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

Eyestylist Exclusive: VAVA takes influences of industrial aesthetics and electronic music to next level with VAVA’s acid tones in the Spring/Summer 2024 collection, an expression of late 1980s/90s House Music, its boundary-pushing culture and art 

VAVA Eyewear finds new inspiration in electronic music and Acid House this season, with colours in the SS24 collection informed by a multitude of sources related to the music genre and movement with its club and rave scene.

By juxtaposing the fluorescent-look hues against sleek modern frame designs, VAVA aimed to create a visual tension that is both captivating and forward-thinking – and perfectly on cue as eyewear designers continue to amp up the brightness of their boldest colours. Above: VAVA Eyewear signature acid green square-shaped sunglasses – BL0034 – a tone inspired by the Acid Techno Smiley Face, the iconic symbol of the rave and flyers and art works of the Acid Movement

The neon colours are informed as much by artists of the time such as Keith Haring, New York pop artist, and  Jeremy Deller, the English conceptual, video and installation artist as by Chicago and Manchester in the late 80s – and the Haçienda, the nightclub and music venue in Manchester, England, which became famous during the Madchester years of the 1980s/1990s. Run by the record label Factory Records, the club opened in 1982, eventually fostering the Manchester acid house and rave scene.

Acid House was known for its unique squelching or chirping sounds created using the iconic Roland TB-303, also called the “303”, a bass synthesiser which was discontinued in 1984, but soon highly sought after second-hand.

VAVA’s new pieces in acid colours are part of a collection of frames which is divided into three main themes, each one with advanced technology at the foundation of the concept and the construction of the designs. To find out more click on the Eyestylist link: https://www.eyestylist.com/2023/09/silmo-paris-preview-new-innovative-design/

VAVA Eyewear will exhibit in New York at the trade-only independent eyewear event LOFT, Hudson Mercantile, from 14th to 17th March 2024. www.vavaeyewear.com