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Everything between you and eye
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Alfred Dunhill A Class Apart With Its ‘Bond’ Factor!
“Design, Quality and Reliability - Since 1896, these 3 words describe best, the heritage that is Menrad.�
– Eberhard Mßller-Menrad, Managing Director of Menrad in conversation with Alim Bolar
A FourPlus Publication
Sports Eyewear:
Taking It To The Next Level
Just One Question
Get updated about the latest eyewear trends in GALLERIA
Your world. See the brilliance.
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Everything between you and eye Vol.5 Issue 1 Oct-Dec 2011 A FourPlus Publication
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plusmag.com
Alfred D
A Class Aparunhill Its ‘Bond’ Fat With ctor!
“Design, Qu Reliability - ality and Since 1896, these 3 words the heritage describe best, that is Menra d.â€? – Eberhard MĂźller-
Sports Eyew Taking ear: It To The Next Level
Managing Menrad, Directo conversatio r of Menrad in n with Alim Bolar
Just O Questionne
A FourPlus Pub
lication
Get updated
about the lat est eyewear
trends in GA
Tech Talk
Eyewear For Some
Serious Play! — Learn about choosing the appropriate lens for the right sport.
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Designer Profile
30
In Focus
36 40 4
The Name’s Dunhill, Alfred Dunhill — Here’s a British brand that’s all class and elegance.
“Design, quality and reliability - Since 1896, these three words best describe the heritage that is Menradâ€? — Eberhard MĂźller-Menrad, Owner and Managing Director of Menrad, in conversation with Alim Bolar.
Trends
Wayfarers - Faring Well On Its Way To Immortality! — This is one eyewear model that refuses to go out of style.
Just One Question
Talk
LLERIA
CONTENTS
6
6Tech
“Are trade fairs effective in contemporary times for meeting business objectives?� — Find out what people in the optical industry have to say...
24 Designer Profile
30 In Focus
PLUS GALLERIA EYE MATTERS EVENTS OFF THE SHELF SNAPSHOTS TRIVIA
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E W
ith Silmo having concluded and the new Fall-Winter collection just out, everyone is eagerly awaiting the new line of eyewear models to hit the shelves. It was also quite interesting to see CIOF trying its best to match its claim of being the largest eyewear exhibition in the world. Our stalls at both these fairs saw a lot of action and from what we’ve seen and heard at these events, the optical industry has a lot to look forward to in terms of newer innovations in design as well as technology in optical and ophthalmic products.
Editorial
Siraj Bolar
C E O
Mahboba Baqer Hussain E-I-C
Alim Bolar
E D
Vinita Bhatia G E
Ishita Bal
S-E
Design
Tabrez Bolar
C D
HKTDC was also buzzing with a lot of action this time around. Closer home, EGMA and Optitalia, too, had interesting and well-attended events. Articles on all these exciting events are in this issue, so read on! This is an action-packed issue that we are bringing to you. We are confident that you will enjoy getting a peek into what makes Alfred Dunhill what it is- class personified. And don’t miss out on our take on the resurgence of the popular Wayfarers and why it simply refuses to go out of style! In ‘Eye Matters’ you can see what eye care practitioners have to say about fitting children with contact lenses and in ‘Just One Question’ we get a little insight into whether there’s a drift in the way the industry perceives trade shows nowadays.
Purav Mehta A E
Amarjeet Prabhakar D A S
Paul Daniel Nadar Sonal Mehta
G D/P
Marketing Jasbir Bolar
M D
Farhan Shaikh
B D M
Finance
R. K. Tharoor
F M
Manoj K. Nahak A
Administration
And of course, the regular grids like ‘Off The Shelf ’, ‘Snapshot’, etc are all part of this issue and we are sure you will love going through it. Do let us know your opinions about these articles by dropping us a line at arabia@visionplusmag.com
Samit Medidhi O A
Suhas Dhumal Harish Javir
O A ____________________________________
Read on. Enjoy! INDIA | MIDDLE EAST | SOUTH EAST ASIA
Vision Plus is published by FourPlus Advertising LLC and printed at Express Printing Services (LLC) All correspondence should be addressed to FourPlus Advertising LLC P O Box 119755, 302, Al Safa Towers, Shaikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Tel.: (9714) 3254401 Fax: (9714) 3254457 E-mail: arabia@visionplusmag.com
Acknowledgement
Views and opinions expressed in this publications are not necessarily those of FourPlus Advertising LLC. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information published neither FourPlus Advertising LLC nor any of its employees accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions.
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Modelling Agency: Diva Dubai (www.divadubai.com) Tel.: (9714) 4227272 Contributing Writers: Roli Gupta --------------------------------------------
5
TECH TALK
Sports has become a source of the proverbial adrenalin rush - a way of life even. Increased competitiveness has led to the search for better sports gear. Sportspeople have finally woken up to the functional utilities of appropriate optical lenses, because donning the right eyewear is as essential as any other sports gear.
Eyewear For Some G
iving their 100% while playing is the hallmark of any sportsperson - irrespective of whether it’s a professional sportsperson or an amateur. They would want to do nothing but focus on the game at hand. Serious sportspeople understand this need, and now an increasing number of regular lifestyle buyers, too, are willing to buy the right eyewear that is suited for the kind of sports they are involved in. Today, people have realised that an eyewear that is ideal for a cyclist might not suit the needs of a trekker or a swimmer. People want to know more about the features of the lens and frames of the eyewear before they make the purchase.
Serious Play! Adidas defines the key characteristics of sports eyewear as those that can provide ultimate vision, optimum protection, customised fit and maximum durability. And these parameters work for any kind of sporting activity even though the visual need for each is different.
Sports eyewear serves several purposes. But the most important one is protecting the eye from ocular injury as well as UV radiation. Secondly, it should provide proper vision so wearers can continue to perform with the least amount of discomfort while getting the right level of protection.
A golfer, for instance, needs to see the green contours of the golf course better, while also playing under the sun for several hours at a stretch. So he needs lenses that will help him see the white pitted golf ball when he swings it and follow its path across the blue sky and the green grass. Polarized lenses would be preferable as it can help him pick out the ball with
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WHY SPORTS EYEWEAR?
ease over different hues of green on the course. A cricketer, on the other hand, needs to be able to follow the course of a muddy brown ball that has been hit across the boundary line in the bright floodlights, if he is playing in the evening. Wearing sun wear with orange lens makes the field appear brighter and easier for him to see the ball without blinking. And if he is playing in the day time, he needs darker glasses to see the movement of the ball across the lighter shade of the pitch as compared to the darker shade of the grass on the rest of the ground.
Ever ything between you and eye
enhancement, so that they can focus on certain aspects that are critical to their game, like a ball or an undulating race course. This helps them see things in better detail.
RIGHT LENS FOR DIFFERENT SPORTS
Sports eyewear should protect the eye from ocular injury as well as UV radiation, without compromising on the quality of vision offered.
In the case of Tour De France, which is spread across a course of approximately 3,500 kilometers, then one has to bear in mind that the environment keeps on changing throughout this stretch. It might be sunny in some areas and cloudy in other sections and windy in some
places. So a cyclist will need eyewear that will adjust immediately if he is moving from a cold place to a sunny one, without any condensation on the lens. An important element that sportspeople seek in their eyewear is contrast VP (A) - Everything Between You & Eye
The selection of the right type of lens for the game is very crucial. The transmission of light can alter depending on the time the sport is being played as well as the area where it is held. For example, a tennis player will need more transmission of light to the eyes when he is playing late evenings and, therefore, needs eyewear with better night vision properties. Eye care experts suggest that for sports that are played during evenings, the player doesn’t need coloured lens but needs lighter lens as it accentuates things better. This is true for cricketers, cyclists and runners as it makes them more aware of the surroundings to make them more competitive. Since a lot of sports have some level of contact built into the game, it is very important that the eyewear should protect the player’s eyes from any trauma or injury. If a wicket-keeper in cricket dives to catch a ball and falls 7
on his side, then the glass should not break as it might otherwise injure the player. The frame and glasses should be sturdy and durable and should be able to absorb the impact easily. Most lenses are made of polycarbonate material as it gives very good impact protection. It does not shatter on impact which can result in any injury to the face or eye. Instead it absorbs shock on impact and crumbles. Polycarbonate lenses are also scratch resistant. Various coatings can be
applied on these lenses depending on the sports activity in question. Swimmers would want hydrophobic coating wherein the water beads up and then slides off the lens so that vision is not affected. Oakley’s permanent hydrophobic coating, for instance, prevents moisture buildup and repels skin oils, perspiration and other contaminates. Adidas, on the other hand, has a threefold anti-reflection coating which is applied to the inside of the lens and
OPTICPLUS avoids reflections that could occur at the lens surface. The company claims that this improves sharpness of vision and gives unimpaired clear sight to the athlete as it eliminates reflected light waves from surfaces like water or wet roads. Anti-reflection coatings are recommended for sports like archery, fishing, shooting and tennis as it cuts down the reflecting glare from the surrounding areas.
PROTECTION FROM UV AND GLARE
Outdoors sports are often played across several hours and in open spaces, and this makes the players more vulnerable to the ill-effects of UV
radiation. Sportspeople especially need good eye protection that will safeguard them from UVA and UVB rays of the sun. Most brands offer sports eyewear with complete UV protection. While some of them use polycarbonate or high-index plastics that have built-in UV blocking properties, others use a UV-blocking dye that ensures a 100% protection from the harmful UV rays. For example, Oakley’s sports eyewear with Plutonite lens material claims to block out UV rays completely. Its special feature is that the protection is built into the lens material so it can’t scratch off and leave the wearer exposed to a UV leak. Adidas, amongst other brands, uses photochromic lens which has 8
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Choosing The Right Lens Colour
Right coloured lenses make all the difference when it comes to picking sports eyewear. Other than cosmetic virtues, they serve the pertinent purpose of meeting the specific visual needs of different sporting activities. • Neutral tones like gray lenses are ideal in sports where contrast enhancement is not critical. It offers minimal colour distortion. • Red/Orange coloured lenses provide better colour perception in low-light conditions. The tint helps in contrasting objects against blue and green background. This is
OPTICPLUS
ideal for night sports like cricket and even skiing, as light in higher altitudes can be minimal. • Yellow lenses offer good contrast and depth perception. They are used for skiing and shooting usually. • Brown coloured lenses are suited for games which have high glare as it minimises the strain to the eyes. It provides good contrast against darker backgrounds. It is suited for water sports and driving where there is more chance of scattered light affecting the vision due to haze or dust.
millions of molecules of substances such as silver chloride and silver halide, implanted into the lens. These molecules, when exposed to UV rays, undergo a chemical process which causes the lenses to stay clear indoors because artificial light doesn’t have UV rays. This feature makes them ideal for the fluctuating light conditions that entail most of the outdoor sports. Polarized lenses are a good choice for most sports as it eliminates reflected glare and hence, it is popular amongst skiers. In fact, it is often considered a must for water sports where light gets reflected on the water’s surface and creates glare. This reduces visual acuity and depth perception and polarized lens help in this case as they can block the horizontal reflected waves of light. At the same time, coloured coating is additionally added to polarized lens to improve the contrast perception. Even skiers might want to spot and respond faster to icy patches where polarized lenses will not be as effective. A mirror coating would be ideal in this case as it limits glare and offers better contrast enhancement.
OPTIONS GALORE
tracks in hot areas where there is a lot of dust billowing in his face. If this dust enters his eyes, then he will not be able to see properly. So the lens should ensure that no external element enters the eye area. The frame should have a curvature that will cover the eyes completely, and this is why most sports eyewear come as wraparounds where there are minimal chances of dust entering the eyes even from the periphery.
The shape of the frame plays as important a role in sports eyewear as does the selection of the right kind of lens. Imagine a biker riding on dirt
However, there might be a degree of optical distortion when the lens is fitted in wrap construction sun wear as it often goes beyond the use of steep
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VP (A) - Everything Between You & Eye
base curves. To correct this, lens manufacturers have designed plano curvatures that are ophthalmically appropriate and free of distortion. The acceptance for sports eyewear is definitely gaining ground and one can take full advantage of the wide range of lenses and frames, colours and styles that are now specifically created for different sports. Style and utility never had it so good in sports eyewear. __________________________________________ – Vinita Bhatia Images courtesy: Nike Vision and Smith Optics ................................................................................ Email us at arabia@visionplusmag.com
BRAND WAGON The New Year is just around the corner and there’s one thing that everyone seems to be doing around this time shopping! We’re talking entire wardrobes going in for a major rehaul. So, why leave eyewear out of the equation? This Fall/Winter season, designers the world over have brought us some exciting eyewear. Bottega Veneta, Swarovski, Emilio Pucci and Gucci, among other brands, have offered über chic, oversized sunglasses, which are in currently in vogue. As for men, brands including Dunhill and Porsche Design have offered classy sunglasses with a spin on the ever-stylish aviators. Spectacles with an intellectual appeal, by Giorgio Armani among other brands, will complement those who would like to flaunt their understated charm. Designers across the world have ensured that there’s something to suit the needs of every shopper. What better way can there be of ringing in 2012! 14
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GIORGIO ARMANI GA 893 Safilo Group
CALVIN KLEIN CK 7827 Marchon
DUNHILL D 1020
Rodenstock GmbH
Ever ything between you and eye
Galleria VP (A) - Everything Between You & Eye
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Galleria
SWAROVSKI ALCHEMY SW 5007 Marcolin Spa
RODENSTOCK R 3238 Rodenstock GmbH
REVLON RV 1150
Smart Great International
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Ever ything between you and eye
BOTTEGA VENETA BV 183 Safilo Group
LACOSTE L 626S Marchon
PUMA PU 15116 Charmant Inc
CHRISTIAN DIOR DIOR MYSTERY 1 Safilo Group
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Galleria NIKE VINTAGE 88 Marchon
CHRISTIAN DIOR CD 3227 Safilo Group
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GUCCI GG 4203 Safilo Group
PORSCHE DESIGN P 8529 Rodenstock GmbH
SERENGETI VITTORIA 7179
Bushnell Outdoor Performance
GIANFRANCO FERRE GF 98005 Allison Spa
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Galleria
BOTTEGA VENETA BV 171 Safilo Group
PORSCHE DESIGN P 8208 Rodenstock GmbH
EMILIO PUCCI EP 683 Marchon
ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA SZ 3125V De Rigo
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GIVENCHY SGV 729 De Rigo
Photography: Alim Bolar Modelling Agency: Diva Dubai (www.divadubai.com) Model: Davor Zoljan, Ingrid Aureada, Suzan Nesrin Hakmi
LEVIS LSL 5026 101 Studio
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DESIGNER PROFILE While most brands would consider it a privilege to be associated with an icon like James Bond, with Alfred Dunhill, it’s the other way round.
Alfred Dunhill
The Name’s
Dunhill,
I
f ever there was a brand that epitomised refinement, elegance and class, it has to be Alfred Dunhill. This is one brand whose name literally needs no introduction, especially to denizens of the world of uber-exclusive luxury brands – luxury that is the privilege of the very few, very rich and very classy.
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What sets it apart is that it is also one of the few exclusively-for-men brands in the world. Its diverse stable of products are designed to satisfy the discerning gentleman’s every need menswear, leather goods, ties, belts, scarves and gloves, eyewear, key fobs, tiebars, money clips, cuff links, lighters, fragrances, jewellery, writing instruments, timepieces, gifts and games – a fairly comprehensive list, to say the least.
THE BOND CONNECTION
With a history spanning 100 years, Alfred Dunhill is one of the most luxurious and exclusive brands which VP (A) - Everything Between You & Eye
is coveted by men all over the world. The brand creates nothing but the best, and hence the association with the James Bond franchise was a given. Developed in the mid 1950s, Dunhill produced one of the first butane gas lighters. This trendsetting design has remained relatively unchanged since, and was regularly used by James Bond in print and on the screen. The relationship first began in 1962 when the production team requested a gunmetal cigarette lighter for Sean Connery's introduction in Dr No. Dunhill has provided various accessories for the cinematic James Bond throughout the series.
Ever ything between you and eye
The casting for the Voice campaign paid no regard to age, look, status or trend. It is a series of black and white portraits with each subject dressed in a Dunhill outfit of their own choice, and these include icons such as the renowned journalist, Sir David Frost and edgy artist, Harland Miller.
launch, these products were supremely innovative - dashboard clocks, car coats and ‘Bobby Finders’. These were binoculars-cum-goggles which Dunhill claimed were invaluable aids in spotting annoying roadside policemen (he had once been fined £1 for speeding over 22 miles an hour!) The beginning of the eponymous brand was quite intriguing. Way back in 1893, Alfred Dunhill, the quintessential English gentleman, inherited his father’s saddlery business on London's Euston Road. Obsessed with detail and fanatical about quality and craftsmanship, his talent lay in creating exquisitely designed, ingenious accessories for the perfect gentleman.
he developed a line of accessories called ‘Dunhill's Motorities’.
Now, Alfred was an enthusiastic man, and had his finger on the pulse of the modern British bloke – a man who was speedily developing new passions – automobiles to be precise. Responding to this new demand,
DISTINCTLY BRIT
This first collection included car horns and lamps, leather overcoats, goggles, picnic sets and timepieces. Alfred pitched the company under the slogan ‘Everything But The Motor’ – a collection that was quickly lapped up by his customers. The brand quickly became renowned for its distinctly British identity, its quirkiness and eccentricity, and more than anything else, its burgeoning range of products. At the time of their VP (A) - Everything Between You & Eye
Then there were the pipes, leather goods, lighters and tobacco, board games, cricket balls and fishing rods. Dunhill also launched ingenuous and daringly designed timepieces. International ambitions developed soon enough and the venerable luxury goods label soon opened up in Paris in 1924. Alfred also ventured into Japan and China way before the other brands could even make sense of those countries. If anything, such forays succeeded in giving Alfred Dunhill a global renown much beyond its contemporary luxury brands. 25
do not flaunt brands for the sake of the name. Its archetypal wearer is the thorough gentleman. For such a man, the product is not a necessity – it is a pleasure. He feels the passion behind the exquisiteness of each product, delights in the details, most probably has a wry sense of humor, is loyal to his friends and enjoys their company. Style, wit in gentlemanly moderation and perfect manners are essential features of his masculinity – much like the founder of the brand.
Internationally, brand ambassadors like Daniel Craig, Jude Law and Colin Farrell, are among the protagonists of Alfred Dunhill’s distinguished style.
Through a rich chequered history liberally peppered with milestones, Alfred Dunhill now employs 1,000 people worldwide; operates across Europe, Asia Pacific, China, Japan and the United States; with over 180 stores and over 3,500 wholesale points of sale around the world. Today, Alfred Dunhill has transformed the inherent qualities of masculinity, ingenuity and Englishness into a contemporary attitude that is relevant to an international consumer. It provides a distinctive point of view with products that are sharp, urban and always with a twist of 'more than meets the eye'. Few British brands are as widely recognised as Dunhill. And none other carries such a pleasing whiff of English gentlemanly interests.
TOWERING OVER THE REST
As a brand Alfred Dunhill towers above the rest, simply because of its brand positioning. It only caters to those who 26
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And, of course, true to its intrinsic brand value, Alfred Dunhill’s endorsement are also understated and restrained. Its most recent ad campaign, 'Voice', truly reflects the brand’s core values. The campaign does away with the usual Hollywood celebrity and model affiliations. Instead, it has some extremely talented and well-known personalities from diverse spheres endorsing the brand. ‘Voice’ is focused on celebrating brilliance. Recognised achievement is the ultimate masculine aspiration and can only ever be attained through skill, intelligence, drive and the ability to be extraordinary. The casting for Voice paid no regard to age, look, status or trend. The campaign is wonderfully simple – a series of black and white portraits with each subject dressed in a Dunhill outfit of their own choice. And these include icons such as the renowned journalist Sir David Frost, prodigally talented violinist Charlie Siem, and edgy artist Harland Miller.
EXPERIENCING LUXURY
Providing its esteemed clients with the complete luxury experience is something that only brands with a very high brand value can do. Dunhill has done just that by building a series of retail emporiums for men. The Homes of Alfred Dunhill aim to represent the experience of luxury, allowing the customer to live the brand. The retail environment is distinguished by a range of services – which include a bespoke tailoring service, barber’s shop, fine wine cellars, bar or restaurant, screening room and spa.
Ever ything between you and eye
Dunhill Timeline
Email us at arabia@visionplusmag.com
1893 Aged 21, Alfred Dunhill took over his father’s saddlery business and converted it into Dunhill’s Motorities, providing ‘Everything for the car but the motor’. 1903 Alfred Dunhill’s first dashboard clock made its entry into the timepiece arena. 1905 Alfred patented his Windshield Pipe, designed to allow comfortable smoking while driving or cycling. 1907 Having retired from running the Motorities business, Alfred opened a pipe, cigar and tobacco store among the men’s clubs of Duke Street, St. James’s, London SW1. 1910 He opened a pipe factory near the store. 1915 The trademark White Spot marking was added to Alfred Dunhill’s pipes. 1921 Launched a store in New York; Paris store was opened three years later. 1927 Alfred Dunhill launched the revolutionary Unique lighter, the first to be operated using just one hand. 1936 The iconic Facet timepiece, based on Alfred Dunhill’s car head-lamp designs, was introduced. 1956 The Rollagas butane lighter was launched. 1963 Manufacture of Dunhill brand cigarettes began. 1985 First annual Alfred Dunhill Cup golf tournament was held. 2000 Alfred Dunhill Links golf championship superseded Dunhill Cup. 2005 Rare and classic car event the Alfred Dunhill Motorities Tour - was inaugurated.
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The Homes are in London, Shanghai, Tokyo and Hong Kong. In keeping with its image of refined luxury, the brand sponsors golf tournaments, formerly the Alfred Dunhill Cup and currently the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Played over three of the most famous links golf courses – the Old Course at St. Andrews, Carnoustie, and Kingsbarns in Scotland – the championship gathers celebrities from the worlds of sports and screen to play alongside the world’s leading professional golf players. The eyewear, of course, more than matches the brand’s innate style and elegance. The evocatively titled Club collection is intended to make the gentleman’s spring outfit even more elegant. According to the brand, its latest collection is intended as the “perfect foil for a crisp Oxford striped shirt, khaki chinos and Bladon leather luggage”- quite the picture of relaxed but classy comfort. Ultra-lightweight titanium frames with a gold effect, or acetate frames with metal eye rims, or elegant details such as polyamide-covered eye-rim and a temple design inspired by Dunhill's writing instruments, update the classic
aviator shape. Some styles feature a striking double bridge, with a big softened eye shape. Lenses are either gray or green or brown – each colour adding even more élan to an already stylish frame, while offering some great functionalities – green is best for changing light conditions, gray perfect for bright light and brown doing well for added depth perception. The only ‘bling’ indulgence that adds even more appeal is the etched Dunhill logo. The pursuit of male indulgence through exceptional service, luxurious environments and the finest products that display innovation in both design and function is how the brand sums up its philosophy - we surely agree! __________________________________________ - Roli Gupta ................................................................................
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IN FOCUS
Who is?
Eberhard Müller-Menrad. Owner / Managing Director of Menrad since 1997
Menrad set up operations in the Middle East with an office in Dubai in January, 2011. It held an event recently to announce this development, where the owner and Managing Director, Mr Eberhard MüllerMenrad took centre-stage 30
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Ever ything between you and eye
“Design,
qualityand reliability – these words describe Menrad's heritage best” E
berhard Müller-Menrad has been actively involved in the handling of the company's business along with his brother Hermann. He talks to Alim Bolar about Menrad's heritage and the possibilities he sees in the Middle East. Here are the excerpts: Alim Bolar (AB): Hi Eberhard, it's nice to know that Menrad, a business house in existence for over a century, is establishing its presence in the Middle East. Could you please give a brief on the company and its heritage... Eberhard Müller-Menrad (EMM): Thanks, Alim. It feels nice to be here in the Middle East. As for the brief on Menrad, well it is a family business with over 115 years of heritage. It was started by my great-grandfather, who VP (A) - Everything Between You & Eye
by profession, was a goldsmith. He had the opportunity to use gold to create eyepieces which hooked him on to eyewear manufacturing. In the 1920s he even travelled to the US from Germany and worked with Bausch & Lomb for two years before returning to Germany and applying his knowledge into the optical manufacturing business. We've had quite a few landmarks in our business and the list would be quite long if I had to mention all of them. But there are three specific instances that stand out for me. The first one would be when we expanded internationally in 1970's. We moved some of our manufacturing units beyond Germany but within Europe, in places like Switzerland, Malta and Ireland. At the same time, we expanded our sales network and founded many Menrad-owned sales subsidiaries in Europe. The second instance would be the 1980´s when we signed our first license agreements. We have been working with brands such as Jaguar, Davidoff and Joop since that time. And the third instance would be in 1997, when we built our factory in China (besides the Swiss facility that is still in place) - much before the world realised the potential that this part of the world held for manufacturing. We are a company that provides great designs with the best quality and every product that comes from Menrad is backed with our trademark reliability. Today, it's the fourth generation that's running the company but our principles remain the same since 1896 - design, quality and reliability. A B: German and Chinese products stand for two ends of the market. Your company seems to be a unique combination where German heritage and precision is enhanced by a Chinese workforce. How has this worked for you? EMM: I would say that it's been a very good decision on our part and it has held us in good stead. However, you must know that there's a difference 31
in how we are present in China. This is our own factory, our knowhow and our control. We are not sub-contracting it to some other manufacturer. We have always considered manufacturing as a very important part of our business. We have invested in setting up our own factory in China and it has worked very well for us. A B: More companies now seem to be setting up their own factories in China. In what way is Menrad special in this context? EMM: Let me explain it. We went to China in 1997, much before anyone else realised the country's potential. And it was very clear in the early 90s that China would be the place where manufacturing would flourish. Today, 80% of the frame-manufacturing capacity is in China. What makes us unique is we had been running our own factories in Europe and when we had our factories in China it was an extension of the same. As it's our own unit, we did not hold back with the know-how and we strived very hard to get the best output. In fact, in 2005, due to this perseverance, I am proud to say that we had better quality output in our China factory than our factories based in Europe. We have a unique combination of tight control out of Germany and since it was our own factory, there was no reluctance in transferring the know-how. A B: A company is always considered to be as good as the employees who represent it. How would you describe your team in the Middle East? EMM: Our team here is highly qualified. Jules Tabet, our Sales Director for Middle East, has previously worked for a large international competitor. Stefanie, who is responsible for the International Marketing and Licencing in our headquarters in Germany, and will also support the local marketing needs, comes with the experience of having worked for companies like Adidas and Swarovski in her previous jobs.
Eberhard Müller-Menrad with his brother, Hermann
offer when compared to much larger organisations but there are other things like flat management hierarchy, an open and respectful handling of people, and I am very glad to see that, in spite of being a medium sized company, we can attract such talent. I am very proud of my team. A B: You do have a few partners in the Middle East for some brands? What role would they play? EMM: We have established a very efficient supply-chain partnering with local distributors to facilitate the daily business of our customers. In UAE, we have partnered up with Trubell Marketing LLC, one of the largest distributors in Dubai, who have been a great support at our launch event. We were also able to finalise distributors in KSA-Gulf Trading, and in Lebanon - Lebanese Optical Group and Third Eye to distribute different brands of our portfolio while our local office is directly catering for large chains covering all the Middle East.
I am very happy that we have attracted talent from such large companies. There are some things that we can't
A B: Well, a very important question that's on everyone’s minds is, why was Menrad so late in entering the Middle East? EMM: Yes, that's a very important question and not so easy to answer. There are two issues that we need
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"It's the fourth generation that's running the company but our principles remain the same since 1896 - design, quality and reliability." Eberhard MüllerMenrad, MD, Menrad to consider: On one side, we have focused our personnel resources during the past years on the expansion of our sales network in China. On the other side, we have already been serving the Middle East through our export department in Germany. However, we felt the need of being closer and more active within this region. Some might feel that it's not the right time to enter the market considering the economic crisis that has hit the region. But we are a family business and we have a long-term strategy in place. We don't have shareholders who worry about the short-term results. We see huge potential in this region, even at this point, and for sure in the future. Our study and our forecasts will hold us
in good stead and we are sure that in terms of growth and particularly in the target audience that we are looking to cater to, Middle East is the place to be. To answer your question though, I would say that yes, we are late. But it's better late than never!
A B: What, according to you, is Menrad's strength? EMM: Reliability. We are a very precise German company and our reliability is not just about the quality of the product but also the service. If we
A B: Of all the regions that make up the Middle East, which region interests you the most? EMM: I think it's obvious today to say that it's Saudi Arabia. Beyond that I see huge potential in Egypt too. Middle East, as a whole, is something that we are looking forward to. And Dubai, for us, is the perfect place to set up our office. I have been visiting Dubai for the past 10 years as I have friends here and I have grown to love this place. Right now, it may be going through some tough times but I am sure they will soon regain their former glory. A B: You have a kitty of six brands - Menrad, Morgan, Joop, Davidoff, Jaguar and Zeiss. Which of these are you banking on? EMM: Without any doubt it's Jaguar. We've been associated with Jaguar for 25 years now and people know this in the market. This brand association is very strong and particularly in this region the brand recall is very, very high. Davidoff is another brand that holds a high recall value in this region. Internationally, too, these two brands have been doing extremely well.
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say it, we mean it and if we mean it, we do it. This is what Menrad is about. Earlier at the presentation, Jules Tabet promised 90 percent order delivery of our stock to the Middle East but I can assure you that we could currently deliver much higher than that. This is where we differentiate ourselves from our suppliers. Since we control the valuechain, including the production, we can offer better availability of products. We are well organised in a way that the day we launch our product our stock is available for order delivery.
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A B: So unlike other companies who launch a product and assure deliveries a few months later, you can deliver immediately? EMM: Yes. Other companies do it differently. There are many facets to the word 'Reliability' and stockavailability of products is just one more way to be reliable. A B: Every product is seen and judged for its design aspect and its production quality. What, according to you, is more important? EMM: I am involved in the product development, design and production and from our understanding, product quality is the base to build upon but it's not a differentiating factor. It's also very important to have an up-to-date design. The combination of production and design is most important but I would say that with excellent quality and poor design you cannot achieve a good product. So design is very, very important.
A B: Coming to the design aspect, could you tell us who designs the products- Menrad or the brand’s design department? EMM: Menrad does the designing. Yes, we do it within our organisation and usually it is approved by the licensor of the brand. It all depends on how tight the relationship is with the license holder. We have a number of brands and in some cases the approval takes longer if the license holder has to approve each design individually, but nevertheless the design always comes from our team internally. A B: I think the fact that Jaguar designs come from Menrad says a lot about your design capability and strengths. EMM: We've been doing Jaguar designs for 25 years and after so much time there's a trust that's built. We share this trust with Jaguar. A B: You are the fourth generation in the business today? How does it feel? EMM: Oh, it feels great!. It's a heritage and I am very proud of it. Today it's me
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and my brother Hermann who handle the business. The way we share our roles is that he takes care of the sales and marketing and I handle the product development and manufacturing. He has been with the company for 20 years and I've been with the company for 14 years now. A B: What about the fifth generation? Are they already looking forward to joining Menrad? EMM: Oh yes! I have two sons aged 10 and 12. Initially they wanted to be fire-fighters but nowadays they say that they are looking forward to joining the family business. So I am sure the heritage will continue. AB: Thanks Eberhard for sharing your time and your views with us. We wish you all the very best for your endeavour in the Middle East. ................................................................................ Email us at arabia@visionplusmag.com
Menrad showcases its collection in Dubai
Over 100 existing and potential customers as well as distribution partners for the Middle East, alongside media gathered on October 17th, 2011, at the Le Meridien Dubai to celebrate the official launch of Menrad's Middle East subsidiary. Eberhard Müller-Menrad, Managing Director, presented the company, its history and the brand portfolio to the guests. The Middle Eastern upcoming services and plans were explained by Jules Tabet, Sales Director for the Middle East. A fashion show presenting the latest optical and sunglass collections of JOOP!, Jaguar, Davidoff, Zeiss, Menrad and Morgan ended the official part of the presentation. Menrad‘s team and the invitees shared a casual dinner closing the event.
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TRENDS
One of the most iconic eyewear styles, the Wayfarer has lately been enjoying a resurgence of sorts.
Wayfarers – Faring Well On Its Way To Immortality! its solitaire. And for eyewear it is undeniably the eponymous Wayfarer.
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very aspect of fashion – from apparel, jewellery, footwear, handbags, fragrances to eyewear – has its icons. These are symbols that more than endure the test of time and changing seasons and tastes. So, if clothing has its little black dress, fragrances have their Chanel No 5. If footwear has its stiletto, jewellery has 36
Having been around for more than six decades, this style is a must-have accessory for both the newbie aficionado and the haute couture connoisseur. And if current trends are any indication, or if fashion predictions are to be believed, this classic shape is well on its way to fashion immortality.
MOMENTS OF GLORY
In the 60 years of its existence, the Wayfarer has had its moments of fame. And then again there have been times VP (A) - Everything Between You & Eye
when it almost fell by the wayside (pun not intended) in the high streets of the notoriously competitive world of fashion. Evocatively named, the Wayfarer (that is also a kind of sailboat, and which probably inspired the name, too) was first launched by Ray-Ban in 1952. Taking advantage of the then new plastic molding technology, the Wayfarer marked the transition between a period of eyewear with thin metal frames and plastic frames. Designed by Richard Stugeman, the frame was a sell out from the time it was launched. And through the 60s, it
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Having been around for more than six decades, the Wayfarer is a must-have accessory for the newbie aficionado and haute couture connoisseur. more or less ruled the eyewear lover’s wardrobe. Endorsements were in full flow – Audrey Hepburn in the classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and style icons like John F. Kennedy, Bob Dylan, Ryan Adams, Jack Nicholson, Andy Warhol, Roy Orbison, and Don Johnson helping increase its visibility and popularity to a very large extent. In the 70s, its popularity waned just a wee bit, with the entry of the butterfly shape, made popular by Jacqueline Kennedy (though her husband was usually seen wearing the Wayfarer). In the 80s though, some smart product placements brought the Wayfarer in vogue again. VP (A) - Everything Between You & Eye
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BACK IN VOGUE
Between 1982 and 1987, Ray-Ban’s Wayfarer sunglasses appeared in over 60 movies and television shows every year. For instance, Tom Cruise wore them in the 1983 movie Risky Business, which marked the beginning of the eyewear's phenomenon with over 3,60,000 pairs being sold that year. By 1986, after appearances in Miami Vice, Moonlighting, and The Breakfast Club, sales had reached 1.5 million. With renowned pop and rock musicians and Hollywood stars sporting the style, the popularity reached dizzying heights - Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Johnny Marr, Blondie's Debbie Harry, Madonna, Elvis Costello, and members of U2, Jack Nicholson, Anna Wintour amongst several others regularly wore the Wayfarers. The 80s belonged to the Wayfarer, but the 90s again had a slightly different tale to tell. In the 90s, the wraparound frame had started edging it out again. However, the frame was more resilient than just some flash in the pan success. In the new millennium, an interesting twist in the tale came through. Celebrities and their fashion stylists brought the Wayfarer back in vogue (albeit unknowingly) when Chloë
Sevigny and Mary-Kate Olsen began wearing vintage frames. This, if anything, was clearly a tribute to the style’s dependability – it could be counted on to add charm and glamour to any outfit, face size and shape.
AN APT RE-INTRODUCTION
Apparently, Ray-Ban had all but stopped production of the Wayfarer. But when the company’s designers noticed that vintage Wayfarers were
A huge indication of the Wayfarer’s popularity is the fact that brands other than Ray-Ban regularly use the shape and style in their collections. commanding high prices on eBay, the original design was re-introduced in 2007 to respond to this growing demand. Of course, the company suitably revamped the old-new collection launches. There were the Original Wayfarer, New Wayfarer, and Wayfarer Folding styles. Moreover, while the original style was more masculine, the revamped versions suited women as well.
Celebs Who Love Their Wayfarers!
Teenage singing sensation Justin Beiber is often seen with his Wayfarers, which is more often than not, the Ray-Ban 2140 model. Tom Cruise's wearing of Wayfarers in the 1983 movie Risky Business marked the beginning of the eyewear's phenomenon with over 360,000 pairs being sold that year. Audrey Hepburn made Wayfarers a must-have fashion accessory in the ‘70s after she carried it with aplomb for a good portion of the movie ‘Breakfast in Tiffany’s’.
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A wide variety of colours and patterns in both frames and lenses added even more glamour and novelty and versatility - a range of lens colours and frame colours lent an appeal that remains unmatched by any other style. From single colour frames in black, tortoise, brown, blue, orange, purple, bright orange-red, and deep blue, military green, violet, bordeaux, and white, the latest is two-tone frames in combinations of black and blue, or black and orange, faded blue transparent, sand and blue, black and lime, black and yellow, purple and red and even printed styles. Lens colours ranged from the typical black and brown to gray, blue, green and even pink – a colour palette that is undoubtedly chic and trendy. A huge indication of the Wayfarer’s popularity is the fact that brands other than Ray-Ban regularly (and unhesitatingly) use the shape and style in their collections. Name a brand, and its latest collection is bound to have a piece or two inspired by the Wayfarer. And if we were to start naming the current celebrities wearing Wayfarers, it would actually mean listing down virtually all the stars of global celebdom. Sienna Miller, Jude Law, Kristin Stewart, Lindsay Lohan, Drew Barrymore, Nicole Ritchie, Fergie, Adam Brody, Mischa Barton, Ashlee Simpson, Jessica Hart, OrlandoBloom, Kate Moss, Elle MacPherson, etc have been spotted wearing the style very frequently - a long list if ever there was one. Sometimes, cited as the best-selling design of sunglasses in history, sometimes known as the classic of modern design, also known as one of the most enduring fashion icons of the 20th century – the Wayfarer is well on its way to becoming the unrivalled style king in the world of eyewear fashion. __________________________________________ – Roli Gupta ................................................................................ Email us at arabia@visionplusmag.com
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JUST ONE QUESTION
“Are trade fairs effective in contemporary times in meeting business objectives?” In recent times, international optical trade fairs have seen a drop in the number of visitor footfalls. This is a global phenomenon, not limited to any particular geography. While the reasons for this drop may be many, exhibitors and visitors alike are beginning to wonder just how effective are trade fairs when it comes to reaching out to customers in contemporary times. A cross-section of people from the industry have mixed reactions about the future of trade fairs.
Colin D’cruz
COO, Charmant Gulf FZCO The returns do not justify the cost of investing in a trade show anymore. A lot of companies prefer to have exclusive and select events for their target customer base. This is probably why one did not see big companies like Luxottica and Safilo participate in a lot of fairs this year. Most companies shy away from the trade fairs because of the expenses involved. The only companies that invest in trade fairs now are those that want to continue with the branding activity for their customers. 40
It is part of Charmant’s brand strategy to be a part of trade shows because it helps us increase the brand awareness that people have about our brands. But footfall in trade shows is definitely dropping. ____________________________________________________
Michel Audry
Managing Director, Eyres Optics
Trade fairs are valuable in achieving business objectives. I find it a very flexible and cost-effective business generating tool, and an effective medium for establishing and maintaining customer relations. Although our products are brought forward through different types of promotional activities, trade fairs involve the most important and compelling way of promotion – face to face – which builds and sustains customer relations. Trade fairs also open doors to building future relationships with existing and new customers. We found that retailers who get the opportunity of seeing our products at a trade fair are more likely to respond to follow-up calls compared to those who have not seen the products in person. It is also a good avenue to conduct market research and to survey the latest product lines, mixes and designs of competitors. Making contacts at a trade fair is only the beginning of a process that leads to sales. ____________________________________________________
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Most of the people get a lot of information from the Internet. Additionally, companies now hold exclusive meetings and road shows for their select customers. Here they get a chance to interact with the premium customers personally and get a lot more orders. A trade show is effective only when it is marketed well and also if it has some interesting information sharing conferences. This attracts a lot more people to the event which is exactly what exhibitors need. ____________________________________________________
Srinivasan Parthasarathy
Senior Manager Business Development MENA, Carl Zeiss
Ashok Narwani
Sales Manager, Truebell Marketing and Trading
Certainly, trade fairs offer excellent opportunities for everyone related in the business. The dynamics of the industry is continually shifting and evolving. Trade fairs provide people in the local optical industry with opportunities to get access to new collections and remain updated about the changing trends. On the other hand, exhibitors can reach out to these businesses and showcase their products. In hindsight, the footfall and activity at trade shows may have diminished over the years, but the potential opportunities for growth in the region still remain attractive. These international trade fairs are here to stay. ____________________________________________________
Hrushabh Tolia Executive Director, Future Optics
I think trade shows are losing their edge because now every company has many sales representatives who keep meeting the customers regularly. These customers, therefore, do not feel the need to visit a trade fair exclusively to meet their suppliers.
Trade shows are double-edged swords. They are necessary because they get the industry to come together, exchange ideas and push business forward. They make a lot of sense when new products are being launched and also for announcing continuity of presence in the market, because absence usually brings in a negative perspective. But the inflated costs and hype that often surrounds the show is a little disturbing. In my opinion, each show seems to be a bit quieter and less active than the previous one. I guess we all suffer from trade show fatigue with so many global and regional shows. If the timing and the gaps between these shows are planned rightly, exhibitors would be able to derive more mileage. ____________________________________________________
Bernhard Westerhoff
Head of International Markets, Imago Eyewear It depends on the nature of the trade show. I think shows like Silmo or Mido are very important to meet partners from the industry. They are a great advantage, because you can meet a lot of partners in a very short time. This also applies to events like Vision-X in Dubai. Certainly the fair in Dubai is not the same size as a European trade show. But for emerging Middle East markets, this event is very important and all the more so if a company wants to show its presence to people in the market. ...........................................................................................................................
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Email us at arabia@visionplusmag.com 41
EYE
MATTERS
An increasing number of children between the age of eight to 15 years are being fitted with contact lenses – for reasons either medical or cosmetic. But prescribing contact lenses to them comes with its own set of dos and don’ts, which these youngsters and their parents need to bear in mind.
Contact Lens In Young Hands T
he usage of contact lenses is on the rise and it is being prescribed to an increasing number of children between the age of eight to 15 years. The reasons for this trend are many. But one reason why children, especially girls, go for contact lenses is simply to look good.
Parents worry about the risk of infection or any ocular problems that could occur due to the usage of contact lenses. However, eye care practitioners categorically state that fitting children with contact lenses is perfectly safe as long as proper care is taken. And the only way to get children to care for their lenses, and their eyes by extension, is by motivating them to do so. Dr Kartar Chhabrak, Medical Director and Ophthalmologist at Al Fahim Medical Center in Dubai, says that he is seeing a lot more youngsters in his consultation practice, demanding to be fitted with contact lenses even before they're prescribed to do so. “Parents often give in to the insistence of their children and agree to have their children fitted with contact lenses, especially in the case of teenage girls. But I do not prefer prescribing contact 44
lenses to kids under the age of 14 years, unless they need it for medical reasons. This is because they are then at an age where they can follow the lens care routine properly,” he adds.
AILMENTS WHERE LENSES ARE ADVISED
There are several cases where eye care practitioners end up advising that young children be fitted with contact lenses. One of them could be recovery from infantile cataract where the child has to be fit with extended wear lenses to have good visual acuity. Children who need vision correction due to some ailments like squint, astigmatism, amblyopia and presbyopia are also recommended to go for contact lenses to ensure that their eyes function properly together. Youngsters between 10 to 15 years of age who have high levels of myopia (short-sightedness) or hyperopia (longsightedness) are also asked to opt for contact lenses so that they have a better refractive stability over longer durations. Often, when a child suffers from albinism or aniridia, contact lenses are advised as a medical recourse. VP (A) - Everything Between You & Eye
Albinism is a defect of melanin production that results in little or no colour in the eyes, following which the child might have sensitivity to bright light or reduced visual acuity. Aniridia is the absence of the iris either in one or both eyes. In contemporary times, where appearance plays an important role in the way a young adult is perceived, medical reasons are not the only motive why children insist on contact lenses. This is especially the case with kids, who have very high refractive errors, which they feel looks unsightly with spectacles, according to Dr Prashant Bhatia, Specialist Ophthalmologist and Medical Director of Vista Healthcare Clinic, Dubai. He notes that generally as they grow older,
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counselling the patient. In these cases, the children might be scared about using lenses, so the practitioner needs to make the child feel comfortable. If young children below the age of 15 years are not very keen on wearing contact lenses, Dr Chhabrak usually asks the parents to identify someone from their family or the child’s peer group who is already wearing contact lenses. “Then, I ensure that the child sees that person apply the lens, so that their fear for it vanishes,” he says. The best way to ensure that the children follow a hygienic lens regime is by informing them and their parents about the likely problems they might run into otherwise. For example, if the children do not wash their hands before inserting the lens in their eyes, they might end up with infection. The most common complaint is dry eyes or itchiness in the eyes due to over-use of the lenses. They are also likely to have abrasions in the eyes, due to inserting or removing it incorrectly.
children are more conscious about the way they look and enquire about contact lenses. “There is no consensus on the minimum age for wearing contact lenses. It is more important to ascertain if the child can handle the responsibility of using contact lenses judiciously and take adequate care to prevent the occurrence of lens related infections, which may be sight threatening if not treated appropriately,” he adds. Shifting children to contact lenses also tends to boost their self-confidence and self-esteem. In such cases, the eye care practitioner does not have to worry about drop-outs as the motivation to continue wearing the lenses is very high in these children. On the other hand, parents often urge
Shifting children to contact lenses also tends to boost their selfconfidence and self-esteem.
the eye care practitioner to prescribe contact lenses to their kids if the latter is involved in sporting activities where glasses can be a hindrance.
COUNSELLING COUNTS
While prescribing contact lenses to children, whether they choose it for aesthetic purposes or for medical reasons, the eye care practitioner has to spend a lot of chair time in VP (A) - Everything Between You & Eye
Once these issues are highlighted, especially to the parents, most of them take due care to ensure that their children do not end up with any of these problems. They also tend to bring in the child for regular check-ups to see if their refractive errors have changed. At this time, the practitioner can deduce if the proper lens care regime is being followed or not.
WHAT SUITS THEM MOST
Since children by and large are mischievous by nature till they reach their teens, they have to be prescribed the right kind of lenses keeping in mind their habits, tendencies and lifestyle. While the use of contact lenses is mostly safe for kids, they nonetheless need to handle it with care to avoid getting any kind of infection. According to most eye care practitioners, the best lens material for kids is the conventional rigid gaspermeable or RGP lenses, because 45
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they transmit oxygen more freely to the eyes. This is because the RGP lenses are made from a durable plastic material which ensures that they retain their shape even if the wearer blinks. This, in turn, is likely to result in lesser visual aberrations. These lenses are also very durable, and the protein and lipid buildup is much lesser as compared to the other alternatives. Ophthalmologists usually refer them to children of all age groups who have astigmatism or presbyopia. However, the downside to this type of lenses is that it takes some getting used to. It is usually not recommended for hyperactive children as it tends to dislodge easily. They are also more susceptible to irritation from dust that can get trapped between the lens and the eye. Most eye care practitioners prefer silicone hydrogel contact lenses for kids between the age of eight to 15 years, especially those who are likely to use it as a replacement for their spectacles. They give more oxygen to the eyes as compared to traditional soft lenses. And it is helpful that these are now available in disposable variety ranging from daily, fortnightly to monthly options. The daily disposables are also ideal if children insist on lenses for aesthetic reasons on special occasions. They can be discarded immediately after use and are therefore very convenient. But, they are not costeffective if the children want to use the lenses on a regular basis. At the end of the day, kids will be kids. Hence, the onus of ensuring that they use their contact lenses properly finally falls on parents. They need to guide their children and ensure that they follow the lens care regimen properly. This will protect them from any infection and ensure that the contact lens does what it is meant to do provide their kids with better eyesight and a feel-good factor. __________________________________ – Vinita Bhatia ................................................................................ Email us at arabia@visionplusmag.com 46
When contact lenses are prescribed to young children
Recovery from cataract or if the child suffers from squint, astigmatism, amblyopia, albinism or aniridia. Amongst pre-teens and teenagers, to improve their overall appearance and gain social acceptance amongst peers. For children involved in sports that are hindered by spectacles. For children who tend to damage their spectacles regularly. In case of high levels of myopia or hyperopia and fluctuating refractive error indices.
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EVENTS WHERE:
Paris, France WHEN:
Sep 29-Oct 02, 2011
Silmo 2011 garnered the usual excitement amongst exhibitors and visitors, alike. This is a good reminder of why it continues to reign as one of the leading optical trade fairs, globally.
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Silmo 2011: Stepping Up A Gear
hey came, they saw and they concurred – that Silmo 2011 was a success. Known to be one of the two leading trade fairs in the optical world (Mido being the other), it was heartening to see that Silmo 2011 lived up to expectations to a great extent! It has always been projected as a favoured destination where visitors can explore the latest collections, participate in the launch of new brands and witness optical innovation in style and technology. Silmo's organisers put in extra effort to make this event successful by adding 6% area to the floor plan. Spread across 80,000 square meters, it saw the participation of over 120 new companies and 34,671 industry professionals. 56% of these were international visitors - an increase of 5% over last year. The event organisers had announced in advance that this time around, Silmo would be an action-packed programme with a variety of events to complement a roster of exhibitors from sectors including sunglasses and optical frames, lenses, contact lenses, technological equipment, store design and layout.
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And it looks like they were not off the mark. The impression one got this time around was that Silmo’s organisers were not willing to take competition lying down and would attract attention more than ever.
GETTING ATTENTION
Even before the four-day event had begun on 29th September, 2011, there was already a lot of excitement going around. Marchon, which has been participating in Silmo since 1995, was back at the event this year as well. According to Eric Lefort, MD of Marchon France, Silmo is a huge opportunity for their company to get visibility. “Additionally, this is a great way to show our entire portfolio and collections as Silmo is a meeting point between fashion and eyewear,” he added. The company’s expectations from the trade fair this year was very high, especially as it chose to present its new collections and brands there. Ogi Eyewear too participated in Silmo for the second time following a successful showing at its debut. Phil Windyk, Marketing Director of Ogi Eyewear stated, “Each year the Silmo show attracts many influential retailers from across
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this year included understanding the issues surrounding children’s vision, reading and myopia. There was also a Low Vision area, where information and awareness related to sight impairment was raised. With the kind of programs conducted, Silmo showed that it was moving ahead in the right direction. These programs were there to galvanize creativity, stimulate imagination and facilitate visits by professionals. The Merchandising Workshop, for instance, saw specialist merchandising support being provided to all opticians who wished to generate more visitors to their store and make optimal use of their sales area. There were experts who coached visitors on how to use merchandising as a good sales point. They took the audience through the seven key points of merchandising. Opticians also benefited from the Optic Dating section which is reportedly an original approach to hiring new staff based on the speed dating principle.
KEEPING FASHION IN MIND
Some new collections that were launched at Silmo included ‘Beam and Sunbeam’ from Kirk Originals. These models are made entirely from an acrylic material that shines like glass when finished, resulting in frames that are light and comfortable to wear.
the globe. Beginning partnerships with these key retailers makes us very confident about the future.” Other exhibitors too believed that Silmo presents a great opportunity for them to meet their suppliers to preview new, unreleased products. They also used this chance to visit their favourite boutique stores in Paris to gain an insight into the future of fashion. Overall, there was mixed reaction about the success of the fair in general. While some exhibitors were satisfied about fulfilling their agenda of meeting their clientele, others did feel that the footfall this time was much lesser than last year. But according to Eric Lenoir, Commissioner General of Silmo 2011’s organising committee, the turnout is not a serious problem since today most visitors attend an exhibition only if they are serious about their business prospects. He added that even exhibitors are happier dealing with people who are their real customers, rather than those with a cursory interest.
NOT TO BE MISSED
Some of the things that visitors looked forward to was the Silmo Academy - a symposium for eyewear professionals wishing to enhance their knowledge. Topics addressed
Seeoo was another debutante brand from artisan Gerard Lansik of Vienna. It had already won the Red Dot Product Design Award in 2010 for its innovation and creativity. And then there was the Caracte're Eyewear collection for women, which is manufactured and distributed by Demenego. The success of this collection lies precisely in its ability to interpret, satisfy and provide a discerning female customer base with the assurance it demands in terms of style, taste and quality of material. The much-anticipated Silmo d’Or awards, that recognised the work of all those pioneering optical companies, was held at the National Air and Space Museum in Le Bourget. A separate section was created where those competing for the international awards displayed their products before the awards ceremony. A TV booth was also set up to showcase all the news from the optical profession with lively debates and interviews broadcast live by Acuité. Visitors were seen participating in the Silmo ‘Star For A Day’ contest where they stood the chance of winning a photoshoot with a fashion photographer on registering their badge at silmoparis.com. These were but some of the goodies that Silmo had in store for exhibitors and visitors. Looking at this list, it is no wonder then that this event has emerged as a must-visit trade fair for the global optical industry. __________________________________________________________________
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Hong Kong Optical Fair 2011 Substantial Participation Makes It A Success WHERE:
Hong Kong WHEN:
The 19th Hong Kong Optical Fair, held between 3rd to 5th November, saw the participation of over 600 exhibitors. More than 150 brands participated in the Brand Name Gallery, alone.
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he 19th Hong Kong Optical Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opened on 3rd November and continued till 5th November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). At the event, Brand Name Gallery was one of the best places to check out new launches of this season's branded eyewear, such as British brand TD Tom
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Davies’ second Natural Horn Collection for Autumn 2011 and French brand Lafont’s full collection of optical frames and sunglasses. This year, over 150 brands from 18 countries participated in the Brand Name Gallery. First-time participants at the HKTDC fair included Arnold Palmer, Betsey Johnson, Fiorucci, Guy Laroche, Kenzo, Mammoth, myDeary, TD Tom Davies and Zadig and Voltaire.
ZONING IN
One of the key highlights at the optical fair this year, was the inaugural ‘Contact Lens and Accessories’ zone, with 16 exhibitors from Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Eco-friendly products like foldable eyewear cases made of recycled cardboard were showcased here. Other popular product zones included eyewear, frames, lens and accessories, optometric instruments, equipment and machinery, and trade services. HKTDC and co-organiser, the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers VP (A) - Everything Between You & Eye
Nov 03-05, 2011
Association, also arranged a host of seminars and related events to give visitors a better perspective about the latest industry developments. The 9th Hong Kong Optometric Conference, which was held on 4th November, for instance, looked at vision development and myopia, bringing together optometrists and neuroscience experts from Canada, Finland, Hong Kong and Singapore. The conference, with its ‘Vision for the Next Generation’ theme, was organised by the HKTDC, The Hong Kong Optometric Association and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Other industry events included the ‘Compliance with International Standards – Latest Updates’ seminar, hosted by The Vision Council and Intertek Testing Services, and GfK’s ‘Optics Market Outlook 2012 – Insights of Asia, Europe and the US.’ Fashion, too, took the spotlight in ‘A Global
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Eyewear Tour – Looking at the Latest Style’ seminar. Three ‘Brand Name Gallery’ eyewear parades took place during the fair, while winning and finalist entries in the 13th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition were on display at the Wine Cellar, Hall 1B, throughout the fair.
QUICK RESPONSE
The Hong Kong Optical Fair was the first in Hong Kong to feature Quick Response (QR) technology which enabled buyers who registered for the service, to simply use their smartphones or tablets to scan the QR code at each exhibition booth and instantly obtain exhibitor profiles. Within 24 hours they also received a personalised email listing of exhibitors they had visited. According to the organisers , the event showcased Hong Kong’s leading export industries, which shipped spectacles, lenses and frames worth US$1.47 billion from January to September this year – a 10 percent increase, year-on-year. With the good turnout of visitors and the increasing participation of exhibitors, the Hong Kong Optical Fair has proven that it can be positioned amongst the leading eyewear events, not just in Asia, but the world over. ___________________________________________ VP (A) - Everything Between You & Eye
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EGMA’s ‘Vision is Precious’ seminar saw the participation of over 130 opticians, who got in-depth perspective about Drivewear lens technology, NuPolar Lenses and Trivex Trilogy from Younger Optics and an insight into the benefits of photochromic technology from Transition Lenses.
EGMA Hosts
‘Vision is Precious’ I
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n an initiative to help boost up the skills and the sales techniques of opticians, EGMA recently organised the ‘Vision is Precious’ Seminar. Held at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City on 10th of October, 2011, it was well attended by over 130 opticians. Poya Eghterafi along with the EGMA team played the perfect hosts and ensured
that all the visitors were well taken care of. The seminar was conducted by Lino C. Barbieri, Territory Sales Manager, Younger Optics Europe.
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The event which began at 9 am saw a steady flow of registered visitors and after tea, coffee and refreshments were served, Abdollah
WHERE:
Dubai WHEN:
Oct 10, 2011
Sedaghat, Business Unit Manager EGMA Ophthalmic Lenses welcomed everyone to the seminar. Mr Barbieri, was then invited to the stage and he went on to speak in detail about NuPolar Lenses and Drivewear. Drivewear Lens Technology, according to him, is very well suited for people
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who drive and particularly for the Middle East region. He quoted research by Younger Optics, which shows that simply protecting the eyes from the sun is insufficient for ophthalmic lens users during driving. Rapidly changing lighting conditions, continuous exposure to blinding glare and the endless sequence of visual distractions require lenses which understand the situations that drivers encounter and adjust accordingly. According to him, Younger Optics developed Drivewear Lenses, incorporating the most advanced attributes of Photochromics and Polarization technologies to create, what they term as, truly intelligent lenses for drivers. He went on to add that Drivewear was part of Transitions Optical variable tent sun-lenses SOLFX. The lunch break was followed by a speech on Transitions by Walid Elali - Sales Director , Middle East & N. Africa, Transitions Optical. He informed the gathered audience about how children are exposed to three times more UV than an adults and reiterated the importance of protection from UV at an early age. He updated the audience about the benefits of Transition lenses and its role in UV protection. After this session, Mr Barbieri, returned to the stage and spoke about another very interesting product from Younger Optics, ie Trilogy Trivex.
Lino Barbieri of Younger Optics Europe talks to the audience about Drivewear lens technology
All the participants received a certificate of participation and were offered, on behalf of EGMA, Transitions and Younger Optics, one pair of Drivewear lenses exclusively for their personal use. The skills and sales techniques that Mr Barbieri shared with them during the seminar were also quite interesting. It was a well organised event and we are sure more such events will only help opticians to gain more knowledge and share this with the end consumer. ___________________________________________ – VisionPlus Bureau ................................................................................
Walid Elali of Transitions Optical and Abdollah Sedaghat of EGMA
Email us at arabia@visionplusmag.com
VP (A) - Everything Between You & Eye
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WHERE:
Beijing, China
CIOF Getting Bigger And Better 2011 WHEN:
Sep 14-16, 2011
The 24th China International Optics Fair (CIOF 2011) was spread out over 44,700 square meters. With over 700 global companies participating in the event, the organisers claimed that it was the biggest optical fair in the world.
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he 24th session of the China International Optics Fair (CIOF 2011) was held at the China International Exhibition Centre, Beijing, from 14th to 16th September 2011. And the good news is that it lived up to its organisers' aspirations. They claimed that this was the biggest optical fair in the world.
brands from 23 countries participated in the event. Even well-known international brands including Armani Exchange, Hugo Boss, Alfred Dunhill, Dior, Marc Jacobs, Mercedes Benz, Mykita, etc, were part of the event.
GOVERNMENT’S ENDORSEMENT
CIOF is organised by the China Optometric and Optical Association. In fact, the Ministry of Commerce in China endorses it as one of the distinguished exhibitions of the country and hence, the Chinese government gave full support and subsidy to the event. This year, the exhibition halls covered a total of 44,700 square meters. A new pavilion, Hall 6, was deployed to house international exhibitors. Four global companies which had stayed away from the event in 2010, participated as well. These include Safilo, Mykita, Lindberg and Cazal.
While 731 exhibitors from 22 countries participated in CIOF 2010, the organisers were aiming at crossing the 770 benchmark this year. Over 300
As always, this year, too, CIOF continued to display and demonstrate state-of-the-art exhibits ranging from spectacle frames, sunglasses, 3D glasses, lenses, contact lens, visual test equipment, machinery and raw
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materials for making spectacle frames and lenses. Instruments for optometry and ophthalmology were also showcased at the event.
INTERESTING MIX
A number of exhibitors and trade visitors were present and the overall response to the event was buoyant. The participation of indigenous Chinese companies underlines the general belief that China has emerged as an important optical trading hub. At present, China is estimated to be one of the biggest consumer markets for eyewear and sunglasses. Clearly this also why Chinese manufacturing enterprises are constantly on the look out for high-technology machinery, materials, components and accessories to cater to the demands of the expanding local market. The event organisers are now confident that more exhibitors will use CIOF as their chosen channel to grab a share of the lucrative Chinese market. And from the looks of the visitor turnout at the event, their confidence was on the mark. ___________________________________________
OFF THE SHELF
Fendi’s sunglass collection for men combines sophistication and style
Fendi’s sunglasses collection for men spells class with the double ‘F’ logo accents on nose bridges and interior temples and is available in an array of colours. The zyl aviator, with the double ‘F’ logo repeated throughout the interior temple, has a mirror image in polished metal doubling as a nose bridge. The intricate logo has been applied to the vintage shape of FS5187 as well. A combination of zyl and metal, the FS5188 enhances the classic frame shape with a matte metal brow and the temples are engraved with the Fendi logo too. The FS5129 is a wayfarer sporting a thin metal plaque engraved with the Fendi logo onto double laminate zyl temples.
Judith Leiber’s Arabesque collection – an ode to Persian aesthetics
As the name itself suggests, Judith Leiber’s ‘Arabesque’ eyewear collection is inspired from Middle Eastern design style, which explains the lavish and bold models. The frames have elaborate embellishment and sculpted temples, representing the best of Persian aesthetic.
The models in the Arabesque collection are crafted from handmade custom acetate laminates. They have accentuated gold and silver leafing with Austrian crystals and skived down décor on the temples. The ornamentation has been integrated into the hinge for a seamless look, which is reminiscent of Persian-style architecture.
Blue Bay’s new 2011/2012 eyewear collection The Blue Bay eyewear collection presents new optical frames for passionate young people with strong personalities. The glasses for the next season are characterised by modern, eye-catching shapes, emphasised by new style details and proposed in vibrant colours.
The 50’s inspired retro-shaped model features contemporary details, such as small bas-relief decorations on the temples and front. It is a unisex optical frame in acetate with an original colour palette of solid and matte shades that contrast with shiny, multi-coloured temples. The slim and lightweight unisex steel optical frame flaunts bold contrasts between the steel front with its nylon-framed lenses and its shaped acetate temples. The colour combinations include black/green, palladium/brown, gray/ orange and blue/sky blue.
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Maui Jim debuts ‘Black Coral’ sunglasses
Black Coral, the newest sunglass design by Maui Jim features its patented PolarizedPlus 2 lens technology and is crafted from durable Monel metal with anti-corrosive nickel/silver spring hinges. It's available in matte black and matte espresso. The lenses are made from SuperThin glass and feature seven layers of proprietary PolarizedPlus2 protection to cut glare by 99.9% from above, below and behind the lens and to eliminate 100%of UV rays. The company’s bi-gradient mirror technology enhances protection from light through the top and bottom of each lens – basically, the glasses ‘squint’ for the user. Black Coral lenses come in two colours: Neutral Gray for bright, sunny days and HCL Bronze for variable light conditions.
The gangster influence on Theo Eyewear's new collection
Belgium-based Theo Eyewear’s latest eyewear collection has been inspired by very unusual quarters – American gangsters Al Capone and Bonnie Clyde. Bonnie Clyde inspired the Bonnie frame which is a flamboyant, feminine. The Clyde model, which can be worn by both genders, has a vintage yet modern look. The Capone model is more masculine with a radical 3D-milling adding depth and contour to the landscape of the frame.
Henry Jullien’s Asphalt: A new concept of removable hinge without screws
Henry Jullien is continuing to develop its ‘Les Urbaines’ product line which it launched in 2011 to mark the 90th anniversary of the brand. The new line of ‘Les Urbaines’, is aimed at a more urban audience. The ‘Asphalt’ collection incorporates materials like carbon fibre and glass fibre with six new models for men. The innovation of this product lies primarily in the 'no screws' hinge which is easily removable. The other collections include ‘Les Signatures’ which reflects the history of the brand with ‘Doublé Or’ which are gold-filled frames with classic styling. ‘Les Contemporaines’ plays on comfort and use of lightweight materials like Sandvik Nanoflex.
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Nouveau Eyewear partners with Essilor and Myoptics for awareness campaign
OPTICAL NEW
end of this year, taking care of 5,000 children. Its volunteers will conduct eye screenings of orphaned and vulnerable children to improve the quality of life of the South African youth.
Kefan Optics’ VIP sight testing at home
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he Bona Bolo campaign, which literally means to ‘see the ball’, gave the gift of sight this year to eight children who were hosted and cared for by this non-profit humanitarian aid organisation in South Africa. Nouveau Eyewear in collaboration with Essilor and Myoptics was invited by the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund to participate in this eye care awareness project recently. Myoptics is the exclusive distributor of Umbro and Nickelodeon frames in South Africa. Enthused by the support of sponsoring companies and the public, Bona Bolo has intensified its commitment to reach out to more children in Ethiopia. As part of the 2011 African Council of Optometry conference on ‘Equity and Excellence in Optometric Service’, it has so far screened over 200 children, adding as a much-needed extension to the country’s eye care services. The profession of optometry is still in its infancy in South Africa which currently has 56 optometrists for a population of 82 million people.
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efan Optics has recently introduced VIP Sight Testing Home Service. This service was introduced after the increasing demand for portable Sight Testing services. Although the service already existed, Kefan has recently invested in ultra sophisticated mobile Sight Test equipment which features the latest in the optical industry technology for optimal benefits. Kefan Optics' team of optometrists will visit the patient to test their vision in the comfort of their home or office. The team will specify the patient's prescription and lifestyle needs and provide the patient with a range of the world's best frames to choose from. This service caters to all customers including disabled, bedridden and special needs patients who are immobilised and unable to visit Kefan branches.
After offering over 2500 complete visual screenings in several villages, Bona Bola will try to double this goal by the
"Kefan Optics introduces this exclusive VIP Home Service to its clientele including businessmen, elderly people and disabled persons," said Hussein A Wazzan, Vice Chairman, Kefan Optics.
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"The service comes in line with our strategy to provide our customers with the best eye care possible, at all times."
Sarah Jessica Parker sports Karl Lagerfield
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arah Jessica Parker was spotted wearing Karl Lagerfeld sunglasses while running errands in Manhattan.
Satish Rajmane takes over as GM-Middle East in GKB Hi-Tech
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KB Hi-Tech has appointed Satish Rajmane as General Manager for Middle East (FZE), UAE.
Satish joins the Middle East business from his position as General ManagerExports with the parent company GKB Hi-Tech Lenses in Goa-India, where he held various positions in
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WS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE manufacturing, international sales and marketing for the past 24 years. GKB has also started the commercial production at its new lab at Sharjah, UAE to deliver its complete portfolio of products. These will include its range of conventional lenses as well as its freeform customised progressives across all indices and AR coating.
Optitalia presents 2012 Fall/ Winter collections
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ptitalia, part of Safilo Group, presented its latest 2012 Fall/ Winter collections to leading optical dealers and members of the press in
the Middle East on 17th September, 2011. The presentation was held at Thiptara Restaurant at Palace Hotel – Down Town in Dubai.
Dior, Gucci, Armani, Jimmy Choo, YSL, Boss, Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, Smith, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta and Carrera. The event was enlivened with the presence of leading models who donned some of these models and moved to the beat of live music.
In his welcoming speech, Mauro Casotto, MD of Optitalia Group confirmed the commitment of Safilo Group to be the right answer for fashion needs in the Gulf region for 2011/2012. Optitalia guests were given a preview of the launch of new sunglasses collections by brands like
International Rodenstock Eyewear Conference In Zell am See
Zell am See/Munich, September 2011 – Just before Silmo, Rodenstock invited customers, distributors and press representatives to Zell am See in Austria for the semi-annual Eyewear Conference to experience collections of Rodenstock, Porsche Design, Alfred Dunhill, MercedesBenz and Baldessarini brands, up close. According to sources from Rodenstock, guests from all over the world were thrilled with the designs and placed many orders. Compared to the Eyewear Conference in autumn 2010 in Paris, incoming orders increased by 60%, which is a new record for the Munich-based spectacles manufacturer. Convincing Collections The current collections of all brands represented in the Rodenstock portfolio VP (A) - Everything Between You & Eye
Essilor to build technology centre in France
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ssilor is beginning construction of a new ‘Innovation and Technology Center’ in Créteil, France. The new facility, slated for completion in 2013, represents an investment of €30 million,
were presented at the second Rodenstock Eyewear Conference this year. Stimulating discussions about the latest topics in the industry and a genuine Austrian lodge evening in a relaxed atmosphere made the atmosphere perfect. Hands-On Premium "We are very satisfied with the Eyewear Conference. Our new conceptual sales approach has proven itself very well. The Rodenstock Eyewear Conference is indeed more than simply an ordering event. With us, selling is also part of a holistic concept that helps customers to really appreciate the brands and which instructs them effectively in how to sell premium products to their end customers even more successfully," says Gerhard Novak, Head of Strategic Business Unit Eyewear. "It is in fact, what is expected of Rodenstock." ________________________________ 59
according to Essilor. By regrouping the company’s research, development and engineering teams—a total of nearly 450 people—the technology centre will reduce the time to bring new products to market, Essilor said.
The Innovation and Technology Center in Créteil is the second of three such facilities Essilor is planning. The first is in Dallas, Texas; another is to be constructed in Asia. The majority of the group’s R&D and engineering teams, which are currently spread across numerous sites, will work in these centres, according to Essilor. “The proximity to market requirements will enhance the Group’s ability to develop innovative products adapted to the specific nature of each region and
Safilo Group Announces Bottega Veneta 2011/2012 Collection
the brand. She presented a detailed introduction to Bottega Veneta in terms of its philosophy and its legacy, taking the audience through all the aspects of its timeless designs and exquisite craftsmanship.
Bottega Veneta’s 2011/2012 collection, which was showcased at Dubai recently, embodies the brand’s timeless flair, which has contributed to its recognition as a universal icon of sophisticated elegance.
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afilo Group recently launched the Bottega Veneta eyewear collection for 2011/12 on the 18th of October, 2011 at the Optitalia showroom at Executive Towers in Dubai. The launch was announced by Stefania Gambino, the International Sales Manager for
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In an era when flashing ones ‘branded best’ with an eye-catching logo is considered the order of the day, Bottega Veneta has chosen a different path. Its entire eyewear collection is entirely ‘no-logo’, consistent with the brand’s catch phrase – ‘When your initials are enough’. Understated, sophisticated and timeless, the brand is all about personal style and is said to be for those who don’t need to associate their names with a logo in order to define their identity and personality. The range focuses on the traditional symbols of the brand, primarily by re-interpreting the famous ‘Intrecciato’ leather in exclusive materials and design techniques. Manufactured by Safilo Group and distributed in GCC countries by Optitalia, the collection is expected to be distributed only to the most prestigious optical retailers in the region. The palette in the collection is inspired from Bottega Veneta’s place of origin, Venice in Italy, and is meant to be exclusive to each collection. The palette alternates between vivid and sombre, ranging from crystal shaded opal to VP (A) - Everything Between You & Eye
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to expand partnerships with the best universities and centres of expertise,” said Paul du Saillant, Executive Vice President of Essilor. Designed to meet strict environmental standards, the new facility will also seek to optimise energy consumption, the company said. ................................................................................ Email us at arabia@visionplusmag.com
the classic espresso and olive, illuminated with flashes of bright touches. The metals are a result of constant research for antique effects, lasered profiling, from semimatt to brunito. The key design elements of the collection have four components. It begins with ‘Intrecciato’ or the iconic intrecciato detail that enrich the temple through a metal section meticulously engraved and works as a flexing system to provide further comfort and fitting. The temples successfully combine color and material with sequences of transparencies and opaque colors, acetate and metal. Next come the ‘Sculpted icons’ where volumes, depths and facets characterise the models to hide a visible Intrecciato metal soul in the temple through the transparencies of materials. Not to be missed is the ‘Metal Signature’ where precision and clean lines for the metal create the perception of sophisticated elegance. Intrecciato profiles adorn the outline of the front for the most subtle luxury. And then we have the ‘Lovely Butterflies’ which are either hidden under the varnish in the temple tip or flying through crystal layers. These silver butterflies underline the soft feminine shapes and delicate shades of the model. ________________________________
UPDATE SAFILO’S NEW TREND-LED DESIGN CONCEPT
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or the next season, Safilo has unveiled new optical frame collections that are made up of feminine, sophisticated models and contemporary proposals for men. The Safilo Glamour optical frames are dedicated to women who are elegant with a timeless charm. They offer lightweight designs, as in the rectangular metal model with embellished rhinestone temples and a metal insert.
The optical frames in the Library collection has acetate frames that present a 'quilted' effect embellished with rhinestones. The colours too are glamorous with pearlescent white, wisteria/ivory, purple/lilac, pink/fuchsia. The Design collection proposes contemporary men's models with bold design content that reflects the brand's distinctive character. This is reflected in the men's optical frame designed in thin sheet steel that leaves lenses open at the bottom. The temples are characterized by a carbon fibre insert and a metal tab laser-engraved with the logo. __________________________________
of this sunglass is ultra-feminine and lightweight. It is made precious by the leather finishes on the slender temples and double bridge.
with the round lenses giving these sunglasses a strong personality.
Giorgio Armani is always innovative in the study of premium materials and proposes precious galuchat finishes in his latest collection of sunglasses and optical frames like the GA 905/S and GA 931.
CARRERA PRESENTS HERITAGE INSPIRED COLLECTION
The new eyewear perfectly represents Giorgio Armani style, combining elegance and the handcrafting of two natural and precious materials; gold, which never loses its beauty, and natural Indian water buffalo horn, which is lightweight, bio-compatible and unique in colour. The new exclusive aviator sunglasses feature a frame plated in 5 micron thick 22-carat gold, further embellished with a natural horn bridge and temple tips allowing for a perfect fit. __________________________________
EMPORIO ARMANI’S EYEWEAR COLLECTION FOR 2011/2012
GIORGIO ARMANI’S PRECIOUS MATERIAL COLLECTION
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iorgio Armani presents the Precious Materials Collection, the new 2011/2012 collection with exotic leather finishes. This unique, one-of-a-kind eyewear has a refined and unmistakable style that is skilfully hand finished by expert craftsmen. The GA 902/S is a minimal metal frame
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he new Emporio Armani sunglasses reflect metropolitan mood and contemporary spirit. The EA 9607/S Flock is a large, soft touch sunglass completely coated with a flocked velvet effect. The EA 9791/S has an ultra-flat double bridge that contrasts perfectly
The EA 9808/S is an urban inspired aviator sunglass produced in steel and metal and embellished with a rubberfinished top bar. The EA 9804/S is an metropolitan-inspired sunglass made of brushed slim metal sheet. __________________________________
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intage influences and authentic personality define the Carrera optical frames. Refined details inspired by the brand's heritage define the unisex optical frames produced in multi-layered acetate. They are generously proportioned for a perfect 80s look and come complete with contrasting graphic stripes, an iconic element of the collection that accentuates the contour of the temple. The metal logo is visible against pop or classic tones. The unisex optical frame produced in multi-layered acetate reveals its vintage inspiration in its iconic details, such as the photo-engraved logo and the contrasting graphic lines, visible against the temples. The men's steel and metal optical frame has a light, slimline frame with a perfect Eighties style. Vintage spirit mingles with a sports-glam look in the teardrop shape with double bridge and in the graphic lines, an unmistakable reference to the brand's roots. __________________________________
TRIVIA
Vision Illusion Is it line A or B that actually connects? It’s a close call!
What do you read in this image, Victory or defeat?
Check out the shades of blue. Are there 3 shades or are there 4?
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______ Cruise's wearing of Wayfarers in the 1983 movie Risky Business marked the beginning of the eyewear's phenomenon with over 360,000 pairs being sold that year. (3) ______ Eyewear in collaboration with Essilor and Myoptics participated in Bona Bolo campaign, which gave the gift of sight this year to eight children in South Africa recently. (7) ______ Optics has recently introduced VIP Sight Testing Home Service to cater to the increasing demand for portable Sight Testing services. (5) In an initiative to help boost up the skills and the sales techniques of opticians, ______ recently held the ‘Vision is Precious’ Seminar at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. (4) A
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ANSWERS: 1) GIORGIO ARMANI 2) ESCADA 3) RODENSTOCK 4) GUCCI 5) REVLON
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Across: 1 ______ Veneta eyewear collection for 2011/12 embodies the brand’s timeless flair and was showcased at Dubai recently. (7) 6 The Bona ______ campaign, which literally means to ‘see the ball’, gave the gift of sight this year to eight children who were hosted and cared for by this non-profit humanitarian aid organisation in South Africa. (4) 7 ______ garnered the usual excitement amongst exhibitors and visitors, alike and saw the participation of over 120 new companies and 34,671 industry professionals. (5) 9 With over 700 global companies participating in the event this time, the 24th ______ International Optics Fair was spread out over 44,700 square meters. (5) 10 With a history spanning 100 years, ______ Dunhill is one of the most luxurious and exclusive brands which is coveted by men all over the world. (6) 11 Evocatively named, ______ (also a kind of sailboat, and which probably inspired the name, too) were first launched by Ray-Ban in 1952. (9) 13 “Design, Quality and Reliability - Since 1896, these three words describe best, the heritage that is Menrad.” - ______ Müller-Menrad, Owner and Managing Director of Menrad. (8)
ADVERTISERS INDEX Marchon Gulf Fzco. 4WA - 426, Dubai Airport Free Zone, Tel : +971- 4 -2602445 Fax : +971- 4 -2602464 Email : info@marchongulf.com Web : www.marchon.com
Vision-X Dubai
Essilor Amico LLC
Dubai World Trade Centre Tel : +9714-308 6904/6051 Fax : +9714-318 8607 Email: visionx@dwtc.com Web : www.vision-x.ae
K.S.A. Tel : 9200 28289 U.A.E. Tel : +971 434 06582 / 3 / 4 Kuwait Tel : +965 245 3174 Oman Tel : +968 245 66314 Qatar Tel : +974 431 9329 Web : www.amicogroup.com
KOISC (Korea Optical Industry Support Center)
Derivision FZCO I-05, Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai, U.A.E. Tel : +9714-2990883 E-Mail: info@derivision.ae
Tel : +82-53-350-7830 Fax : +82-53-353-7812 Email : tg1414@hanmail.net www.diops.co.kr
Orient International Exhibition Co., Ltd.
Charmant Gulf FZCO
Tel : 852 2789 3220 Fax : 852 2789 3260 Web : www.orientexhibition.com.hk
PO BOX 54778, Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA), Block 5E, Office 621 Tel : +9714-2991199 Fax : +9714-2991188
Eyres Safety Optics
Optitalia LLC
33 Kensington Street, East Perth, 6004 Western Australia, Australia Tel : 1300 663 209 / +61 (08) 9325 2444 Fax : +61 (08) 9325 2977 Web : www.safetyoptics.com
Hassans
Maui Jim Middle East FZE
G-03, Dubai Airport Freezone, P.O. Box 293756, Dubai, UAE Tel : 971 4 2993699 Fax : 971 4 2993499 Web : www.hassans.ae
Dubai Airport Free Zone Warehouse # I-16 P.O. Box 293633, Dubai, UAE Tel: +9714 299 1207 www.mauijim.com
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P.O. Box 25385, Dubai, U.A.E. Tel : +9714-4472388 Fax : +9714-4472387 Email : optital@optitaliauae.com Web : www.optitaliauae.com
Egma Lens Factory LLC P.O. Box 47674, Dubai, U.A.E. Tel : +9714 267 0807 Fax : +9714 267 0806 Email : info@egmalens.com Web : www.egmalens.com (UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman)
VP (A) - Everything Between You & Eye
PORSCHE DESIGN sunglasses
P’ 8494