The next edition of LOFT takes place 23rd to 24th September 2023 – expect design products “hot off the press” and an artsy vibe in a stunning sunny eyewear venue
The popular independent eyewear fair LOFT confirms its return to Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture in San Francisco. Key partners for the event include a good proportion of independent brands who attend the NYC event, including BEVEL, Blake Kuwahara, JF REY, Nathalie Blanc, ROLF Spectacles, Masahiromaruyama, MYKITA, SALT. Optics and Silhouette. Above: the venue for LOFT San Francisco – Fort Mason Center
The award-winning designer Blake Kuwahara, from Los Angeles, will show his eponymous eyewear collection at the event, with its unmistakable signature and style that has garnered global attention. Kuwahara frames, and particularly those in acetate, explore lamination techniques and complex cutting and polishing steps to create special nuances in the look and feel of each frame design.
The French designer Nathalie Blanc has sights set on growing her presence in the USA in 2023 and going forward. The luxury brand’s attendance at the LOFT fair represents an important step in this development, and will offer US retailers a unique opportunity to discover the French brand’s style and creative philosophy for themselves.
ROLF Spectacles, from the Tyrol Mountains will exhibit at LOFT, with new releases following their recent win at the New York Product Design Awards. Their wooden Aronde frame, which has an elegant panto inspired shape, is from the evolved collection and won a silver medal at the awards (2023).
LOFT will also be an opportunity to view the latest work from Japanese ‘artist of the frame’, Masahiro Maruyama. His most recent collection ‘Broken’ was inspired by broken parts of glass and pottery, which, once in pieces are never the same again, explains the designer. The frames make a special artistic impression with their handmade appearance and asymmetrical shapes and details.
Gotti Switzerland’s showcase for the event will include a taste of their various collections produced in stainless steel, titanium and 3D printed material with attention paid to lightness, stability, innovation and design. In their latest release, the Perspective collection sees the addition of a new and even thinner LITE temple design, representing their pursuit for the ultimate comfort and minimalist style in this state-of-the-art collection.
Vivid colours and patterns characterise the collections at J.F. Rey for 2023. The company has just released its new models in the Petite collection, where an artistic fusion of shapes and materials offers exciting eyewear for those requiring a smaller, perfectly proportioned fit.
LOFT Eyewear Shows are the premier independent luxury eyewear events held annually in New York City and San Francisco. Since 2000, the LOFT events have showcased a mesmerising selection of exclusive and cutting edge designers from around the world. LOFT is the longest running independent eyewear show in the Americas. To find out more and organise your visit, go to www.lofteyewearshow.com