Trends
On Stage
5
2023
The supply contract in the eyewear sector
n r.
Edizioni Ariminum Srl - Via Negroli, 51/A - 20133 Milano - Italy
T H E F I R S T I N T E R N AT I O N A L M AG A Z I N E O N O P T I C S A N D E Y E W E A R
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LOZZAOCCHIALI.COM
3rd - 5th February 2024
Milano Fiera Rho
Stand: M24 M32 N23 N31
GO EYEWEAR ITALY SRL. - Via dell’Artigianato 61 - z.i. Paludi 32016 ALPAGO (BL) ITALY | Tel.: +39 0437 184 80 40 | info.marketing@goeyeweargroup.com
T H E F I R S T I N T E R N AT I O N A L M AG A Z I N E O N O P T I C S A N D E Y E W E A R
Fashion Trends Industry
Publishing Director: Isabella Morpurgo
EDITORIAL 5
TRENDS: FASHION SHIELDS
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REGULATORY, QUALITY
AND COMMUNICATION
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EVENTS 16
ON STAGE 24
NEWS 30
FAIRS 34
Trends The supply contract in the eyewear sector On Stage
5
2023
VEDERE International nr.05 / 2023
n r.
Marketing & Economy
Edizioni Ariminum Srl - Via Negroli, 51/A - 20133 Milano - Italia
New Products
READY TO FACE 2024?
2024 will be a leap year, as 2020 was, and it certainly didn’t leave us with a good memory. While I am by no means superstitious, I am crossing my fingers anyway. I won’t summarise the problems, wars and recessions that the world is facing, we are all familiar with them and to varying degrees they are also reflected in our professional activities. In view of the New Year, let us look together at the positive aspects that can await us and what we can do. Allow me a bit of local pride, as an Italian I am proud that, finally, a woman was recently elected to head the Association of Eyewear and Optical Goods Manufacturers, ANFAO. I have known Lorraine Berton for many years and I think she combines the positive characteristics of her ‘homeland’, Cadore, the cradle of Italian eyewear, with a more international outlook given by having lived for a long time on the other side of the world and being bilingual Italian/English. As a woman, she is certainly multitasking (allow me) and will have broad enough shoulders to face what awaits her. Our industry has changed a lot over the last decades, a few big players manage almost all the fashion brands that have also landed in eyewear and, as licences expire, these same brands pass from one ‘giant’ to another. And the so-called niche? The design? Creativity? The brands that made history by changing the rules of eyewear 30 years ago have been taken over by bigger companies (including the giants mentioned above), I am thinking of Face à Face, Alain Mikli, Lindberg, Burton Perreira, ic Berlin, etc etc. Among new designers and their companies, I see so much homologation in chasing the trends of the moment or an exaggerated search for design that then does not lead to sufficient sell-out to make a business survive. There are many good ideas but real research is expensive and the market difficult. In the meantime, the end of the year is looming and, with it, the urgency imposed by the close dates of our first appointments. Opti in Munich will open 2024 on 12 January and, just over two weeks later, we will move to Milan for Mido. In 2025 it will be even worse because the interval between the two shows will be (literally) a matter of days. Which will lead to almost insurmountable logistical problems for those who want to exhibit at both events. The world of trade fairs after the pandemic is trying to reinvent itself, Opti has unveiled optiCONNECT, its year-round online version, and Vision Expo East will be in 2024 for the last time in New York before moving after decades in 2025 to Orlando, a venue that is certainly more convenient but, I fear, less prestigious. Happy 2024 to all and see you soon!
Isabella Morpurgo Publisher VEDERE International isabellamorpurgo@vedere.it
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TRENDS
The rise of a must-have Fashion Shields from the ‘90s and Y2k aesthetics are the trend that strongly holds up in the latest fashion brand collections By Roberta Mella Simion
Single-lens, wrap-around and futuristic silhouette reminiscent of sporty sunglasses: fashion shields create a statement effect that does not go unnoticed, a declaration of presence. Perhaps this is why they are loved by celebrities and fashion addicts alike, so much so that they have become favourite styles for the diva look, almost as much as oversized frames were in the 1970s. Simply saying “ goggle” is an understatement, as this eyewear family encompasses different style concepts: from atleisure (athletic-leisure: a mix of sportswear/accessories and more classic garments, not for training but for leisure) to streetstyle, from disco-clubbing inspirations to precious details, to technical design influenced by the silhouettes of performance sunglasses. A trend that reconfirms and renews itself, finding plenty of space in the latest collections of fashion brands: on one side with increasingly captivating and elaborate proposals, on the other winking at the prevailing trend of Quiet Luxury.
DE RIGO Unisex design with an atleasure-style front. The special lens is customised with a mirrored gold effect that recalls the snakeskin pattern. The bold, faceted acetate temples feature the monogram RC logo
Roberto Cavalli SRC037
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LUXOTTICA
TRENDS
Dolce & Gabbana 0DG2298B The sinuous, futuristic lines are the very essence of the 2000s. The D and G in shiny crystals on either side of the front make this Diva collection model unique
Miu Miu 0MU_50ZS Free-standing lenses enriched by the bold design of the metal bar outlining the upper part of the front. The thin temples are decorated with the iconic vertical Miu Miu logo
Swarovski 0SK6014 A futuristic semi-circled silhouette featuring an array of crystals along the upper profile. Tone-on-tone temples are embellished with metal logos and rubber tips for extra comfort
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TRENDS
KERING EYEWEAR In the Kering collections, a selection of soft tones and shaded lenses for a proposal that approaches the codes of Quiet Luxury
Alexander McQueen AM0447S
Gucci GG1560S
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TRENDS
Alaïa AA0083S
Bottega Veneta BV1299S
Balenciaga BB0292S
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MARCHON Sinuous but aggressive design for this unisex injected model in Matte Black colour
Karl Lagerfeld KL6128S
MARCOLIN From the Après Ski Collection, a goggle with leather insert on the front and the iconic T logo. High style, high technology and athletic drive come together in a luxurious and sporty model
Tom Ford FT1121 LORNA
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TRENDS
SAFILO
TRENDS
Marc Jacobs MARC 737S An elongated frame with bold temples featuring the brand’s distinctive maxi lettering. Slightly cat-eye smoked lenses soften the effect
Missoni MIS 0185S Black lenses with stud effect support screws. The slender gold metal temples are made of two pieces welded at different levels and have a graphic patterned end piece
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REGULATORY, QUALITY AND COMMUNICATION
Clariscience, as an independent and highly specialized consultancy agency, offers a panel of integrated services designed to help its customers from the medical device and IVD sector, in achieving and maintaining regulatory and quality compliance and succeeding on the market through a clear and inspiring scientific communication. info@clariscience.com
The supply contract in the eyewear sector: the 10 key points When a company in the eyewear sector purchases from a supplier raw materials or semi-finished products (for example, acetate sheets or optical lens blanks), when it opts for subcontracting a process or parts thereof (for example, the galvanic or welding process of metal eyewear frames) or even when it purchases a finished product (for example, optical frames or uncut lenses) to be placed on the market under its responsibility, it is essential for the parties to define all the information concerning the scope of the supply in order to ensure that the product supplied constantly complies with
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the customer’s specifications. In addition to being essential for the legal manufacturer of the devices to assure conformity of the products to the regulations in force – both mandatory and technical – this information makes it possible to also define a whole set of aspects, not strictly related to the product, that underlie efficient, stable and long-lasting relations between the parties. The quality agreement is that part of the supply contract, stipulated by the supplier and the customer, which, in addition to the various
commercial and legal clauses, contains specific sections covering the quality requirements of the product and related processes that the parties must adhere to, within their business relations. Below we have set out the 10 key points of the quality agreement which should always be included in a contract stipulated between customer and supplier. 1. Identify the products covered by the agreement: the agreement between the parties must contain a precise identification of the products covered by the agreement (e.g., model and colour) and, where applicable, an indication of the technical and/or mandatory regulatory framework. 2. The product specifications: the supplier must provide the customer with a product with specific features that must be precisely detailed in the agreement (for example, dimensional and technical specifications). 3. The checks to be performed on the product: if the product must comply with certain specifications, process controls must be scheduled and carried out at different levels, aimed at guaranteeing the specifications at the end of the production flow. The contract specifications precisely
detail what checks to carry out, what instruments to use, and what acceptance criteria to consider for a check to be passed or failed. 4. The requirements for approval of the processes and equipment: the suppliers have been selected precisely because they are able to manage a specific process. The requirements for guaranteeing optimal management of the process that is contracted by the company to the supplier must remain over time; that is why they are included in the information that is agreed in writing between the parties.
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REGULATORY, QUALITY AND COMMUNICATION
8. The management of sub-contractors: if the contract covers any sub-contractors (for example, raw material suppliers), it must define the limits, as well as the methods for managing and controlling them by the supplier, in order to guarantee the customer a product that constantly meets the specifications. 9. The clause on changes: the agreement should contain a specific clause that defines the limits and methods of managing changes made by the supplier, which have or may have an impact on the quality and safety of the products (for example, changes to specifications, manufacturing and control procedures, raw materials), as well as the methods for communication and authorisation by the customer. 5. The requirements for personnel qualifications: not just machinery, also human resources. The success of a process depends on multiple factors: the abilities, qualifications, and skills of the personnel are among the most important ones. For the majority of the processes or parts thereof, it is indispensable for those performing them to be appropriately trained. 6. The requirements of the quality management system: whether the critical supplier has a quality management system compliant and/or certified in accordance with one of the reference standards (ISO 13485 and/or ISO 9001), or not, from a documentary point of view there are key aspects that must be defined and agreed between the parties (for example, the procedure for managing deviations). 7. The methods for auditing the supplier’s activities: the parties must define the methods for auditing the activities covered by the agreement. If the customer’s procedures call for specific supplier auditing methods (e.g. second party audit), these must be agreed between the parties.
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10.The methods for string and transporting the products: the parties must agree on the storage conditions of the product and agree who will be responsible for transport and therefore for ensuring it takes place in compliance with the specifications.
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YOU
C A N
R E LY O N U S TO AC HIEVE F U L L M D R COMPLIANCE Are you a manufacturer or a distributor of the eyewear sector? Talk to us to place your device on the market in compliance with the latest regulatory changes and make sure your quality management system is in accordance with the law.
clariscience.com
vedere@clariscience.com
+39 049 7443622
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EVENTS
INVU by Swiss Eyewear Group celebrated its 10th anniversary The INVU brand of the Swiss Eyewear Group blew out its first ten candles last October. A brand that began as the shared dream of five eyewear professionals has grown into an extraordinary global enterprise represented in over 95 countries with more than 45,000 points of sale.
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environment that stimulates creativity and product innovation for our INVU customers’. Swiss Eyewear Group is proud of its doubledigit millions in revenues and more than 20 million glasses sold, a proof of the trust and loyalty that business partners and customers place in the INVU brand.
INVU was introduced to the market with the firm goal of becoming the global brand of next-generation polarising sunglasses. This ambition is driven by an ongoing commitment to state-of-the-art lenses and materials. What further distinguishes INVU is its value creation strategy: Swiss Eyewear Group actively invests in new technologies and offers its products at an affordable price to consumers worldwide. Each pair of glasses is designed and engineered at the headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, and then manufactured with meticulous care.
Swiss Eyewear Group’s next steps for the future are characterised by a combination of strategic expansion, innovative product development and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Commercially, there is room for growth in Central and South America, as well as in Asian countries. Another key step is the expansion of the prescription frame range and the magnetic INVU clip-on frames, whose fusion of functionality and fashion has been welcomed by opticians.
Jerry Dreifuss, CEO of Swiss Eyewear Group, describes the company’s culture by emphasising: ‘Total product and customer focus is part of our DNA. This encourages collaboration and the exchange of ideas, fostering a dynamic
Last but not least, the partnership with Eastman’s Tritan Renew material not only satisfies environmentally conscious customers, but also underlines Swiss Eyewear Group’s commitment to sustainable practices.
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EVENTS
ZEISS Convention 2023: trekking the world of Vision An immersive tour through the world of Optics, from scientific research to customer experience Roberta Mella Simion
Between 18 and 20 October, Berlin hosted the ZEISS Vision Care Convention: opticians, optometrists and industry specialists met again for an intensive and constructive exchange on the latest innovations and trend topics. The 2023 edition was attended by 2,600 professionals from 69 countries. Many topics were discussed during the presentations, which were modulated in a sequence of thematic and experiential
stages between the pavilions of the Expo Quartier: from the increasing prevalence of myopia to the challenges of digitalisation, from the increase in the average age of the population to the integration of ophthalmology and optics, and finally to the technologies of the future and the ideal shopping experience in an optical centre. The journey through the various ZEISS worlds was accompanied by a leitmotif: Optician is a partner not a competitor. A
The ZEISS Universe central hall at the Expo Quarter in Berlin
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The importance of attention to the individual illustrated during the thematic itineraries
concept that emerged in all the insights and was emphasised by Sven Hermann, Member of the Executive Board of Carl Zeiss AG and Head of ZEISS Consumer Markets Segment, during the event’s opening speech at the Berlin Velodrome.
Global challenges converge to focus on the individual With the claim “Nobody Sees Like You”, ZEISS wanted to emphasise an aspect that characterises today’s market: the need for increasingly specific and customised solutions in terms of both the product offering and consultancy and communication. It is not only the end customer who needs customised treatment, but the Optical Partner him/herself, who today builds business on the uniqueness of his/her own brand and, consequently, of his/her audience. The Nobody Sees Like You campaign was designed by ZEISS to channel and convert brand awareness at the point of sale.
A broad and constant marketing programme, not a one-shot contribution, aimed at increasing in-store traffic thanks to the power of the brand, i.e. the brand being able to create people who believe in the product. ZEISS calls itself a Branded House rather than a House of Brands.
The Optician is a protagonist: an eclectic entrepreneur “How to run a great shop?”. The Optician is a vision professional but also an eclectic and versatile figure within his or her business: accountant, marketing & communication manager, architect, window dresser, psychologist... Technical-scientific preparation and administrative skills are no longer enough to sustain the business; the optician must update and even acquire notions of in-store design and marketing in order to better manage the routes within the point of sale, to create an efficient display and attractive layouts. In addition, the vision professional
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EVENTS
of sale. Another advantage that ZEISS research provides to the optical partner can be summed up in the word “Simplexity”, i.e. being able to rely on products that are technically very complex but simple to explain to the end customer. Growth is the common goal and the German company emphasises that it has no intention of going retail, but wants to continue to contribute significantly and responsibly to the development of the sector.
Beyond Responsibility “This year we made a big leap, achieving our best result ever. The most important fact is that we have grown well in every division; even in Italy, all divisions have recorded alltime highs,” said Michele D’Adamo, CEO of ZEISS Italia. “We are a company that creates innovation from the ground up: not only does ZEISS invest 15 per cent of total sales in research and development, Sven Hermann, Head of ZEISS, during the opening event of the Convention
must know how to listen to the customer and understand his or her needs, which today are much more complex than in the past due to a hectic and busy lifestyle.
Keywords: Comprehension and Simplexity The aim of ZEISS is to provide the optical partner with a range of tools and solutions that facilitate his or her multitasking role. From modules for creating in-store paths, to Apps for a visual, not just an aesthetic customer experience. An example? Often the customer enters an optical centre inclined to invest in his own image, i.e. concerned about the look he will get with his new spectacle frame, rather than really interested in the lenses. ZEISS provides Demotools that allow the wearer to try out a realistic visual experience, aimed at better understanding and evaluating the ophthalmic proposal offered at the point
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An impressive presentation in one of the pavilions of the Expo Quarter
Demonstration-experiential stage
but a further share of profits goes to the Carl Zeiss Foundation, which also finances scientific projects in universities. Already in the original statutes of the Foundation there are the first embryos of social responsibility, but today we go further. Both at Group level and on a local basis, we have activated a specific programme based on a number of pillars: Responsible
Manufacturing, responsibility in production processes; Responsible People, to ensure a respectful workplace and balanced relations; Social Contribution, for greater sensitivity and attention to communities; and Communication Engagement, so that Sustainability is not seen as a separate project but as an integral factor in the company’s DNA,’ D’Adamo concluded.
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The eyewear universe.
FEBRUARY 3-5, 2024 Fiera Milano, Rho
MAXGALLI + MIXER GROUP + SILVIA BADALOTTI + ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.
Same but different SNOB Milano: a contemporary and sophisticated design, never daring, in an interplay of volumes, thicknesses and colours that season after season is renewed while remaining faithful to its DNA. There are seven new models, including two brand new ones in titanium and two BioLUX versions of iconic models which join the main line of injected models. A key role is played by the use of colour which this season, in addition to classic black and tortoiseshell, favours subdued shades such as sage, powder and sugar paper alongside more intense colours such as burgundy or teal, softened by interplays of transparency and opacity. SNOB Milano is by now widely recognised as ‘the’ magnetic sun clip-on collection thanks also to an exclusive little ‘Z’ on the ZEISS Sunlens brand sun filters: the link between the Sunlens department of the German giant ZEISS and the young Lombardy brand is now inseparable. Squared off the first, sinuous and sensual the second, Falco and Supra are the top models of the season in the plastic segment joined by Giuàn Mari, Laica, Twiggy, to name but a few, all characterised by clean lines and volumetric play. As always, it is a subtle irony that dictates the names of each new model. The space dedicated to titanium, the line introduced a few seasons ago as a cameo to pay homage to the 100th anniversary of Sordelli, the brand’s historic manufacturer, with a limited-edition pair of glasses, is also growing. Much appreciated internationally, this segment now includes 6 models to which two new pantos will be added for the coming season: Specialotto and Spyder. Finally, the BioLUX segment is increasingly characterised by a research path aimed at experimenting and choosing new solutions - materials, treatments, colours - that are increasingly compatible with the environment around us and that guarantee the brand’s quality and aesthetic standards. The glasses in this family are all made of plant-derived bio-plastic - a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic - combined with temples made of beta-titanium - an extremely light, resistant, flexible material as well as being hypoallergenic, non-toxic and biocompatible, and climate-friendly ZEISS Sunlens lenses. Milf BioLUX and Gerri BioLUX are the new proposals for this segment, two iconic models from the collection offered in a version with a lower environmental impact: same design, same qualitỳ, alternative materials.
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mod Giuàn Mari
Roberta di Camerino is back The brand Roberta di Camerino began its activity at the turn of the 1950s, acquiring international fame for its production of fashionable accessories and clothes, as suits with trompe-l’œil style motifs, belts, scarves and velvet bags. Thanks to the intelligence and creativity of its founder, Giuliana Coen Camerino, the brand was very successful among all the Hollywood stars and already successful in the USA. It also made its debut in Italy around the 1960s, enjoying the same success. Its clothes and accessories are immediately recognizable: colorful, printed, comfortable. The brand still retains its appeal which is faithful to its philosophy. Roberta di Camerino collections present the energy of skilfully combined colors; the charm of the casual trompe l’oeil, graphic textures and vibrant velvets remains unchanged. The historic brand Roberta di Camerino is back today with a contemporary and captivating eyewear collection (optical and sun). It is inspired by the endless creativity and imagination of its founder, and it stands out for the skillful use of colour: evident but not disproportionate sticking, delicate facets, plays of volumes, always combined with the classic and recognisable R logo, created by the sinuous movement of a belt. The designer’s much-loved belt is also taken up by a revisited buckle-shaped plate both on temples and on sunglasses front as a small detail to enrich them. It is the first brand to invent the red-green-blue tricolor stripe and it is here re-proposed as a detail on the temples, which is minimal but immediately recognizable, in a mini high-definition 3D print. A collection to be discovered in detail, both for the admirers of this brand that has made the history of Italian fashion all over the world, and for the younger ones who approach for the first time this name that is still very current today. It embraces indeed a wide target of girls and women, with a use of color that takes its cue from the immense historical archive of the founding designer, which is still very modern today.
The collection preview sunglasses intentionally wear the brand tricolor: the blue acetate front is decorated with red and green; red is also on the temple as a background to the R logo in gold metal. The shape is classic but revisited in a modern key, aimed at an absolutely transversal target.
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The first optical collection by Valentino Eyewear mod V-DAYDREAM After more than one year of work, the launch of the first Optical collection represents the next evolution of Valentino Eyewear and the Maison’s partnership with the Swiss Akoni Group. The first capsule collection of six models - V-STUD, V-GLASSLINER, V-DAYDREAM, V-ESSENTIAL I, V-ESSENTIAL II and V-ESSENTIAL III - in a total of eighteen colour variants will be followed by a broader offering for spring-summer 2024 from February. Made in Japan to exacting standards using only premium materials, the collection ranges from the V-STUD with iconic metal studs that convey a subtle yet irrepressible rock ‘n’ roll spirit, to the minimalist V-DAYDREAM with its ethereal design aesthetic and classic cat-eye shape. “Without a doubt, sunglasses get more attention in the fashion world,” says Rosario Toscano, CEO and co-founder of the Akoni Group. “But opticians and eyewear professionals judge a collection by the character and quality of its optical frames,” Toscano continues. “Optical frames are worn both indoors and outdoors every day of the week, making them a better reflection of the wearer’s individuality and the most personal fashion accessories of all.”
L.G.R for EXPLORA L.G.R presented a capsule collection in collaboration with Explora Journeys, the MSC Group’s private luxury brand. A new and exclusive version of two iconic models of the brand, Asmara Explorer and Manda Explorer. A limited edition in which classicism and modernity combine with elegance and style, and meticulous attention to materials, fundamental to L.G.R.’s production process. The Asmara Explorer model is proposed in matt black acetate, while a havana tortoiseshell characterises Manda Explorer, for both grey polarised lenses in tempered mineral glass produced by Barberini. The models are personalised with the L.G.R for Explora collaboration logo and a red line on both inner temples, a reminder of what will be a distinctive feature of Explora Journeys’ ships. The packaging consists of an explorer-style leather case, also personalised with the L.G.R for Explora logo, and a lens cleaning pellet. The limited edition L.G.R for Explora, will be on sale on board the EXPLORA I, launched this year by the group. The first of what will be a fleet of six of Explora Journeys’ most luxurious ships.
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Less is Lite! The new LITE temple from the Götti Perspective collection opens up new perspectives. Even thinner and even lighter for substantial enrichment, it truly puts the motto ‘less is more’ into practice. Filigree is what fascinates. Thanks to the thin steel arm, the look is more linear and cleaner. Reducing to a minimum, however, does not mean making compromises: the very high quality of the steel gives the frame lightness and stability. This refined mechanical innovation is a further option to the already endless possibilities offered by the German brand’s collection and, thanks to the simple modular system, all components can be combined, giving room for many customisations. With a colour palette of fifteen different shades and metal components available in black, silver and gold, it is impossible to miss the perfect solution for every taste. The Götti Perspective Collection in detail: Sandvik steel with 3D printed inserts, production in Switzerland, Lite version, metal colours: black, gold, silver, insert colours: ash, stone, cliff, mocca, denim, moos, slate, sand, ruby, flamingo, berry, pool, plush, teal, plum.
FACE à FACE JAPAN NOW! The designers at FACE à FACE continue their cultural and artistic exploration of the Italian MEMPHIS movement discovering a surprising connection with contemporary Japanese design. With Shiro Kuramata, an unprecedented poetic element suddenly appears, such as the red roses at the heart of his transparent Glass Chair (“Miss Blanche” chair). Likewise, Japanese designers like Issey Miyake, Rei Kawakubo and Kengo Kuma express in their work the same mix of delicacy and broken aesthetics... Thus, FACE à FACE draws inspiration from this movement for its new JAPAN NOW! collection. Each of the new concepts reflects the interplay of the subtlety of Japanese design and the exuberance of the Memphis movement. This interplay of cultures creates novelty and surprise right through to the colour palette: structured materials, smoky amber colour gradients, touches of pale violet, and almost futuristic halo effects and electric colours sketch a diverse and explosive world. The sculptured glasses mod KYOTO are inspired by Shiro Kuramata’s iconic armchair with a cylindrical backrest (“Sofa with Arms”). The creative spirit of the spectacles is emphasized by the geometric purity of the cylinder, which serves as both endpiece and temple. This iconic design is magnified by angular shapes that create a bold and poetic contrast.
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Deconstructed The Fall 2023 campaign of Oliver Peoples, Deconstructed, is the celebration of timeless elegance and meticulous craftsmanship. The imagery draws inspiration from the classic styling of the late 1990s and early 2000s – embracing a minimalist aesthetic to showcase this season’s eyewear. Deconstructed captures models in close-up against a studio backdrop. Impeccably crafted sunglasses in innovative shapes and vintageinspired optical styles take center stage, featuring corewire filigrees and custom hinges. This campaign strips Oliver Peoples down to its core, emphasizing function, ease, and refined details. Inspired by photographers, Richard Avedon and Peter Lindbergh, as well as the monochromatic style of Helmut Lang, Deconstructed exudes effortless glamour and sophistication. Gleaning inspiration from bold optical shapes and exacting craftsmanship through the ages, the Fall 2023 frames cut across the most refined looks of each decade, from the 1960s to today. These unique styles gesture towards the elegance and simplicity of the past, constructed using OP’s modern details and lens technology, in a juxtaposition that shapes a contemporary vintage aesthetic unique to the brand.
The Coloristic Collection The Italian independent eyewear company Tree Spectacles presented at Silmo its new Coloristic Collection, 24 ophthalmic models in acetate and bio acetate. These models are the result of detailed research into how colours can be combined, balanced and manipulated to convey unique sensations, moods, and special effects. “By studying colours and how they combine, we have been able to develop this new Coloristic collection with a completely engaging energy and freshness…. we have combined multiple acetate colours with elegant contrasting effects and beautiful harmonies. This is really a new innovation-led departure for Tree Spectacles, and yet it is a concept that is deeply connected to our minimalist and modern aesthetic….” says Marco Barp, Co-Founder of Tree Spectacles. The Coloristic collection is further distinguished by its quality and the complexity of the model production. Every detail, from the initial design to the final assembly, is addressed with painstaking attention and artisanal savoir-faire.
mod NELLY 3234
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God Can’t Destroy Streetwear Italian brand GCDS, aka ‘God Can’t Destroy Streetwear’, founded in 2015 by brothers Giuliano and Giordano Calza, owes its success to instantly recognisable graphics, embroidery and 100% made in Italy craftsmanship. From December 2019, GCDS is produced and distributed by Marcolin Group. In the new eyewear collection, logos and iconic elements are the protagonists asserting the brand’s irreverent style and cosmopolitan character on genderless frames with a strong charisma. Hinges, temples and temple tips are autographed with vertical or horizontal, metallic and three-dimensional logos. Elements that tell the brand’s identity through modern and trendy shapes, constructed with transparencies and colour combinations that highlight the luminosity and lightness of the GCDS eyewear soul. GD0036 is a cat-eye model in acetate whose dynamic design is characterised by marked side profiles that balance with the softness of the lenses. The balance of thicknesses is emphasised on the temples, where the new vertical GCDS logo clearly declares the strong character of this unisex sunglass.
Functionality, simplicity and original aesthetics Nina Mûr once again takes inspiration from art, design and architecture to develop a new modernist collection: BHAUS COLLECTION. The Bauhaus, that infinite source of references, was a famous school of design, art and architecture founded in Germany in 1919 by the architect Walter Gropius. And that vision and influential design language has served as the basis for the design of the glasses for the new season. The school advocated the union between function and form, seeking simplicity and functionality in design. And it stood out for its focus on the integration of arts and crafts with architecture and industrial design. “We have delved into the Bauhaus design philosophy, which emphasized functionality, simplicity and clean aesthetics, with noble and simple materials, merging craft and technology to innovate and offer a functional product. The common points and how this philosophy is aligned with the philosophy and values of Nina Mûr are truly surprising….” said Lorena Serrano, Creative Director of Nina Mûr. The new collection consists of 5 new sunglass models that move away from an overly ornate style and embrace minimalism in the design, functionality and clean structure of each of the frames.
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On Friday, September 22nd, Blackfin was heartbreakingly and suddenly bereaved of Maria Luisa Pramaor. An elegant yet tenacious woman, she epitomized dedication, positivity, and hard work. Maria Luisa was instrumental in founding the company back in 1971. As the 18th employee of Luxottica, at a time when the leading eyewear multinational was but a nascent venture nestled within the Belluno mountains, she had the foresight and prowess to carve out a path that positioned her as one of the first female entrepreneurs of the region and the eyewear industry. Her son Nicola Del Din, CEO of Blackfin, the family and all at the company will remember her for her radiant smile, unwavering determination, and gracious courtesy which subtly hinted at a gentle yet firm conviction that nothing in life is random, and in all its forms, life is indeed beautiful.
Marcolin has completed the acquisition of ic! berlin GmbH, the independent eyewear company founded in Berlin in 1996. Several times awarded for the design of its creations - including the Silmo d’Or -, ic! berlin manages in-house the design, prototyping, production and assembly of its luxury optical and sunglass frames. Marcolin takes total control of the company, integrating into its organisation some 140 employees located mainly in the Berlin headquarters, the production plant and the two subsidiaries in Japan and the United States
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In Italy, for the first time in history, a woman is the new President of ANFAO, the National Association of Optical Goods Manufacturers. Lorraine Berton will lead the Association for the next four years, succeeding Giovanni Vitaloni (Vanni Srl Società Benefit), who has held the position since 2017. Also appointed was the new President’s Council, composed of Vice-Presidents Sabrina Paulon (Marcolin SpA), Massimo Barberis (Rodenstock Italia SpA), from this year also President of the ANFAO Lenses Group, Davide Degl’Incerti Tocci (Nannini Italian Quality Srl), President of the ANFAO Youth Group, Nicola Belli (Tris Ottica Srl) and Michele Gasparini (Trenti Industria Occhiali SpA). Invited by right was the PastPresident. The Board will then be joined by other delegates for specific activities: Enrico Tormen, Renato Sopracolle (Sopracolle Srl) and Paolo Pettazzoni (Optovista SpA) - have been confirmed to the Technical Commission, Eurom1 and Eyesight Defence Commission (Commissione Difesa Vista) respectively. Lorraine Berton, former ANFAO Vice President in charge of Industrial Relations, has extensive experience in the sector. An entrepreneur, she is the owner, with her sister Elena, of the company Arlecchino Srl, which has been producing eyewear for 35 years, and of TWO B Srl. She also has expertise in the Italian Confindustria system, where she currently holds the position of President of Confindustria Belluno Dolomiti. He is also President of the Bilateral Board for Eyewear and of the ANFAO Trade Union Commission. Giovanni Vitaloni, Past President of ANFAO, remains in charge of the commercial activities of the system - MIDO and DaTE - through the presidency of IES Srl and DaTE Srl.
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There has been much news from Thélios in recent weeks. The Mexican subsidiary in Mexico City was opened on 1 October 2023. The new office and showroom are located in the prestigious ‘Castelar 75’ building, next to the other LVMH Maisons. This important development in Mexico, previously entrusted by Marcolin, was managed continuously and without suspension of activities by Thélios. At the beginning of November, Thélios announced the signing of an agreement to acquire Barton Perreira, the famous company in the luxury eyewear sector, founded by Bill Barton and Patty Perreira in 2007 in Los Angeles, California. Both founders will retain their respective roles in the company and continue to guide the brand through its new phase of growth. Thélios had previously announced the acquisition of Vuarnet, its first proprietary brand. At the end of November, a major event celebrated the opening of a new headquarters in Dubai, symbolising the brand’s commitment to expanding its global presence and establishing a direct presence in key markets in the Middle East. It will be operational from 1 January 2024. TAG Heuer, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer, embarks on a journey into the world of high-end eyewear in partnership with Thélios. The collection will be previewed during LVMH Watch Week on 29 January and officially presented at a dedicated launch event in Milan on 1 February 2024. Prototypist Daniele Capuzzo, from the Thélios headquarters in Padua, is the new Virtuoso awarded by LVMH as part of the Métiers d’Excellence initiative, the programme set up in 2014 to promote and make the public aware of the value of the 280 crafts that characterise the fine workmanship of the Group’s Maisons around the world.
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At the beginning of October, Franco Sordelli, founder of the homonymous company, left us. He was a historical figure in the industry, a pioneer and visionary in the optical sector, a man of extraordinary concreteness, a simple man - in the purest and highest sense of the word. Friendly, smiling and always available, Franco Sordelli with his company and his family made eyewear history not only in the province of Varese, but also throughout Italy and abroad. To him we owe the turning point that led ‘Sordelli’ - as the company he led is more often called today - to cross national borders by attending various international trade fairs and become a benchmark in the processing of plastic materials with specialisation in the production and sale of sunglasses. Born in 1938, he has led the historic company with passion, helped and surrounded by his family - his wife Arianna and sons Luca and Dino - and all the employees and collaborators who are part of this family-run business but with an international vocation. The company turned 100 years old in 2021 and is among the few companies that can boast a continuous presence at Mido that exceeds 50 editions.
As the world preparesd to mark World Sight Day, 12th October 2023, a photo exhibition displayed in the corridors of the United Nations headquarters in New York highlighted that accessible, available, and affordable eye health is essential to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and in strengthening the delivery of eye care within Universal Health Coverage, has the potential to improve the lives of millions of people globally. The exhibition titled, ‘2030 IN SIGHT’, presented the world through the eyes of those living with avoidable sight loss and invited individuals to consider the direct implications avoidable and treatable eye health conditions have on individuals, their communities, and on accelerating progress toward the SDGs. The exhibition followed a meeting of world leaders, held in the margins of the UN General Assembly and titled ‘The Value of Vision’, heard that unaddressed poor sight costs the global economy $411bn in lost productivity each year and impedes a states’ ability to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities. This year’s World Sight Day focused on ‘Love Your Eyes at Work’, a theme with a global concentration on eye health and the world of work.
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FAIRS MIDO.COM The new eyewear tradeshow website promotes accessibility and inclusion
The new website of MIDO - the international eyewear tradeshow that will take place at Fiera Milano Rho from 3 to 5 February 2024 is online. It is not just a graphic restyling, but a substantial change, aimed at ensuring digital accessibility, encouraging user participation, and avoiding discrimination of all kinds. In this area, as in many others, MIDO is ahead of its time and innovates its website https://www. mido.com/en/ almost two years in advance to embrace the European legislation which, with the European Accessibility Act, imposes digital accessibility from June 2025. The creation of the new website, a tool available to all stakeholders at the eyewear tradeshow, represents an important step for MIDO in raising awareness among operators in the industry on the issues of digital accessibility and inclusion, which will continue with further technological developments, promoting sharing and dissemination. The key words of the layout are “Less is more”: an essential design in the lines, elegant and accessible, once again entrusted to the creative director of MIDO’s communication campaigns Max Galli, in collaboration with Mixer Group. A thin lettering, larger, but never shouted. A site
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with attention to detail, created to facilitate usability and to provide all the main information in an intuitive and fast way on the first screens. From a technical point of view, the development and implementation of which have been entrusted to Alea.pro, the new site focuses on the user experience to ensure fluid, accessible and unhindered navigation for any visitor, in compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.2. Thanks to Artificial Intelligence, for example, users with mobility and cognitive disabilities such as blindness, low vision, color blindness, dyslexia, epilepsy, ADHD, etc., (even temporary disabilities following accidents, for example) will be facing an optimized experience. The site therefore offers the user over 100 features - on specific request - to adapt and customize the browsing experience according to their needs, such as speech synthesis, dictionary and suggestions, text magnification and spacing, color contrast, etc. Another new element is the implementation of a font designed specifically for dyslexic users, which improves the readability of texts.
FAIRS SILMO PARIS 2023 A nice atmosphere
The SILMO Generation was there in force. This effervescence was palpable throughout the four days of SILMO Paris: 31,337 visitor-buyers (+16.5% vs. 2022) attended, including 15,902 from abroad (+18.3% vs. 2022) and 15,535 from France (+14.7% vs. 2022). They were able to meet 929 companies, representing a total of 9,400 stand visitors - not counted with visitors - spread over the 75,000m2 of halls 6 and 7 at Paris-Nord Villepinte. All the ingredients were in place to ensure visitors and exhibitors alike an energizing, eventful edition. The key points were the ever-popular welcome and conviviality, facilitated by the show’s unanimously acclaimed reconfiguration. SILMO Paris reflects the entire optics and eyewear industry, with players large and small, historic and new, representing the entire value chain. The exhibitors’ contribution to the show’s success is immense : the quality of their stands, products and services underscores the extent to which they are investing in the future at one of the industry’s leading trade show.
Its strength also comes from the formidable array of events within the event, promoting innovation, creation and knowledge, and putting into perspective the companies that are inventing the optics of today and tomorrow. The 30th SILMO d’OR awards, presented in the surprising setting of the Folies Gruss, remain the central pillar of this valorization. The members of the Jury meticulously studied all the applications and selected the creations and innovations that caught their attention. They were supported in their mission by a Jury Chairman from outside the optical sector, who brought a different and challenging perspective to the table. This year, Nicolas Fafiotte, a self-described “couturier of exceptional moments”, accepted the challenge. In a nod to our industry, this promoter of French elegance hails from Oyonnax.
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The winners of the 2023 SILMO D’OR:
CHILDREN ETNIA BARCELLONA with “BA-BAAAANG!” a new collection inspired by the world of comics
SPORT MARCHON with “Flyfree” – NIKE – sunglasses with interchangeable lenses. The injected material of the frame is at least 40 per cent derived from castor bean oil.
VISION 2 ex-aequo winners: Visual health: ESSILORLUXOTTICA with « Varilux XR Series », is the first progressive lenses designed with behavioral artificial intelligence. Optical System: MORROW with « Morrow eProgressives »: glasses that redefine comfort, using advanced lens-in-foil tech to mimic eye focus.
MATERIAL-EQUIPMENT SAARGOS with “Quicksee Free” – Plenoptika, the only portable refractokeratometer to use wavefront aberrometry technology.
OPTICAL FRAME « BRANDS & LABELS » ODLM-SEAPORT with “CC1086 – VEDO” – Carven, made by combining two acetates, one crystal green and the other speckled green.
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SUNGLASSES « BRANDS & LABELS ODLM-SEAPORT with “CC4091S NOVE” – Carven, made from an artistic combination of three acetates.
TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION IN EYEWEAR SBRUSSET&CO with “Meyro-nde OP”, a frame generated by artificial intelligence interpreting an HD scan, in order to create a unique frame that is completely tailor-made. Manufactured using 3D titanium printing in one piece.
SUNGLASSES « EYEWEAR DESIGNER » ANDY WOLF with “Blossom col.05”, inspired by the wildflower meadow that surrounds the company’s headquarters.
OPTICAL FRAME « EYEWEAR DESIGNER » CUTLER AND GROSS with “9126 Cat-Eye Glasses”, a modern interpretation of a historical frame first worn by Elton John, customer of Cutler and Gross.
PREMIERE CLASSE SHOW PRIZE VERONIKA WILDGRUBER with “LANE”, a sunglass where sophisticated Hollywood glamour meets summer festival season. Feminine cat eye shape, softly coloured lenses.
JURY’S SPECIAL PRIZE LAFONT with “ Ouvrage “, Satoshi Sekimoto, Meilleur Ouvrier de France in Haute-Couture embroidery, and Thomas LAFONT, combined their passion and together created an exquisite, embroidered frame.
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commitment to promoting the values of their profession. For the first time, it’s a Frenchman who has won this 2023 award: Jean-François Porte, co-founder of the Edgard group and vice-president of the Rassemblement des Opticiens de France. The future of the industry is at the heart of the themes addressed by SILMO Paris. SILMO NEXT, a multi-disciplinary forum dedicated to the future, retraced the latest technological innovations and major advances in Smart Eyewear, phygital experiences and eco-responsible design. In addition to this immersive retrospective, FUTUROLOGY unveiled unique experience zones for testing smart products, discovering new trends in virtual reality, and experimenting with an innovative approach to sustainable production.
The SILMO d’OR 2023 ceremony was also an opportunity to award two other prizes, including one for the first time. With corporate social and environmental responsibility at the heart of today’s societal challenges, SILMO organizers decided to create a RESPONSIBLE COMPANY AWARD. Open to all exhibitors, the aim of the prize is to distinguish a company in the optical sector for its contribution to reducing its environmental impact and optimizing its social impact. The show has collaborated with the CSR agency Hyssop, to draw up the award specifications and evaluate the candidate companies. An independent jury, made up of optics professionals and CSR experts, evaluated the applications and chose the winner of this first edition: MYKITA, the Berlin-based company founded in 2003, which has committed itself to a strategy of responsibility incorporating environmental and social aspects, in order to reduce the footprint of its products and its overall activities. The INTERNATIONAL OPTICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD, awarded by the IOA (International Opticians Association) in partnership with SILMO Paris, encourages and rewards opticians for their vision and
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Design is king at the show, and is expressed in two ways. The first is the TRENDS FORUM, a space set up at the entrance to the show to enable visitors to immerse themselves in the major trends, thanks to a thematic selection of optical and sunglass frames from exhibitors present at the show. These trends are also illustrated in issue 33 of the digital magazine TRENDS by SILMO. The second was the OPTICAL DESIGN CONTEST, reserved for design school students from all over the world; for this second edition, they were invited to brainstorm on a topical theme: sport. The jury, made up of optics and design professionals and chaired by MarieChristine Dorner, interior architect, designer and scenographer, selected the Tribi concept by Hugo Plessis, a student at ESDAC in Lille: multifunctional eyewear for triathlon and biathlon. In addition to recognition in the world of optical eyewear, the winner and his school each received a cheque for 5,000 euros from the show. On the subject of sport, with the Rugby World Cup being held in parallel with the show, and in anticipation of the Paris Olympics in 2024, SILMO ACADEMY scientific symposium focused on optimizing performance and guaranteeing success, during its training and discussion session. This theme was approached from two angles: the performance of the optical professional and the performance of the patient. Optical professionals have a
key role to play in improving their patients’ quality of sight and quality of life. The various speakers unveiled performance measures for visual health, acuity or quality of life, shared good precautions and practices throughout life to optimize eye health, and stressed how important it is to associate optimally corrected vision with performance, whether for professional reasons, academic success, sporting success or safety, as in driving a car. The sharing of information and best practices also finds an echo in THE TALKS: in a dedicated, open space, a variety of speakers - exhibitors, experts, journalists, observers... - address topical themes in 30 minutes. And for visitors who don’t have the time to take advantage of them during the four days of the show, these Talks will be available in their entirety on video on the silmoparis.com website. SILMO Paris focuses on the challenges facing the industry and distribution sector, and in particular on employment and talent recruitment. SILMO JOB hosted exhibitors offering exclusive opportunities and direct meetings to recruit tomorrow’s employees.
History and expertise are inextricably linked at SILMO Paris. The MUSEUM OF THE COMB AND PLASTICS INDUSTRY in Oyonnax and the MUSEUM OF EYEWEAR in Morez are combining the wealth of their reserves by exhibiting a (very) small part of their collections at the show, demonstrating that the future is built on the past. In the same heritage vein, the BEST CRAFTMEN OF FRANCE (Meilleurs Ouvriers de France), who set up their school in Morez in 2011 to train and perfect eyewear professionals attracted by artisanal manufacture, gave visitors the opportunity to take part in eyewear discovery workshops. Because SILMO Paris is global and open to the world, the 2023 edition welcomed the transalpine friends and neighbors at PLACE D’ITALIE, a crossroads of creativity, a place for sharing and meeting Italian know-how in the center of hall 7, echoing the real Place d’Italie in Paris. Called the Place d’Italie since 1864, this Parisian square is located at the junction of a Roman road and still links Italy to France via the Nationale 7, a fitting symbol for a Place d’Italie at SILMO Paris. And even more with SILMO news, the whole trade fair live and on replay. Every day at the trade fair, a daily news report summarised the events of the salon, completed by interviews, debates and live broadcasts to capture the impressions of visitors and exhibitors. One SILMO Paris closed its doors, another is preparing: while waiting to meet again for an Olympic edition that will take place in Paris from 20 to 23 September 2024, SILMO Istanbul took place from 23 to 26 November 2023 and SILMO Singapore will be from 24 to 26 April 2024.
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FAIRS iOFT 2023 RX Japan Debuts International Optical Fair and Wellness Fashion Expo at FaW TOKYO 2023
Winners of the 27th Japan Eyewear Award 2024 joined by the Award Committee FASHION WORLD TOKYO (FaW TOKYO), one of Japan’s premier fashion exhibitions hosted by RX Japan, concluded its three-day event from October 10 to 12 at the iconic Tokyo Big Sight with resounding success, reaffirming its position as a global hub for fashion and innovation with a global visitor count of 20,195. FaW TOKYO brought forth a spectacular ‘first’ this year with the inclusion of the 36th International Optical Fair Tokyo (iOFT), Japan’s largest optical trade show dedicated to eyewear and optical innovation. This move was met with great enthusiasm as buyers had the unique opportunity to efficiently view products while exhibitors were able to connect with industry professionals they might not usually encounter. iOFT also hosted the 27th Japan Eyewear Awards, a prestigious ceremony recognizing outstanding achievements in eyewear design and technology. This event provided a platform for innovators and creators to be acknowledged for their contributions to advancing eyewear aesthetics and functionality. In the Design Category, Iwaki Optical claimed the grand prize, while other acclaimed companies Eight Optic, Taniguchi Optical, Detail Gram, and tonysame japan, got special
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citations. In the Technology Category, Sanko Kogaku secured the top award, with other notable companies like IC-Berlin Japan, EYETEC, WicueDirect, and uchida plastic also receiving recognition. The 2023 edition of FaW TOKYO featured a total of 1,088 exhibiting companies, with 358 of them hailing from Japan and 730 from 30 different countries, including the United States, Italy, India, Indonesia, Canada, and more. Meanwhile in iOFT, 181 companies participated, with 112 representing Japan and 69 coming from nine different countries, such as Australia, Spain, Germany, France, South Korea, and more. One significant highlight of this year’s event was the absence of travel restrictions, marking the first time in four years that exhibitors and visitors from around the world could participate without constraints. This created a truly international atmosphere, fostering global networking and collaboration. Another exciting addition to the show was the Wellness Fashion Expo, which served as the primary marketplace for products specializing in health, beauty, athleisure, sports, and highly functional clothing. This showcased the evolving intersection of fashion and wellness in today’s world.
FAIRS EXPO OTTICA SUD Winning formula does not change
Massimo Pennisi, left, during the opening of the eighth edition of the show EXPO OTTICA SUD, the event that originated in Catania and moved to Taormina three years ago, reached its eighth edition this year and took place from 21 to 23 October 2023 in the beautiful Italian location. The event confirmed itself as a meeting and business venue for 1,700 professional visitors from Sicily, Calabria and Malta and, more generally, from the Mediterranean basin area. The specialised Mediterranean trade fair for the professional optics and optometry sector continues to grow in terms of both exhibition space and visitors, and Vedere, Expo Ottica Sud’s media partner, asked Massimo Pennisi, manager of the exhibition and the true soul of the event, to narrate those three days intensely experienced. “After the close of the 2023 edition, as always, we are already thinking about next year. A ‘hot’ brainstorming that has allowed us over these eight years to improve and make the event more and more interesting and engaging for
exhibitors and visitors. This year we had 15 % more exhibitors including 3 Spanish companies and, on the wave of Silmo, we had requests for space that we were unfortunately unable to fulfil due to lack of space. The presence of almost 100 brands, with the confirmation of major companies that have believed in us since the first edition and the increasing new requests, spurs us on to do better and better. We will certainly not change the location next year - the PalaLumbi centre, which is strategic for reaching the village of Taormina by bus or the beautiful coast by car - we are only thinking of changing the exhibition layout to satisfy all the requests we have received. We are convinced that Taormina is the right blesure destination, a mix of business and leisure that is very attractive. The future may also hold some surprises, but at the moment I can say,’ Massimo Pennisi continues, ‘winning formula does not change. It may be perfected but it does not change.”
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FAIRS HONG KONG 2023 Hong Kong Optical Fair draws over 12,000 buyers Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and coorganised by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKOMA), the 31st HKTDC Hong Kong International Optical Fair successfully concluded on 10 November. The three-day fair (8-10 November) with 700 exhibitors from 11 countries was a great success, attracting more than 12,000 buyers from 92 countries and regions to source the latest eyewear products and designs. Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “This year’s Optical Fair is the first optical fair to be held physically since Hong Kong fully reopened. We are pleased to see vibrant trading on the fairground and to welcome buyers who have travelled from all over the world to Hong Kong for in-person sourcing. There has been a significant increase in attendance from ASEAN markets, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Buyer numbers from India, Macao and Mainland China also rose. This demonstrates Hong Kong’s enduring status as an international trade fair capital.” Technology is evolving rapidly, with R&D creating smart technologies that have permeated all aspects of daily life. Smart
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glasses have garnered increased attention and undergone active development in recent years as eyewear is an integral part of life as well as fashion. The Smart Eyewear zone debuted this year, spotlighting a diverse range of eyewear and products using innovative technologies. The Brand Name Gallery, the focal point of the fair, featured 200 world-renowned brands this year. Several Brand Name Gallery eyewear parades took featured during the Fair, with professional models presenting eyewear collections from trendsetting brands. All the award-winning and finalist entries of the 23rd Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition were on display at Hall 1D during the fair, showcasing Hong Kong’s new generation of creativity to global buyers. During the fair, the 21st Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium - organised by the HKTDC in collaboration with the Hong Kong Optometric Association and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University - was held, themed Empowering Community Eye Care through Artificial Intelligence and Telemedicine in Optometry. Industry representatives from around the world discussed topics such as the application of AI in optometry and impact of telemedicine in healthcare.
FAIRS opti CONNECT opti will take place in Munich from 12 to 14 January 2024. In addition to the live event, the trade show will be enhanced by the digital networking platform opti CONNECT allowing year-round interaction between visitors and exhibitors as well as even more targeted trade show planning. The platform offers personalised and interactive functions to intensify the exchange between exhibitors and visitors and extend it beyond the trade show itself. “We see trade shows as places of exchange that set trends and connect people. Our vision is to make opti a year-round platform promoting high-quality contacts. Exhibitors can use their digital presence on opti CONNECT to reach their target group even more precisely and increase the marketing value of their participation,” says Cathleen Kabashi, head of opti. With opti CONNECT, exhibitors draw attention to their company, attract the right visitors, generate new business contacts and can accurately measure the effectiveness of their marketing objectives. On the platform, their products and brands are presented with images, videos and texts and thus provide an insight into what they will show on site even before the trade fair.
Smart algorithms enable personalised e-mail updates for visitors who are interested in specific products or services. In addition, the algorithms rank the content according to visitor interest. This provides exhibitors with relevant real time key figures about their content’s performance as well as with significantly more transparency about the value of their trade show participation thanks to features on leads, contacts and ticket enquiries, to name but a few. opti visitors will experience numerous advantages with opti CONNECT: they can filter categories and topics according to their interests and thus find relevant exhibitor content more quickly. And: they can follow focus topics and companies and plan their trade show participation in advance in a more targeted manner. Based on their individual interests, visitors will then find personalised recommendations for their visit in their e-mail inbox with contributions from exhibitors. The advantage: staying effortlessly up to date all year round and receiving regularly customised inspiration. The integrated search function supports visitors to find matching exhibitors, contributions, and programme items, for which they can register with just one click. In addition, the watch list and interactive hall plans make it easier to plan a visit to the trade show, and visitors can use the latter to create their personalised trade fair tours. Thanks to a contact feature, trade show visitors can network online with other registered persons like industry experts e.g. to meet them later at the trade show in person. To use the opti CONNECT platform, trade show visitors can register free of charge at https:// connect.opti.de/en
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FAIRS IN-OPTICS AT YASHOBHOOMI
In-Optics, a B2B trade show, has been a beacon of progress for the Indian optical market for over four decades. Beyond an exhibition, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore, connect, collaborate, and celebrate the diverse facets of eyewear. RSD Expositions, New Delhi, will soon be hosting one of the much-anticipated events, the In-Optics International Trade Fair and Exhibition. The exhibition is set to draw over 25,000 attendees from India and overseas, featuring a diverse representation of over 1,500 domestic and international brands. The event will host an impressive roster of 349 exhibitors, including group participation from prominent European and Far-East companies. The 16th edition of InOptics remains the heartbeat of opportunity for both the Indian and global eyecare industries, inviting all stakeholders to join and partake in this transformative trade show. The product profile of In-Optics is extensive and encompasses a wide range of optical industry essentials, including artificial eyes, contact and cosmetic lenses, eye testing equipment, retail management software, spectacle frames, sunglasses, ophthalmic lenses and much more. This event is not just a trade show; it is a convergence of innovation, expertise, and industry camaraderie. Slated for February 17–19, 2024, the exhibition
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will be held in Hall # 1A and 1B of the India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi. The India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC), popularly known as ‘Yashobhoomi,’ is a sprawling complex that stands as India’s largest convention and exhibition centre. It offers a comprehensive tourism experience with an unrivalled location, seamless transportation, and an array of commercial amenities. This complex development facility in India stands as a unique entity, boasting a total built-up area of one million square metres. Environmental sustainability is a core focus of ‘Yashobhoomi.’ The centre showcases a commitment to eco-conscious practices, featuring a cutting-edge wastewater treatment system with 100% reuse, rainwater harvesting, and rooftop solar panels. As a testament to its ecological consciousness, the campus has earned the prestigious Green Cities Platinum certification from the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). As ‘Yashobhoomi’ and In-Optics together redefine India’s role in the global MICE and optical industry, they stand as testament to India’s unwavering commitment to excellence and sustainability. With these endeavours, India is poised to shape the future of conventions, exhibitions, and eyecare.
FAIRS Vision Expo East New Host City for Vision Expo East 2025 & Future Years
Beginning in 2025, the optical trade show will take place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida The Vision Council and RX, co-owners of Vision Expo, announced at the edn of October that Vision Expo East 2025 will take place in Orlando, Florida at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) February 19 -22, 2025. Vision Expo East’s final show in New York, celebrating and commemorating nearly 40 years of achievement and growth within the optical industry, will occur March 14–17, 2024 and kick off Vision Expo’s dynamic next chapter. Vision Expo East will debut in Orlando in 2025 with a re-imagined show experience and abundant opportunities for exhibitors to engage with attendees in a more centralized environment. In addition to offering attendees a multi-year, preferred date pattern of Thursday– Saturday, the show venue, hotels, meeting spaces and special events will all be located within a walkable area, ensuring a better connected and community-like experience. “We’re confident that hosting Vision Expo in Orlando will position our customers for greater success and we’re incredibly excited to deliver a brand new, elevated and connected experience there,” said Fran Pennella, Vice President, Vision Expo, at RX, co-organizer of
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Vision Expo. “This new chapter for Vision Expo East comes with a side of nostalgia for the incredible history and opportunity that came with our nearly four decades in New York City. We are so grateful for the hospitality of New York and the Javits Center to grow our event.” As a popular destination for conferences, Orlando is well-equipped to facilitate Vision Expo’s unique trade show logistics, ensuring a seamless transition for exhibitors and show attendees. Located only 11 miles from the OCCC, Orlando International Airport (MCO) currently provides over 500 flights a day and nonstop service from approximately 150 cities around the world, making travel to and from the show easy. Show organizers also anticipate that attendees will take advantage of the worldclass vacation and hospitality experiences in the area, enjoying the warmer weather and extending their trips to accommodate family and leisure travel. “We had the opportunity to make a change that aligns with the future of this industry, and we strongly believe that hosting Vision Expo East in Orlando will attract our existing loyal audience as well as expand audiences from the robust Southeast and international markets, re-engage legacy partners, and ultimately support growth for everyone involved,” said Mitch Barkley, Vice President, Trade Shows, The Vision Council.
FAIRS VisionPlus EXPO 2023 in Dubai
The third edition of VisionPlus EXPO, held in October 2023 in Dubai, was a showcase of excellence in the MENA region, with 150 international eyewear brands from 24 countries. Dedicated pavilions contributed to the success of the event and industry leaders attracted visitors from 72 countries. The event fostered valuable connections for exhibiting brands such as Minima, JF Rey, ZEISS, Zilli, Opal, LGR, Bella, Movitra, Monogram, Vysen, Giordano, Glasklar, Schneider, Presenta Nova, Azzaro and Charriol, to name but a few, with a diverse range of eyewear and optical products; and the interesting VP Academy sessions. A noteworthy feature was the panel discussion on inter-professional collaboration between optometry and ophthalmology, which resonated globally. Dubai’s role as host city was key, thanks to its unique blend of business and leisure, businessfriendly infrastructure and global connectivity. The city’s accessibility has further increased its appeal, particularly for Indian opticians. The VisionPlus Awards and ‘You&Eye’ Global Opticians Awards 2023 celebrated excellence and winners received coveted trophies. The event’s promotion strategy highlighted brands
across print and digital channels. Since its inception in 2021, VisionPlus EXPO has bridged the gap between Western and MENA optical trade fairs. The region serves as an accessible supply hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, including the Indian subcontinent, contributing to the global participation of the event.
VEDERE INTERNATIONAL - nr. 05 / 2023
47
The First International Magazine on Optics and Eyewear Vedere International 05/2023
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