Eyestylist

The London event spotlighted the great variety of eyewear collections and design and emerging labels available in the UK, alongside highlighting sustainable developments in eyewear…the event is the UK’s leading showcase of all things optical

Record attendance (11,725 visitor attendance) at the event through three days, a buoyant atmosphere and highlights from a variety of independent brands as well as licensed brands, the 10th edition of 100% Optical provided a thorough overview of eyewear trends and directions in 2024 as we head towards the Spring/Summer season.

Eyestylist observed many of the new themes evolving for Spring/Summer. Bold bright colours continue to reflect the different colour palettes coming through in fashion, and particular focus on colours like, green, red and bright blue. Examples of other luxurious tonal palettes and beautiful finishes of all types were also on view, as were new proposals where colours are combined in lively, characterful ways. Eyewear collections are now full of extraordinary variety, with many different materials available, as well as many interpretations of classic looks, contemporary design styles and trendy shapes – with interesting inspiration and creative design ideas. Above: model Matics by FACE A FACE – part of the fascinating Japan Now! collection, inspired by Japanese designers and culture – FACE A FACE is part of Design Eyewear Group

Among the latest highlights at Woow Eyewear (Design Eyewear Group) were the bright tones of models designed to bring out a carefree mood with a “dose of positivity and good vibrations.” Model Super Soul 1 expresses that playful mood, with combinations of colour and materials that are carefully finessed.

ROLF had an array of new styles in wood, 3D printed material and stone. The Indy style is part of the evolved collection, complementing the 128 series with its small dimensions for smaller faces.

The Dimension collection by Götti Switzerland is produced by means of state-of-the-art additive manufacturing, at the Swiss brand’s HQ in Zurich. The styles benefit from many interesting properties, from extreme comfort to aesthetic qualities.

Among the sustainable brands exhibiting at the show this year, Sea2see (www.sea2see.org) presented a collection which continues to exhibit the advancements in materials produced from marine waste. Styles such as model Atlantic have simple wearable shapes produced in ‘seastainable’ material with patterns and a variety of finishes.

Also notable were the small creative brands exhibiting at the fair: Nina Mûr from Madrid, Danielle Rattray from Scotland, and the accessories brand KODES (UK).

This year the 100% x RCA competition featured 10 finalists who exhibited their creative designs at the event. The winner was Joy Julius, who presented “Stack”, a piece inspired by the vintage optometry trial lenses design. The project  was conceived to enable users to layer their glasses to customise them, combining different frame styles – and personalising them to reflect their individuality. 100% Optical returns to Excel London on 1st-3rd March 2024. For more information visit www.100percentoptical.com