100optical

The UK optical industry event took place from 28th February – 2nd March at ExCel London – highlights included the 100% Studio, sponsored by Nikon Optical UK and featuring a host of independent labels including Linda Farrow, Tavat, ORGREEN Optics and Blackfin – as well as the annual Love Eyewear Awards

According to the show organisers, the event was attended by over 11,000 visitors of which 55% came from independent practices. This year’s figures were similar to those of previous years. Over 5000 brands were showcased in total across eyewear, contact lenses, lenses and technology products, and the education programme was said to be extremely popular and well attended.

The Love Eyewear Awards ceremony took place on the first evening of the event. Independent brands featured in the awards included Talla, with their style Belvedere, in the Men’s Sunglasses category, Clayton Franklin 659 in the Men’s Frame Category and Tohu Bohu by LAFONT in the Children’s Eyewear Category.  The Focal Rooms won the Eyewear Retailer of the Year. Above: the 100% catwalk continues to be a popular feature of the show

Independent brands from around Europe were represented across the event, via distributors and stands in the 100% Studio. The independent eyewear showcase included Lafont Paris, RES/REI, Tree Spectacles, Hoffmann Natural Eyewear, GOTTI Switzerland, ORGREEN Optics, MOREL, TAVAT Eyewear and many more. A new high-quality UK brand – Ransome and Jenkin – was launched at the event (www.ransomeandjenkin.com).

The brands presented collections for Spring/Summer 2026 and in some cases the new styles coming for Autumn/Winter 2026. Key trends for the summer, including  oversized sunglasses, geometric frames, smaller shapes and designs with colourful tinted lenses were well represented while an eye-catching selection of beautifully crafted spectacles and sunglasses pointed to the consistent appreciation of fine eyewear design and luxury in the top independent practices in the UK.

In 2027, 100% Optical will take place from 27th February to 1st March. Organised in partnership with the Association of Optometrists (AOP), 100% Optical will continue to provide a platform to discover the latest in eyewear, contact lenses, technology, and business solutions. The event will also continue to offer opportunities to earn CPD points through a world-class programme curated by Dr Ian Beasley (AOP). Find out more at www.100percentoptical.com

By Clodagh Norton  – The 100% trade fair in London promises a huge display of eyewear collections in January, alongside the latest tech, lens releases and state-of-the-art optical equipment for opticians and optical practices. Their growing “studio area” for independent labels will welcome new additions for the 2020 show – among which the fair organisers highlight Coral Eyewear (www.coraleyewear.com), an eco-friendly frame producer, and Kaleos, the Barcelona brand offering innovative fashion frames at affordable prices. Above: model Pollitt by Kaleos – released this month in new colours. Find out more: www.kaleoscollection.com

Titanium frames remain hugely popular this season and Ørgreen Optics will showcase some of their highly successful minimal modern styles – named after infamous rap tunes. The strong lines and contemporary details of these frames exude originality and freedom of expression. Find out more at www.orgreenoptics.com

Returning to the London show for 2020, Gotti Switzerland is one of the fair’s prestigious luxury exhibitors and a key innovator in eyewear design: their ultralight, minimal Perspective collection was launched in 2017 and has seen some original new editions including the Perspective “Loop” series (2019 launch) with delicate 3D printed matt polyamide rims – a must see at 100%. www.gotti.ch

Woow is already a favourite French collection at 100% – much loved by the UK market for its bright quirky designs and creative colour combinations. The latest limited edition was the Bolly Wool capsule, inspired by “Bollywood” with Mandala patterns on temples and spiced-up tonal mixes of cardamom, saffron, mint and red pepper. Frames from the collection can be seen at www.wooweyewear.com

SALT. Optics is one of the most distinctive of the US brands attending the 100% fair for 2020. SALT. enjoys a strong relationship with the UK, with the ophthalmic and sun collections available at some of the most unique British independent optical retailers. Their latest designs will go on show at the exhibition, packed with wonderful classic shapes re-interpreted with modern elements and uplifting nature-inspired colours. Find out more: www.saltoptics.com

Lara D’ by Lara D’Alpaos comes to London from the Italian spectacle-making region of Belluno. The latest range includes laminated acetate frames characterised by clean, well defined lines and lovely colour combinations that offer a bold and fresh perspective for the New Year. Find our more at www.laradeyewear.com

100% Optical will take place from 25-27th January 2020 at ExCel exhibition centre, London. The event is exclusively for trade and showcases an overview of eyewear, lenses, optical equipment and business services. A selection of independent brands attend the event each year. A sustainability angle has been added to the fair in recent weeks. The organisers have promised to plant a tree in the name of every optical professional who signs up for the show between now and 8th January and who attends the show from 25th to 27th January, “to recognise and do something positive about the climate emergency.”

For more information visit www.100percentoptical.com – This feature was written by Clodagh Norton. All rights reserved.