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.
EDW is just another example of where optical industry events seem to be heading, with a preference for smaller, more personable gatherings from both companies and visitors. Polarisation is affecting all parts of the optical industry, and trade shows aren’t immune to this. We’ve seen the demise of traditional trade shows like Optrafair, VEE and its sister event, Vision Expo West. Even Opti in Munich, one of the most-liked events on the calendar, has struggled to get back to its pre-pandemic best.
There aren’t any easy options for show organisers, either. Not that I can see, anyway. Shows like Mido and Silmo are at the top of the visitor number scale, with localised events like The Loft at the other end. Every other trade show in between is at risk.
A full report on EDW will appear in the April 18 issue of Optician.
