Eyefashion bookings off to promising start

The show, which is being held next year at the Business Design Centre, Islington from March 31 to April 2, is the fashion-based exhibition of the Ophthalmic Exhibitors' Association (OEA), the organiser of Optrafair. According to OEA chairman John Hockney, members have been taken by surprise at the speed of the commitment. 'We knew the show would generate a great deal of interest, based on the number of enquiries we received at Optrafair,' he said. 'It seems that exhibitors are convinced that as Optrafair '99 was so successful, then Eyefashion 2000 will follow suit.' Mr Hockney said he had been 'staggered' by the speed at which companies had pledged their support, and mentioned that leading frame manufacturers had been among the first to sign up. Safilo, Norville, Silhouette, Luxottica and Menrad Optics are among the first tranche of manufacturers to agree to exhibit. The show will be divided into five areas, largely focusing on frame and sunglass design. The central exhibition area of the Islington Design Centre will accommodate frame and sunglass manufacturers, with the conference hall reserved for manufacturers of accessories. The gallery hall will cater for lenses, contact lenses, instruments and machinery. The other London-based optical exhibition, London International Optics, is due to be held a month before Eyefashion 2000, from February 26 to 28.