Italian firms make Mido return

Italian eyewear companies will be returning in force to Mido in 2011, including manufacturing giant Safilo which has announced it is taking a stand, having lacked a corporate presence at recent shows.

Another Italian eyewear giant, Luxottica, is also rumoured to be doing the same, but confirmation had not come through at the time Optician went to press.

At the Mido 2010 show, in an atmosphere of financial restraint, both companies only booked stands for selected house eyewear brands which included Carrera and Smith Optics for Safilo and Persol for Luxottica.

Safilo said it had taken a stand in the fashion district plaza and would again be showcasing all its collections, including its prestigious brand licences which include Gucci and Dior.

Andy Cockayne, sales director at De Rigo UK, told Optician: ‘De Rigo will be attending Mido 2011 with the same size of presence it normally has with separate sub-sections for the major brands.’

He added: ‘We are particularly excited from a UK perspective because as well as Police and Givenchy we launched Chopard and Ermenegildo Zegna in 2010 with great success and this will be our first showcase for UK customers of these brands.’

Marcolin has also confirmed to Optician that it would again be taking a corporate stand.