Simon Jones: A different type of polarisation

I’ve just finished unpacking my suitcase after a visit to New York for the inaugural Eyewear Design Week (EDW), a coordinated series of independent trade shows and press showroom events in Manhattan to recognise all things eyewear.

The brainchild of Bevel Eyewear co-founder Richard Mewha, EDW was a spin-out of The Loft, which has run in parallel with Vision Expo East (VEE), just one block away at the Javits Center in Manhattan, for 25 years.

When VEE decided to relocate to Orlando for its 2025 event, Mewha’s Loft was faced with the prospect of going it alone without a trade show nearby. Getting Thelios, Kering Eyewear and EssilorLuxottica on board for the EDW concept, however, meant he didn’t have to fly solo and the initiative was a resounding success. I spoke to companies and delegates alike that went to VEE and there was virtually nothing positive said. It was quite the opposite when it came to this year’s Loft events.