Buyers at VisionEast had the opportunity to take in every style of eyewear imaginable – from the world’s most sophisticated couture designers showcasing their wares in The Underground through to the trend setting frames and accessories in The Galleria, and visionary ways in which technology is being used to develop eyewear that can enhance vision, communication and performance in The Eye Zone.
Speaking of the show’s high-tech focus, Graeme MacKenzie, Director of Industry Affairs at Adlens said, “This is an industry on the verge of breaking through in innovation on every level. Whether its frames, lenses or communicating with customers, there’s real excitement in the industry”.
According to US eye care professional Laurie Pierce, LDO, ABOM, NCLC, Vision Expo is “the place to show and to launch new technology. In regard to optical technology, Vision Expo has a tremendous amount to offer,” she said. “Many of the new technologies are usually launched at this very important show by world leaders in lens manufacturing and design philosophies. Every year there is something new and exciting and it keeps it really interesting.”
In addressing the fashion showcased at this year’s event, Jenn Falik, Style & Beauty Expert reported, “I’ve been very impressed by seeing really new innovations as far as the way frames fit your face and fun details and embellishments. I think it is fun to see not only the fashion piece of eyewear, but also that the functionality of eyewear is getting more and more innovative”.
In regard to optical technology, Vision Expo has a tremendous amount to offer…
Jacque Katsieris from ProOptics said delegates to Vision East were enthusiastic to discover new brands and collections. “I spent time working on the Seraphin and Ogi stand talking to buyers from all over the world. They really use Vision East to soak up all the information about new trends and make buying decisions from there. It was really exciting to show them our collections.
“Interestingly there weren’t many ‘edgy’ designs on show this year, other than frames that have very tiny market potential – it seems on-trend eyewear brands have caught up in terms of style with the more fashion-forward eyewear labels. It will be interesting to see what the next Vision East has to offer.”
Ms. Katsieris said the party life associated with Vision East was “very New York… Eyewear icon Louis Fullagar hosted a party on the top floor of a warehouse for customers of brands exhibiting in The Loft. The theme was American Hustle and everything was pink – right down to the cocktails, which were decorated with rose petals and sprayed with rose oil,” she said.
