Visitors to Optrafair London will be presented with a complete offering of eyewear, from niche product through to frames for children.
Contemporary twists on classic designs, striking acetates and high profile brand names that draw in customers will all be on show at the Olympia National from April 11-13.
French brand Face à Face prides itself on being in tune with the major movements of contemporary architecture – something that is portrayed in its Italian and French made collections. New ranges to be launched in London include the Bocca capsule collection and the new Punk It line up – which features edgy colour combinations and aluminium spikes and studs.
Also from the Face à Face stable will be the Woow brand. Created to offer much of the Face à Face ethos, the Woow range presents a selection of wearable styles in funky colours, but at a slightly cheaper price point.
London-based Zuma Eyewear will be promoting a range of collections, including the Jura-manufactured Marius Morel, super lightweight Lightec, teens range Rebel and its Zuma London rimless line.
‘We are delighted to showcase the exciting new 2014 spring summer collections at Optrafair in our home city of London,’ said Zuma managing director Harvey Dhadwar. ‘Concentrating on titanium rimless and nylon ranges, we will release exciting new colour combinations and designs. The latest collections from Morel will also be on show with some featuring aluminium and retro acetate fronts.’
Brand awareness
Jay Jay Optics will offer a range of recognisable brands, including Dunlop, Kangol, Lipsy of London and Religion.
‘Our designer portfolio offers something for everyone at an affordable price point,’ said sales manager Clare Knowles. ‘Lipsy of London includes a choice of styles in smaller eye sizes for teens. Retro shapes, fabulous colours, feminine detail and shimmering metals all feature here.
‘Kangol celebrates British heritage with adult unisex and children’s collections. Dunlop, with a definitively masculine style, combines sports elements with materials such as lightweight TR90 memory plastic, rubber and carbon fibre. Religion Boutique for young men and women will focus on “trend” in Religion’s spirit of complete nonchalance,’ added Knowles.
Viva International said it was extremely excited about exhibiting at the event and has planned a lavish boutique-styled stand with refreshments from a bar. ‘We will be showcasing the new optical and sun collections from Guess, Marciano, Gant, Sketchers and Harley Davidson. We will be using lifestyle imagery for added impact as well as displaying product from all of our brands,’ said Amy Best, Viva UK marketing executive.
Model behaviour
The new Claudia Schiffer by Rodenstock range will make its debut at the event. Rodenstock said designs reflected Schiffer’s understated and modern yet timeless style, as well as her love of vintage. Inspiration comes from the 1960s and 70s. Eight sunglasses and nine optical styles come in four colours – ranging from shades of transparent rose pink to elegant tortoiseshell, classic black, burgundy and dark green.
Rodenstock’s vintage collection, Rocco, makes a return at the Olympia, with updated materials and construction. The Mercedes Benz range of sunglasses and ophthalmic frames also takes a modern approach, with clear lines, exciting silhouettes and futuristic accents.
Children’s eyewear
Many older children now prefer to wear small versions of adult frames, but younger patients are still drawn to fun-looking frames. Children’s eyewear specialist Tots Specs’ managing director Sarah Gillingham said it was imperative that children were helped through the sometimes difficult early stages of spectacle wear with good frames.
Gillingham also paid tribute to the Optrafair show. ‘Since our attendance at Optrafair Birmingham we have seen an amazing increase in brand awareness and a measurable increase in revenue for adjustable Tots Specs and Tomato glasses. We can think of no other mechanism that would have given us exposure to so many potential purchasers,’ she said.
? Register now for free at www.optrafair-london.co.uk