British exhibitors fly the flag at Paris show

Brand news was the defining feature for many of the frame distributors showing their wares at Silmo and the British were in among the action.

Dunelm played host to Aliza Reger on its stand ahead of its win as the global licensee for Janet Reger eyewear. Dunelm's director Peter Beaumont said he was excited about the potential of the lingerie-inspired brand. Initial reaction among overseas buyers to the collection had been incredible, he said.

Another classic name getting attention was Continental Eyewear's Jaeger. The Jaeger London diffusion brand, due to be launched in the UK in November, takes the already resurgent Jaeger to a young new audience, said sales and marketing manager Neal Grimason. 'It's one of those brands that's had a resurgence even though it is a 100-year-old British brand.'