Eyestylist

The London fair takes place this month from 25th to 27th February 2023 – a record number of independent eyewear labels will be taking part 

100% Optical is gearing up for an action packed event in London, with the biggest line up of brands the show has ever had, and predictions for an attendance in excess of 10,000 professionals from the optical world. The fair is attracting more independent eyewear labels to the event as exhibitors in 2023, including innovators like Vava, Nina Mûr and Erkers1879 and brands from across Europe, such as Nirvan Javan, Tree Spectacles, Orgreen Optics and FACE A FACE. Newcomers include two British labels, the fabulous multicoloured frame line by Danielle Rattray from Scotland and bio sunglasses from FFIN Eyewear designed by Anna Lewis from Wales. The choice of independent brands will represent the diverse design styles, material variety, individuality and quality focus at this end of the market – as well as a palette of colours with a lively energy for Spring. Previews of the collections showing suggest bold, uplifting colours, statement Spring infused design features and plenty of innovation – particularly in the field of sustainable materials – will offer plenty of inspiration and interest for the coming season. Above: The US independent eyewear brand Erkers1879 (Studio Optyx) will return to the show this year – they have recently added four new sophisticated sunglasses styles in their Roman Numeral V Collection

The Love Eyewear Awards by 100% Optical have become a highlight for brands attending the event. The awards feature 12 categories in total and the shortlist has already been announced; frames such as Kirk and Kirk’s Horace style (Men’s frame of the year category), a wonderful brightly toned statement acrylic design, l.a. Eyeworks model Palapa (Women’s Frame of the Year category) and Ffin Eyewear (New Designer of the Year category) shortlisted for different awards.

Vava are heading to 100% Optical for the first time, offering an opportunity for British retailers to explore a design-focused collection with a bold and committed approach to sustainability and many fascinating collaborations in its repertoire, including exceptional limited edition designs with the Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma.

Nina Mûr produces innovative handcrafted sustainable eyewear in natural wood. The collection for 2023 includes a new sun line called ‘Constellations’ with “geometric and polished lines” which will be a highlight for 100% visitors interested in sustainable design.

Götti BIONIC will show at 100% for the first time. This new sustainable line from the Swiss eyewear designers is based on reduction and simplification. The 3D printed frames are produced in a sustainable bio-based material made from castor bean seeds. The eyewear has been systematically pared down to the front piece and a pair of temples, with no additional screws or other aids used for the hinge.

The Italian brand Tree Spectacles has been well received in the UK in the last years. Their latest Translucency collection will be shown by The Exclusive Eyewear Agency at the 100% fair.

Morel will show their latest collections which include classic metal and combination styles in the Original line where archive designs from the 1950s have been reissued and beautifully interpreted to replicate the elegance and style of French eyewear icons of the past.

For those interested to view independent eyewear collections at the fair, find here a check list of some of the premium independent and creative collections not to be missed: Bird Eyewear, Danielle Rattray, Woow (Design Eyewear Group), FACE A FACE, Erkers1879, FFIN Eyewear, Götti Switzerland, Jisco, Kirk and Kirk, Morel, Nirvan Javan, Nina Mûr, Orgreen Optics, Sea2see, SALT. Optics, Tree Spectacles Struktur Eyewear, VAVA Eyewear and Vysen, among others.

100% Optical takes place from 25th to 27th February at ExCel London. The event is trade only. The Love Eyewear Awards will be presented on Saturday 25th at 5pm on the main Catwalk at ExCel. For more information and to register visit www.100percentoptical.com

The Swiss designer was inspired to create a new line informed by the colours and textures of Marrakech and its rich culture…previewing this weekend at Mido

A new line has been announced by Swiss design label Nirvan Javan, with colours and patterns imbued with the spirit and diversity of the beautiful city of Marrakech. For the first time at the brand, the collection carries a new signature inlay with an elegant monogram representing the N and J of the designer’s name. Above: first view of the new Marrakech collection where striking colours have been introduced

In the Marrakech collection, the colours are at once evocative of iconic references to the city of Marrakech, and the famous Jardin Majorelle, with its striking cobalt blue and yellow inspired by the desert sands. The Marrakech Collection will be unveiled in a preview this month at Mido 2023. Watch this space to find out about the new frames and visit www.nirvanjavan.com for more about the Swiss eyewear brand, as the new collection rolls out.