Creative leaders and design innovators from the US and around the world will showcase their latest collections at a much expanded LOFT event, with two locations in New York City from 13th to 15th March 2025 – this year marks the 25th anniversary of LOFT in New York
The global eyewear industry is preparing for a blockbuster edition of the LOFT trade event in New York City, part of a new Eyewear Design Week which will host a variety of events at showrooms and hotels in the city. The much larger LOFT event will take place in two locations – Chelsea Industrial and Chelsea Factory – to house a line-up of international eyewear brands. The two sites are just two NYC blocks apart in the Chelsea/Hudson Yards District.
Founder, Richard Mewha has made a statement this week: “I am amazed at the overwhelming support from our vendors and optical retailers this year. We knew that we would have to grow the event to provide a comprehensive reason for clients to keep coming here. We have added a range of independent, curated frame brands as well as a premium lens company and a lab. We have also encouraged other showrooms in a coordinated effort to boost attendance and embellish the customer experience.”
LOFT NYC will present more than 150 independent eyewear designers and brands in the two larger locations. Brands confirmed for Chelsea Industrial include AKONI Eyewear, Blake Kuwahara, FACE A FACE, Folc, Gamine, GOTTI Switzerland, Jean Philippe Joly, l.a. eyeworks, Nina Mûr, RES/REI and MYKITA among others, and in total over 80 individual brands. The Chelsea Factory will host over 60 brands, including Blackfin, Caroline Abram, Erker’s 1879, FFIN, Morel, VAVA, and Veronika Wildgruber. For the first time, LOFT has arranged CE classes by several top industry speakers and experts as part of the schedule. Visitors can schedule all their eyewear appointments and CE classes online on the LOFT website.
Above: theo’s Liquid Elements – a collection which embodies the fluidity and adaptability of liquid metals; the collection includes six frames named after liquid elements in Mendeleev’s periodic table: Gallium, 31 (Ga), Bromine, 35 (Br), Rubidium, 6 (Rb), Cesium, 55 (Cs), Mercury, 80 (Hg), and Francium, 97 (Fr). theo is a long-standing exhibitor at the LOFT event and always brings colour and sensational design collections to the show – theo will be exhibiting in Chelsea Industrial.
RES/REI from Italy will exhibit at Chelsea Industrial. The brand will show its collection for Spring/Summer 2025, and new models in the Flowers, Diamonds and Sculptures collections where highly skilled Italian craftsmanship and charming design work through colours and details come together in very accomplished, unique frame styles. www.resrei.com
At Nina Mûr, two new collections are unmissable for visitors wishing to see material innovation in creative eyewear design. The Spanish brand by Lorena Serrano will show Galaxy, a line which fuses art, nature and the universe. The frames are sustainable and feature an authentic stone finish – the material has been explored to create designs with uneven edges and surfaces which capture the textures and purity of nature in its raw form. Nina Mûr is a Spanish brand that offers personalised and innovative glasses for opticians; they will also show their brand new must-see Pearl Eyes collection at the show. www.ninamur.com
FFIN Eyewear is one of the emerging labels that will exhibit at the LOFT event (the brand is by Anna Lewis from Wales, UK). Among their new styles launching are the Mod, inspired by the iconic mirrors of the Lambretta scooter. A pioneer of the 60’s British Mod culture, the designer’s mother Rosemary says: “To be a Mod was to be part of a revolution, a shock to the establishment, to be edgy and with-it.” Rosemary was one of the few women to own a Lambretta scooter and she was part of a youth culture that brought attitude to 60’s fashion, music and freedom of expression. The wearer of a Mod frame should feel the echoes of a 60’s youth movement, “who fought for the right to be who you want to be!” Find out more at www.ffineyewear.com
Kuboraum, the Berlin brand founded by Livio Graziottin and Sergio Eusebi in 2011, will feature at Chelsea Industrial. Their latest interpretation of the Mask E21 is the Crossover Limited Edition design created with Sandra Mujinga. The design seamlessly integrates into Mujinga’s work with its imposing style and exciting aesthetic with multiple piercings. www.kuboraum.com
Blackfin will exhibit at Loft in NYC for the first time (Chelsea Factory). The brand looks forward to showcasing its premium futuristic eyewear designs at the event, representing an important new direction for the Italian brand in 2025. Taking its titanium know-how to new heights, with a fresh design perspective, Blackfin will reveal its capabilities in fusing technological know-how and design expertise in models like the Arc-R and Slot-R sunglasses. Nicola Del Din, CEO Blackfin said: “Blackfin’s unparalleled expertise in 100% in-house titanium manufacturing allows us to create avant-garde eyewear with a truly unique identity. Decades of mastering this material have led to a level of technical and design maturity that brings constant innovation. Every frame reflects a fusion of cutting-edge engineering and refined aesthetics, resulting in state-of-the-art eyewear that is both modern and distinctive.” www.blackfin.eu
Much loved in the US, Lafont Paris returns to the LOFT event next week showing at Chelsea Industrial. Among their novelties is the colourful Raffinée optical model, part of a women’s eyewear collection which includes pretty, multi-coloured combination frames with a creative yet timeless design style, inspired by the Lafont woman herself. The frames in this collection are bold and square, with a structured yet subtle retro look. www.lafont.com
SALT. Optics will show its new luxurious eyewear and sunglasses collection, featuring Japanese acetate styles in custom colours. The frame designs pay homage to the art of timeless eyewear while embracing Japanese innovation. The line includes the style above called Smith, a shape which reexplores the classic P3 with a thinner, lighter profile. The finely tuned nature-inspired palette includes tones of matt indigo, smoke grey tea and mesa, pictured above, a lightly striated acetate pattern with natural cream and brown hues, www.saltoptics.com
Valley of Fire is a new design from Gamine New York who will be exhibiting at Chelsea Industrial. This signature model, inspired by Nevada’s oldest state park, captures the fluid beauty of wind-carved sandstone in titanium. The frame’s organic, wavelike shapes mirror the park’s iconic formations, while its signature copper finish echoes the rich, red-tinted sands of the Mojave Desert. Gamine NYC said : “This piece embodies our philosophy of finding beauty in natural forms while maintaining exceptional comfort and wearability.” There are four other striking designs in this collection which all reference architecture or natural landscapes. www.gamine.nyc
Watch our website for more updates and releases ahead of the Loft event next week!
LOFT Eyewear Show takes place at Chelsea Industrial and Chelsea Factory from Thursday 13th March to Saturday 15th March 2025. The show’s popular Independence party will take place on Friday 14th March (Chelsea Industrial) as a celebration of 25 years of LOFT in New York City! LOFT NYC is open from 9.00 am – 6.00 pm, Thursday 13th – Saturday 15th March – www.lofteyewearshow.com
Colour notes: super soft
Among the many trend stories in eyewear, a soft palette of colours has emerged as one of the most sensual and chic directions in the Spring/Summer collections
Recent eyewear trade events in Munich and Milan unveiled a wide-reaching selection of new colour proposals, among them some soft, light ice-cream tones that lend a new delicacy and feminine expression to women’s eyewear as well as a special elegance in some styles for men. Tones of light blue, powder pink, tea rose, buttery and celestial yellow and light tangerine are among the lighter hues that have been introduced more widely than in previous seasons and explored at different levels of transparency or saturation to bring a new feeling to the frames. Above: 70705 Full Xinox series – LOOK Moda – the colour palette in this collection by LOOK has been designed to reflect a trendy retro style with colour-blocking effects – the material Xinox, a steel originating from Sweden, is given a softer lighter look through the colour combinations and use of some surprising and very contemporary tones, www.lookocchiali.it
Hypno1 by FACE A FACE is a sunglass style in the new collection at the French eyewear brand for Spring/Summer. Exploring an avant-garde concept to challenge the norms of classic eyewear, the shape has oversized temples that frame the front and also features a riveted hinge and visible temple-cores. Available in two hybrid shapes, the colour pictured combines a soft “pink” nude and egg-shell blue. www.faceaface-paris.com
Lafont’s latest collection proposes some playful material mixes with colour combinations that are both fun and sophisticated. Model Rhythme 5726 combines a solid light pink with a deeper tone of red in a structured shape with beautifully confident lines to “frame the eyes” with a particular and striking design. www.lafont.com
Suitto Eyewear from Spain has created an optical collection with a well balanced palette that ranges from classical tones of black and tortoise through to several light pastel tones of crystal pink, light mauve and light turquoise. The designs are also very distinctive thanks to the refined bevelling which provides a sculpted look. Suitto places much emphasis also on creating shapes that suit and fit the face. www.suittoeyewear.com
Article One’s subtle sports details are combined with a fashion sensibility to ensure their designs suit all needs across an individual’s active lifestyle. The subtle tone of “suede” is one of a series of on-trend tones in a palette (have a look also at their colours like butterscotch and vintage crystal) that evokes soft varieties of mocha mousse, the Pantone Colour of the Year. See all their finel eyewear styles at www.articleoneeyewear.com
RSF has many different frames featured in pastel tones and light blues and yellows for the Spring/Summer. The Numero 128 – a frame with a cool double bridge and elongated rectangular eye shape, comes in a tone called “Cremoso Q” a lightly saturated creamy yellow tone that perfectly fits with the delicate palette that is currently evolving and catch our eye! Take a look at more of the Retrosuperfuture frames at https://retrosuperfuture.com
This feature was written by Clodagh Norton for Eyestylist.com – all rights reserved.
100% Optical, London – new must-see collections
The UK’s optical show takes place this weekend (1st to 3rd March 2025) – eyewear companies from Europe and the US will be exhibiting – in total 250 exhibitors have been confirmed for the trade event
Returning to London’s Excel Centre this week, 100% Optical organisers are promising an action-packed show, the 11th edition of the UK’s largest event for the optical industry. The programme for the weekend will include an education programme, in partnership with the Association of Optometrist (AOP), as well as optical fashion, design and cutting-edge equipment and technology, the return of 100% Ophthalmology, a co-located event which is the first in the world to bring together optometry and ophthalmology under one roof, plus a host of ‘happy hour’ networking opportunities.
For visitors who wish to find eyewear design inspiration, this year’s event will see the return of the 100% Studio (sponsored by Nikon Lenswear UK). The event organisers say this area will be “bigger, and bolder” featuring an enhanced dedicated area featuring new brands, 12 new stands, a line of up independently handcrafted eyewear. The organisers say this area is committed to championing the industry’s leading independent eyewear brands that honour craftsmanship, creativity and innovation.
As the show approaches, Eyestylist is pleased to share some brand new eyewear collections from international independent eyewear brands, showing at the London event for the first time. Above: the Italian company Blackfin will exhibit at 100% Optical – they have multiple releases, including new models in the Spring/Summer 2025 Blackfin One collection: this line embodies a bold, sophisticated vision, where modern shapes merge with a timeless aesthetic. The desire to experiment with new geometries converges with a constantly updated colour palette, www.blackfin.eu
Erker’s from the US return to 100% Optical each year. This collection is full of artisan details, heritage references, and fresh colours and patterns. Highlights include the Bay Window Collection with 27 chic eyewear frames, blending the story of the brand’s German heritage with modern style. Inspired by the charm of St. Louis and the warmth of home, the Bay Window Collection includes 20 optical frames, 4 sunglasses, and 3 additions to the limited-production ‘Special Reserve’ series. This collection also adds 18 new colourways, including unique frame shapes made of metal, acetate, or in combination, and a subdued, modern colour palette that provides flattering choices for all specs wearers. www.erkers1879.com
ROLF frames continue to be popular in the UK and with some of the leading optical retailers thanks to their quality and material innovation, in natural wood, horn, stone and 3D printed material made from castor beans. 100% Optical will be an opportunity to see their new designs in the award-winning Evolved, Substance and Fusion collections for Spring/Summer 2025. www.rolf-spectacles.com
Rich colours and artistic flourishes with playful geometric design details define the new FACE A FACE collection – on show at the Design Eyewear Group stand this weekend at 100% Optical. Avant-garde concepts, bold, hexagonal, oval and square eyewear shapes and visually exciting details all feature here, in sunglasses and opticals that are full of unique expression. www.faceaface-paris.com
Dita-Lancier has just launched a new collection designed for performance and everyday wear, where eyewear functionality meets “superior style and comfort”. The frames in the collection offer ergonomic design, lightweight silhouettes, and durable yet elegant structures that benefit from particular features for comfort such as flex-fitting temples and adjustable anti-slip notepads. www.dita.com
MYKITA will exhibit at 100% Optical this year. Among their popular collection is the Mykita Lite range, defined by modern silhouettes and pure constructions. This concept has been developed to offer super lightweight frames that also offer a refined and sophisticated aesthetic that is a pleasure to wear. www.mykita.com
100% Optical is a trade-only event for optical retailers taking place from 1st-3rd March 2025. To find out more visit www.100percentoptical.com
Valrose show new bags with pockets for eyewear
The French label has created pieces for women in natural leather and bright colours
Released at Mido in Milan a few weeks ago, the new line of handbags, tote bags and shoulder bags by French accessories brand Valrose feature special storage areas for glasses, credit cards and mobile phones. The designs are produced in natural materials such as leather or 100% wool felt sourced exclusively in Europe, and are made in the brand’s creative workshop in Beaumes de Venise, South of France. Above: Valrose “Huming-bird” shoulder bag – a compact shoulder bag with space for phone, glasses and credit cards – the bag has a jacquard ribbon strap finished with two silver hooks
The new Love birds bag is a spacious tote for women, with a glasses case attached at the front in a matching leather and a handy inside pocket. The bag is available in several elegant colours of blue, orange, beige or cherry. Find out more about this new artisan range of accessories at www.valrose.net
Ørgreen Optics: colour and lens evolution
Revitalising colour and lens innovation
Danish eyewear innovators, Ørgreen have launched a sunglasses range blending style and functionality with new bold innovative design features and colours. Some of their most popular styles are included in fresh, eye-catching fashion colours, with an advanced fashion aesthetic that emanates chic style.
“Our goal is to cater to a broader spectrum of customers without oversaturating the market with look-alike options,” explains Ørgreen’s sun designer Carola Nomden. “We know colour can create a whole new emotional connection with a product, and the possibility to work not just on the colour of the frame but also on the 3D
inserts and lenses adds an intriguing complexity that bridges aesthetics and design.”
Ensuring there is something for everyone, the palette moves from classic shades of black and rich brown through tones of soft blue, sage green and trending pinks.
The models Meridiana and Aries are among the highlights in this refreshed line-up. Their new iterations feature Spiced Coral or Baltib Blue accents in advanced
3D detailing, bringing a contemporary twist to the timeless silhouettes. Wild Rose and Peppermint 3D rings have been paired with pink and sage lenses. “The
use of tone-on-tone lenses elevates these models, making them both wearable and
modern,” adds the team.
Ørgreen also underlines lens functionality in this sunglasses release. Cosmetic tints in tones of sage green and pink make their debut and for customers seeking high-performance options, polarized lenses now feature prominently across the range. Find out more at www.orgreenoptics.com