Wujic Jo. Previewed at SILMO this month, the design brings together a classic eyewear concept with a humorous twist inspired by the iconic British TV character, Mr Bean.

Working together with theo designer Serge Bracké,  the result is a highly stylised set of frames from Wujic, with an excellent fit and a classy look – like a tailored suit – but with a serious twist. The frames are made of acetate, with a keyhole shaped bridge and rivets – timeless and classic. The influence of Mr. Bean comes in the form of a chrome clip, inspired by the TV character’s Mini Cooper, with tiny windscreen wipers, to wipe the dirt from the lenses, and magic away the entire sun filter…(or seemingly!!)

75 sets of three glasses are available in this edition, in three different versions: glossy black frames with a shiny chrome clip, dark tortoiseshell frames with a shiny gold clip and a light tortoiseshell motif with a matte gold clip. The packaging follows the theme inspired by the Mini Cooper colours – and adds the finishing touch, a seat belt! More details on this collection and other new and brilliant theo releases at www.theo.be CN

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