Metro Eye attended the International Vision Expo 2017 in New York City last weekend and witnessed firsthand all of the exciting new styles, trends and technology in eyewear. We talked to Luanne Labonte, Director of Purchasing and Retail Development, about what she saw and what she’s bringing back to Metro Eye.
Trends We Noticed
Looking at the different styles available at Vision Expo, some trends definitely started to emerge. We noticed all things vintage and retro are currently “in.” It doesn’t matter if it’s inspired from the 60s, the 70s or the 80s; if it’s old, it’s hot. We saw lots of aviator shades and double barred-bridges. Rounds are still big for both optical and sunglasses. This year’s popular colors are baby blues, rust, greens, and especially gold, which is making a big comeback. Browns and tortoise are still popular with designers. Mixed material frames featuring both acetate and metal are trending along with grooved and contours accents.
Blac by Bellinger
The Blac line from Bellinger was one of the most exciting shown at Vision Expo.
The revolutionary Blac Carbon frames are the only titanium-reinforced 100% carbon fiber frames on the market; making them the lightest and most durable frames in the world. Handmade in Denmark, each frame takes 16 hours to create. With lots of colors available for both men and women, Blac Carbon is destined to be a hit.
Not to be left out, the Blac+ series also pushes the technology envelope. These frames are constructed using 3D printed fronts which gives them a unique raw texture. Epitomizing the ultimate in luxury and comfort, the fronts are then paired with lightweight carbon fiber templates and custom titanium hinges.
Get into the Blac at Metro Eye! Look for yours at the end of April and early May.
The Look of Lindberg
Metro Eye is an authorized dealer of Lindberg so we are excited to bring some of the exclusive styles we saw at Vision Expo 2017 back to Milwaukee. Lindberg makes incredibly strong and lightweight frames using a mix of acetate and titanium. The acetate used by Lindberg’s frames are produced from cotton-based polymers which helps maintain a lightness and flexibility to the material. We also saw an amazing pair of frames from Lindberg made from both wood and horn, producing a very natural, organic look.
Happy 30 Years, Lafont!
Long known for their precise and exacting quality standards, attention to detail, balanced design, and harmonic yet unique color schemes, Lafont is a popular brand with Metro Eye’s customers. The Paris-based designers were celebrating 30 years in business at Vision Expo this year. They marked the occasion by offering a special limited edition anniversary handmade frame. Only 400 were produced!
Just in time for spring and summer, Lafont was also happy to unveil their new Vannes series of sunglasses. Named after the French city, Vannes are styled with a round silhouette that echoes a retro chic style and are embossed with a panther print pattern. These exciting new sunglasses are available at Metro Eye now, so come in and try on a pair!
Hanging with Tom Davies
Acclaimed British eyewear designer Tom Davies was at Vision Expo showcasing his latest line. We had a chance to chat with Tom and he shared a fun story of fitting singer Ed Sheeran with a custom-designed frame. Now known as 421, Metro Eye is thrilled to be selling these same frames here in Milwaukee. The 421 should be hitting 414 in just a few weeks.
Ed Sheeran isn’t the only one getting four-star service from Tom Davies. Tom is designing a pair custom made for Luanne. He’s creating a pair from frames from a picture he took of her face! We can’t wait to see what he “fashions.”
Look like a rockstar! Visit Metro Eye today and check out your own celebrity-inspired Tom Davies frames!
Here at the #VisionExpo! Come and visit me at my stand! pic.twitter.com/Z60jvzH9Jt
— Tom Davies (@tdtomdavies) March 31, 2017
Fusion Showcases Iyoko Inyake Collection
Fusion Eyewear wowed audiences at Vision Expo 2017 with their Iyoko Inyake collection. Iyoko Inyake has a worldwide reputation due to it’s inventive and trendsetting designs. Designed in Belgium and handmade in Japan, these frames are distributed in the US exclusively by Fusion and Metro Eye is the only retailer in Milwaukee. Made to the highest quality standards, this innovative collection are made with rhodium and titanium, which includes 3.5 microns of gold coating. The acetates used for the frames are of the highest quality and design, sourced from the Mazzucchelli factory in Italy, renowned for its unique color combinations. We’re truly looking forward to bringing these unique and stylish frames back to Metro Eye!
When you want sexy & colorful, you want Inyake/Fusion. See more of this exciting collection at #FusionEyewear https://t.co/SOLhE0OzvA pic.twitter.com/FK0OzvCype
— Fusion Eyewear (@FusionEyewear) March 17, 2017
iGreen Wows with On-Demand Frames
iGreen was on hand to show off some really cool on-demand technology. The reps at iGreen had Luanne choose a style and a color and pattern. While she waited, within 30 minutes, they produced a brand new pair of frames! Although the frames weren’t polished or finished, they looked amazing! We’re looking forward to the possibilities on-demand frames will bring to the industry!
Monoqool is Very Cool
Metro Eye met up with Danish label Monoqool to see what styles they are releasing this year. Monoqool is pushing the boundaries of 3D printing, creating the thinnest frames in the world. What we saw was impressive. The variety of their looks and colors will appeal to a large selection of Metro Eye’s customers. We are especially excited by their screwless hinge system, which produces a solid state structure that doesn’t require tightening. Metro Eye will be bringing Monoqool to Milwaukee and sharing their amazing frames with our amazing customers.
New Tint Technology
Tint experts Hoya introduced their new Diamond Tint technology at this year’s Vision Expo. For most tinted lenses, UV light exposure causes most tints to fade over time. Hoya’s Diamond Tint has been engineered to never fade. Available in a variety of colors, Diamond Tint is the go-to product for tinting lenses and will be available at Metro Eye! Come in and pick out your favorite shade.