March 2017

May launches with a merry start as the Die Brillenmesse independent eyewear show takes place in Cologne. The Rhine City event is held in the spacious surroundings of Dock One, and features independent eyewear designer flair. Nathanaël Wenger Co-director of the show (above with co-director Steffen Keil) gives an exclusive interview to Eyestylist about the forthcoming show.

Could you please share with us the development of Die Brillenmesse Köln? “We are on track with Cologne with around 30 exhibitors so far, and quite a few more in the pipeline. With the business uncertainty, some smaller companies are reducing their marketing costs this year. Cologne is still new and we think and believe that Cologne is a perfect place for our show.”

Who are some of the exhibitors in Köln this year? “There is interesting brand variety that includes Adrian Marwitz; Andy Wolf; Götti Switzerland; Anne et Valentin; Baars Eyewear; Blackfin; Coblens; Götti Switzerland; Lunor; Orgreen Optics; Joel Lesca Optique; Kerl; Miamai; Masunaga, Markus T.; Martin & Martin; Robert la Roche and TD Tom Davis Ltd. to mention just a few.”

Die Brillenmesse is a great supporter of independent labels. Nowadays, as eyewear is evolving rapidly for both the industry and the consumer, what challenges do independent creators face? “First there is a great uncertainty in the market due to the global crisis (Trump, Turkey, Brexit etc.), the future of online, clients changing behaviour (higher demands, price sensitiveness, information level…) and big pressures on Retail in general. So it is not easy to find a clear direction in these turbulences. We try to give some direction by supporting independent labels, design and innovation, but also Newcomers. Nowadays, it is even more important to find new ways of doing business and being different from the mass-market. This is our mission, and we can see that it works with many independent opticians in Switzerland. I think it is important that opticians focus on their strengths – which is personal contact, artisanship, good advice, innovation and high-end quality.”

Please tell us about the Think Tank sessions that are part of the Die Brillenmesse Programme.“The response to the Think Tank sessions was positive and we will feature similar subjects as in Stuttgart. This will include how to reach new clients, digital change, and technical innovations. Again, the aim is to give the independent opticians some input and inspiration on how they can keep direction in a rough sea. We are also delighted that two Vintage collectors – Christian Metzler and Alexander Dosiehn will show their Vintage Collections in Köln with amazing beauties!”

Mark you calendars now! Saturday and Sunday 6th and 7th May at Dock One in Cologne for Die Brillenmesse Köln 2017. Further info at www.diebrillenmesse.de JG

Prescription frame wearers can anticipate stylish selections with the new optical collections. Whether you are an avid fan of the cat-eye shape; round in all sizes; rectangular; square or aviator; choices abound in traditional and unconventional materials, plus fabulous colours and alluring neutrals. Anna-Karin Karlsson embraces optical designs with romantic charisma. Le Papillon (above) is gracefully feminine: 24caret gold plated, with elegant butterfly accents. Explore more of the Swedish creator’s luxurious designs at www.annakarinkarlsson.com

The latest collection from SALT. Optics includes timeless designs in beautiful nature-inspired colourations. Slim styling in Lance features a new colour for the California brand – Dried Herb. Discover more of the SALT. eyewear universe at www.saltoptics.com

Fleye Copenhagen has introduced their stunning new Signature Collection – beautifully crafted silhouettes with form and texture. The frames mix cool metals with warm natural materials – as in Dixon – and the results are designs with unique character and style. www.fleye.dk

Green is a predominant tone in collections – with colour sensitivity that is a pleasure for the complexion. Weber in Kiwi Shimmer on Gunmetal Satin – acetate overlay on stainless steel – is a chic frame by l.a.Eyeworks. Superbly crafted in Italy, the shape is flattering for both men and women. www.laeyeworks.com

Red in a variety of jubilant, joyous tones is trend-setting this season. Ron by Chris Mascré and Yolande de Clercq at Vue dc in lustrous acetate combines retro panache with modern, artisan techniques. www.vuedc.fr JG

Eyewear experiences continue to expand beyond the everyday. Innovative brands take new risks with clever techniques to bring new technological scope to new collections. 3D printed frames are a fast expanding eyewear choice, increasing the opportunity in personalisation as well as comfort and practicality. The Danish label MONOQOOL shows fast-paced innovation in this arena, with the launch of super thin frame structures in its new Slider Series. The frames, which weigh just 4 grams, have an ultra thin front design combined with cool horizontal temples and a clever hinge system. www.monoqool.com

Siens Eye Code from Milan presented their first Creatures collection in 2016 with a concept that boasts three patents for hinge, lens assembly and packaging “integrated to the glasses”. The idea is to unite art and technology, vision and science, to blend each element in one high-tech product produced using traditional expertise in the Veneto. The brand has exciting new entries coming for Autumn 2017 that we have been able to preview ahead of the Autumn fairs. More details at www.sienseyecode.com

Italian lifestyle brand Bob Sdrunk is creating a buzz with its 100% made in Italy designs from a team of expert opticians – attentive to design, modern quality and the all important fit. The round model Uranus is typical of the unconventional shapes in the collection. The very narrow metal construction of the style (pictured in gold) with cross bar balanced over the classic round shape brings a chic contemporary look that is immediately appealing. www.bobsdrunk.com CN

Lafont Paris has sadly announced the recent passing of Philippe Lafont, president of Lafont Paris, and a passionate advocate of eyewear. Lafont was also president of SILMO, and contributed his outstanding talents and professional expertise to GIFO.

In additional to Lafont’s numerous roles in the optical community, he was enthusiastic about opera; always polite, kind and courteous. Thomas and Matthieu Lafont will continue to support their father’s dedication to the family legacy as a pioneer and innovator of luxury eyewear made in France, upholding the company’s core values of integrity, craftsmanship and elegance.

Eyestylist extends our deepest sympathy and condolences to Thomas, Matthieu, family, friends and the Lafont team. JG