Silmo Sydney will break new ground from 9–11 March when the best of Australian and international brands step up to showcase their sun and optical frames, many for the very first time.
The world of eyewear comes to Australia next month when Silmo Sydney opens its doors to optometrists at the all new International Convention Centre (ICC) in Darling Harbour.
Silmo Sydney will give Australian optometrists the opportunity to see new collections recently released at Mido in Milan. It will also provide them with the opportunity to discover brands exhibiting in Australia for the first time – according to Managing Director of SILMO Sydney organiser, Expertise Events, Gary Fitz-Roy, close to half of the exhibitors will fall into this category.
Australian distributor MYM Group is one of them. Mark Blackadder, owner of MYM Group is particularly excited about being at Silmo Sydney and taking the opportunity to launch four fabulous European brands; Flair, Wunderkind by Wolfgang Joop, Vuarnet and Von Arkel.
Our whole idea is to offer a point of difference for independent stores with a diversity of premium products
“Our whole idea is to offer a point of difference for independent stores with a diversity of premium products for men and women that are not made under licence,” he said.
Having spent time in the Flair factory, Mark said he is confident of this new brand’s quality and appeal. “Flair has been manufacturing for seventy years and is famous for its award-winning rimless collection. Judging from what was on show at Silmo Paris 2016, I believe the trend of rimless frames is really set to make a come-back in terms of popularity. These frames have a patented nylon thread fitting design – there are no screws, no hinges or plugs. This is particularly important in rimless frames as it gives the flexibility and durability required.
“We’re also really excited to relaunch Vuarnet in Australia. This is the only sunglass brand to offer 100 per cent mineral glass lenses, offering perfect clarity. It was huge in the 80s and we are positive the brand’s vintage styling will be a hit.Vuarnet’s original lens factory in France is able to grind and fit its signature prescription lenses. Vuarnet has a full script program available for every model in the collection.”
Mark Blackadder is best known as the General Manager of LOGO Australia, the subsidiary of TAG Heuer Eyewear’s manufacturer, LOGO SAS. Supply was disrupted when the brand’s French factory closed down late last year and he hopes to regain distribution rights via MyM Group once a new manufacturer has been secured.
A Stunning Visual Treat
Managing Director of Eye Candy Optics, Jarrod Abbott, is also looking forward to being a part of this internationally recognised event.
“We’re excited to be a part of the roll out of Silmo’s expanding international events.
“The Silmo Village in Paris has always been a stunning visual treat of truly independent eyewear designers that celebrate individual style. We’re looking forward to this being replicated in Sydney, with the expected Aussie twist,” he said.
Peter Coombs, founder of Peter Coombs Eyewear, believes Silmo Sydney will be the perfect platform to tell his story and connect with like-minded colleagues.
“As an Australian designer, jeweller and maker of luxury independent eyewear I feel it is important to be involved in the promotion, education and shaping of our local eyewear industry,” said Peter.
“I have been making extremely limited, bespoke eyewear from precious metals for 30+ years. In September 2014, we released our first collection designed for high-end independent boutiques at Silmo Paris. Since then we have built a small distribution network of highly regarded independent retailers in Australia and North America, which we plan to expand selectively.
“It is of utmost importance with Peter Coombs Eyewear that people get to hear my story one on one and have the opportunity to see and feel the quality and functionality of the frames that I design and make.
“We look forward to demonstrating our commitment to luxury eyewear and bringing the Silmo vibe to Australian shores at Silmo Sydney,” he said.
A chance to Reinvigorate the Industry
Brett Sheil from European Eyewear plans to release new collections for Humphrey’s ad Brendel at Silmo Sydney.
“Silmo Paris has been very successful over many years with its focus on fashion, and I am really looking forward to this translating to the Sydney version. The timing of Silmo Sydney also suits us perfectly in terms of new products to show,” said Mr. Sheil. “The beginning of each year is when we have the biggest release of Eschenbach’s eyewear brands, which means what we will have on display at Silmo will be new to everyone.”
“We will have to see what eventuates at the first Silmo Sydney, but my hope is that the Silmo brand will get the optical industry excited again. I think many people have become jaded over the last few years due to economic uncertainty and rapid change. Hopefully Silmo will reinvigorate the optical industry with its global view on fashion eyewear,” said Brett.
Similarly, CR Surfacing is looking to Silmo Sydney to create some new industry excitement. “Being the very first Silmo in Australia there is a terrific buzz throughout the industry leading up to the event,” said Marketing Co-ordinator Jessica Adams. “It will be a great opportunity to see all the exhibitors as well as the new ICC located at Darling Harbour… With all of the changes currently taking place within the industry, we are excited to share what is new with CR Surfacing Laboratories and our plans for the near future. We also love the opportunity to meet new people as well as catching up with our fantastic customer base.”
Education Program
Silmo Sydney will offer optometrists an insight into global industry trends and opportunities, with two seminars delivered by Gianni Cossar, global director of GfK.
“GfK is an internationally renowned market researcher with the tools and expertise to deliver insights to optical professionals about how to get ahead and increase performance,” said Gary Fitz-Roy.
“These sessions will be tailored specifically to the optical industry and optical retailers and really hone in on the trends and outline strategies about how the industry can thrive in the changing market.”
“Both sessions will be enriched with an Asia Pacific focus on consumer dynamics and shopping behaviour, from a forward-thinking global perspective,” he added.
Gianni said his first seminar will take into account the uncertain economic and political outlook in the Asia Pacific region and its expected impact on the optical market, distribution channels and consumer behaviour.
“It will explore the potential impact and deliver effective business strategies for the projected times ahead,” explained Gianni.
He said the second session would focus on opportunities, challenges and future trends for the evolving global optics industry and optical retailers, revealing drivers shaping the business and impacting channels and overall performance.
“This session will explore how manufacturers and retailers can optimise their category management, formats, customer proposition and product portfolio decisions to intercept short-term as well as long-term opportunities.
“We really encourage optic professionals to take a look at their product and marketing mix and channel strategy during the seminars, as it’s a great opportunity to set future goals and refine business models,” said Gianni.
Silmo Sydney takes place at the International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour Sydney from 9–11 March.
What’s On Show at Silmo Sydney?
Zeiss
Zeiss Snow Goggles offer 100 per cent UV protection, a large visual field and improved contrast vision in both sunlight and diffuse light. Easy to change lenses offer mirror coatings and a large selection of high-performance tints for great vision in all weather.
A clip insert containing the patient’s prescription can easily be attached to the goggles. Zeiss Snow Goggles are available in different models and a range of colours for women, men, teenagers / children. They will be launched to the Australian and New Zealand market at Silmo Sydney.
Contact: Zeiss account representative
Stand: 1019
Teka Eyewear
Tekā Eyewear continues to produce innovative frames using unique materials. Model TK164 mirrors the classic round frame, with wood featuring in the temples and on the brow. Made entirely from titanium, including the nose pads, model 468 exudes luxury while maintaining a lightweight, strong, and adjustable design.
Contact: Aussie Optical (AUS) 08 9375 9200
Stand: 1658
Fritz Frames
Multi award-winning Australian brand Fritz Frames will exhibit a selection of its handcrafted frames at Silmo; distressed, feather overlays and exciting new colours among them. Rumour has it that this exclusive Australian brand has been working on a new collaboration to be revealed in March.
Contact: Fritz Frames (AUS) 0448 799 873
Stand: 1460
Brendel Sunglasses
Brendel’s collection of high quality women’s fashion sunglasses comprise 15 scriptable styles and perfectly compliment this brand’s optical collection.
Contact: European Eyewear (AUS) 03 8756 0900
Stand: 1548
Eye Candy
A stunning collection comprising eleven new l.a.Eyeworks frames and four Fiction by l.a.Eyeworks frames will be revealed for Autumn/ Winter 2017 at Silmo Sydney. Adherence to fashion or trend has taken a back seat for this collection, in favour of bold construction, shaping, materials, and colour that will appeal to a wide range of wearers.
Contact: Eye Candy Optics (AUS) 02 8091 1611
Stand: 1237
Blake Kuwahara
Blake Kuwahara’s frames are a mash-up of colliding aesthetics with careful attention paid to craftsmanship and tactility. An inner silhouette is encased in an unexpectedly fresh outer shape, seamlessly fusing the two frames into one. The juxtaposition of contrasting form and colour create a design tension that is thoroughly modern, yet comfortably familiar.
Contact: Eyemakers (AUS) 02 9960 7766
Stand: 1138
WOOW
WOOW sunglasses and optical frames are designed by Face ã Face for the young and daring. Always stunning, never discreet, WOOW represents a cool combination of London beat and Paris fashion.
Contact: Eyes Right Optical (AUS) 03 9763 1333
Stand: TBC
Wunderkind
The elaborate lacy pattern on the upper edge of this women’s frame from Wunderkind by Wolfgang Joop is created by carefully embedding metal into plastic. An embossed version of the filigree pattern is repeated in the temple. Matching lilac sunglass lenses give the model a lightweight look and a summery freshness. Available as a sunglass or optical frame and in three colours.
Contact: MYM Group (AUS) 07 5528 3656
Stand: 1241
Emmeline
The Emmeline Collections was designed by a woman for women, with colourful and fun frames in classic shapes that are well-made, affordable and available in smaller sizes.
Contact: Neesh Eyewear www.neesh.ca
Stand: V3
Peter Coombs Eyewear
Born from 30+ years of designing bespoke, one–off handmade collector pieces, the Peter Coombs 4 O’Clock eyewear collection is now offered in limited editions to high-end boutiques in Australia and North America. The titanium and sterling silver frames continue to be hand crafted by master jeweller Peter Coombs in his studio in Adelaide South Australia.
Contact: Peter Coombs Eyewear (AUS) 08 8365 5640
Stand: V8
Sunshades
Sunshades Eyewear will exclusively present its June 2017 preview collections at Silmo Sydney including Oroton, a reinvigorated sass & bide collection as well as new frames for the coveted Gucci, Saint Laurent and Kering Eyewear portfolio.
Contact: Sunshades (AUS) 02 8303 7300
Stand: 1220
Avanti
Avanti’s latest trend driven styles feature sophisticated acetates and striking new metals for both men and women. Modern shapes for the style conscious patient come with an emphasis on quality.
Contact: Eyes Right Optical (AUS) 03 9763 1333
Stand: TBC
MarcVincent
The MarcVincent range offers original retro inspired designs with an emphasis on quality. Featured is Savvin from the 2017 release, which introduces contemporary and sophisticated stainless steel and acetate combinations.
Contact: Van Staveren Eyewear (AUS) 1300 794 007
Stand: 1735
State of Art
State of Art is one of the most popular men’s fashion brands in the Netherlands. The slogan ‘modern classics’ characterises the clothing brand well, due to its bold colour palette and passion for old sports cars.
State of Art eyewear fuses these two elements by offering comfort, colour, technical design elements and a real feel of modern classics.
Contact: See Me Eyewear seemeeyewear.com.au
Stand: 1448
Vivid Vision
Vivid Vision uses virtual reality to treat adults and children with amblyopia, strabismus and convergence disorders. This immersive therapeutic tool appears in a life size, virtual environment without the constraints associated with television or computer screens. The Vivid Vision VR system offers full control of elements seen in the amblyopic/strabismic eye. You can start activities at your patient’s angle of deviation and decrease the angle progressively as they improve.
Contact: France Medical (AUS) 07 3393 9342
Stand:1120
Baby Wrapz 2
Baby Wrapz 2 sunglasses can easily be fitted with Rx lenses, even high powered lenses, using the Rx insert.
Baby Wrapz 2 feature a comfortable, unbreakable rubber frame and temples which are fully adjustable with the included ‘Earlocks’. They easily convert with two neoprene headbands, short and long. No tools required.
Contact: Idol Eyes Australia (AUS) 02 9899 9288
Stand: 1850
Kids Eye Gear
Kids Eye Gear offers colourful orthoptic eye patches for children. Adhesive patches are latex-free, hypoallergenic and come in six different colours.
Contact: Kids Eye Gear (AUS) 0414 566 894
Stand: V7
Contact Lens Centre Australia
Oculocin Propo is a natural based product that treats conjunctivitis and dry eye. It does not contain antibiotics, is preservative free and contains light antibacterial, light anti-viral and light anti-inflammatory properties.
Oculocin Propo has no known side-effects and does not cause stinging.
Contact: Contact Lens Centre Australia (AUS) 1800 125 023
Stand: 1358
The Eye Doctor
The Eye Doctor’s reusable compresses can be used hot or cold. Used hot, this compress alleviates symptoms of dry eye, blepharitis, chalazion, grittiness, irritation and sore eyes. Used cold, it will reduce discomfort associated with hayfever/allergies, inflammation, tired, itchy, puffy eyes and sinus headaches or migraines. The British made, bead filled compress is non-toxic, non-inflammable and comes with an adjustable strap, a removable, washable cover and a pouch for clean, dry storage.
The Eye Doctor was recently awarded the 2016 Queen’s award for enterprise and innovation.
Contact: Good Optical Services (AUS) 03 9645 1066
Stand: 1452
Magnifiers
Magnifiers can attract new, and help keep existing, patients. What’s more, selling magnification is not difficult and will bring in additional revenue. Eschenbach has a comprehensive collection of magnifiers, ranging from simple hand or folding magnifiers and hands free magnifiers for hobbies and occupational use, through to multi-functional digital magnifiers.
Contact: European Eyewear (AUS) 03 8756 0900
Stand: 1548
CR Surfacing
CR Surfacing Laboratories, together with its wholesale frame division, Eye Brands, will launch the SPY+ Optical collection and SPY+ Rx Happy Lens at Silmo 2017. A bold selection of great looking SPY+ Optical frames and the premium Happy Lens will be available at the show.
Contact: CR Surfacing (AUS) 03 9878 7599
Stand: 1130
Opticare
According to Opticare, the Centervue Compass Automated Fundus Perimeter is the first fundus perimeter capable of performing standard 24-2 visual field (VF) testing and the first confocal system to deliver true-colour images. Compass is a scanning ophthalmoscope combined with an automatic perimeter that provides confocal images of the retina, as well as measurements of retinal threshold sensitivity, under non-mydriatic conditions.
This completely automated process includes:
- Alignment of the instrument to the patient, using bilateral pupil tracking
- Auto-focus, correcting the patient’s spherical refraction
- Acquisition of live, infrared, retinal images
- Execution of Visual Field test and collection of fixation data
- Compensation of eye movements during VF testing, using retina and pupil tracking
- Acquisition of a colour retinal image (including auto-exposure)
Contact: Opticare (AUS) 02 9748 8777
Stand: 1312
Peeps
Peeps uses an invisible carbon cleaning compound to absorb fingerprints and oils on lenses. With over 500 cleanings from one Peeps unit, it is convenient, does not expire, is environmentally friendly and wont scratch or damage coatings. Peeps also cleans sunglasses. Visit Optica Life Accessories for a demonstration and your free sample of this fantastic product.
Contact: Optica Life Accessories (AUS) 0411 311 861
Stand: 1628
My health 1st
MyHealth1st is a user-friendly online healthcare search and appointment booking service that opens doors to patient bookings after-hours and lets them book appointments at their leisure. There’s no disruption to your current system, and it integrates seamlessly with Optomate, Sunix and most other Practice Management systems.
Store efficiency and patient experiences are improved by creating a culture of digital engagement. According to My Health 1st, this online service is affordable – just one new patient will cover your costs.
Contact: My Health 1st 1stavailable.com.au
Stand: 1021
Oculo
Oculo is a clinical communications network for eye care professionals. It is being used by over 800 optometrists and 300 ophthalmologists throughout Australia. Oculo provides eye care professionals with an innovative way to build business and share clinical information across a secure web-based system.
Contact: Oculo oculo.com.au
Stand: 1558
Eyecare Plus
Eyecare Plus provides business support and marketing services to over 160 clinically focused independent full scope optometry practices throughout Australia.
Owned by its members, Eyecare Plus offers three membership options; branded, co-branded and unbranded, together with professional marketing campaigns, media planning, benchmarking, exclusive territories, buying group benefits, face-to-face business advice, conferences and workshops, staff training and many other services.
According to Eyecare Plus, the marketing support and purchasing bonuses offered to members can completely cover the cost of an Eyecare Plus membership.
Assistance is also available to optometrists and dispensers looking to establish their own practice.
Contact: Eyecare Plus (AUS) 0416 807 546
Stand 1129
ProVision
ProVision gives optometrists the benefit of a sophisticated support network of 30 highly skilled professionals who are passionate about helping independent practices thrive. Experts in retail, marketing, education, human resources information technology, business development and finance are all available. Optometrists receive innovative, best-practice advice and intelligence across specialised disciplines to complement their team’s capabilities.
Optometrists who join ProVision maintain their brand identity and independence, while enjoying the fellowship of over 440 like-minded optometrists. Wholly owned by Optometry Australia, this organisation reinvests 100 per cent of income to continuously enhance services provided.
Contact: ProVision (AUS) 03 8544 3900
Stand: 1026
Tomato Glasses
Tomato Glasses for babies and children are comfortable, adjustable, flexible and fun. At Silmo Sydney, Tomato Glasses will be showcased alongside the Italian designer brand Roshambo and French designer brands Catimini, JAcadi Paris and Karavan Kids, which recently won awards at Silmo Paris.
Contact: Tomato Glasses (AUS) 03 8340 0417
Stand: 1522
Face & Cie by Zenka
Zenka has designed interchangeable eyewear that allows wearers to transform their look to suit their mood and lifestyle.
The principle is simple: with a simple click, an original and colourful clip-on can be added to the front, to create trendy, eye-catching and unique glasses. These decorative elements are as easy to remove as they are to attach.
Frames are made in France from TNG and inox, high-tech, robust and ultra-light materials.
Contact: See Eyewear (AUS) 07 5455 4546
Stand: V13
Carter Bond
Carter Bond’s latest acetate collection features fine wood-look profiles with split metal temples. This great Australian brand is dedicated to superior comfort and fit, natural materials and finishes, and lasting quality and style. The approach to fashion is timeless style with a modern twist.
Contact: Jono Hennessy (AUS) 02 9362 4941
Stand: 1348
