Eyestylist

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

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