Etnia Barcelona demonstrates its connection to the art world with the launch of Miscelánea. The campaign, through which the Barcelona eyewear brand presents its Autumn-Winter 2023 collection, portrays a world full of symbolism where two cultures converge: Japanese and Mediterranean. Miscelánea portrays unique surrealistic atmospheres starring female characters, whose composition is a clear nod to classical
pictorial art.
Featured model: Aria
Distributed by: www.etniabarcelona.com
By Mark Matthews
Spain, a tapestry of culture and creativity, is not just famous for its history and architecture. It’s also emerging as a hub of fashion innovation, especially in the realm of eyewear.
From the dynamic streets of Barcelona to the artistic enclaves of Madrid, Spain’s eyewear design houses are gaining global recognition for their unique creations. Let’s dive into the factors driving original eyewear design, tracing the lines that connect tradition, inspiration, and modernity.
Barcelona, with its architectural wonders like Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, symbolizes Spain’s creative spirit. This spirit has seamlessly flowed into the world of eyewear design. Etnia Barcelona, based in the vibrant city of Barcelona, draws inspiration from the locale’s dynamic energy, infusing each frame with a blend of modern flair and historical depth.
Madrid, too, plays a vital role in Spain’s eyewear scene. Nina Mûr, a Madrid-based brand, blends traditional Spanish craftsmanship with cutting-edge design. The city’s vibrant energy finds a place in Nina Mûr’s frames, turning eyewear into wearable art.
What sets Spanish independent eyewear apart is the balance between tradition and modernity. These brands don’t just craft frames; they weave stories. The intricate patterns, vivid hues, and innovative materials used in their creations pay homage to Spain’s heritage while pushing the boundaries of eyewear design.
Woodys, nestled in Barcelona, embodies this blend of old and new. By incorporating sustainably sourced wood, this brand celebrates Spain’s historical connection with nature while meeting modern demands for eco-friendly fashion.
GIGI STUDIOS, a globally recognized name, approaches eyewear design with innovation and individuality. With bold shapes and striking colour palettes, GIGI STUDIOS frames empower wearers to express themselves through fashion.
Xavier Garcia, rooted in Barcelona’s creative Poblenou district, harmonizes design and functionality to craft eyewear that is not only genuine and comfortable but also an emblem of practical elegance.
KALEOS, a boutique eyewear brand from Barcelona, skillfully marries form and function. With an unyielding commitment to aesthetics and eyewear culture, the brand constantly seeks the ideal union of beauty and shape, achieving a seamless harmony in every meticulously crafted piece. Xavier Garcia and KALEOS are available from well-established Canadian distributor Lanctôt Optical.
Also emerging from Barcelona’s rich creative landscape, LE PARC and Visionario, now available from MOOD Eyewear, is a testament to the power of playfulness and experimentation. The brand’s collections are the fruit of audacious creativity, crafted in a workshop where cutting-edge technology meets artisanal skill. Here, stringent quality standards ensure that each piece achieves the kind of wearability and durability befitting true craftsmanship.
For eye care professionals who value curated selections, embracing Spanish independent eyewear brands like Etnia Barcelona, Woodys, Nina Mûr, KALEOS, GIGI STUDIOS, Xavier Garcia, Visionario and LE PARC offer multiple advantages. These brands offer diverse designs that cater to a wide range of preferences, allowing retailers to stand out in a saturated market and attract customers seeking exclusivity and artistry.
Moreover, these established brands bring prestige to optical stores. Carrying frames crafted by Spanish artisans enhances a store’s reputation as a purveyor of craftsmanship and innovative design. It also weaves a narrative of Spain’s creative legacy and the brand’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of eyewear.
Spain’s independent eyewear scene reflects the nation’s heritage and contemporary spirit. These brands illuminate the path where tradition meets innovation. Barcelona’s artistic essence infuses Spain’s creative output.
For optical retailers seeking to provide exceptional experiences, these Spanish brands hold the key. These frames are more than accessories; they’re portals into a world where fashion and art intertwine.
In this exploration of Spain’s eyewear landscape, it becomes clear that each frame is more than just an accessory. They are narratives—each telling a tale of Spanish culture, ingenuity, and the limitless possibilities of design.
For the second year in a row, in a special giving-back initiative, Eschenbach Optik of America sponsored two visually impaired students to attend the Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students (SCVIS). The SCIVIS camp was held from October 1-5, 2023 at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL and was a 4-day/night educational adventure for those visually impaired students who had the opportunity to attend.
Throughout the week, students were immersed in astronaut training techniques using equipment adapted from NASA’s actual astronaut program. They learned about space hardware, experienced space flight simulations such as a 1/6th Gravity Chair and a multi-axis trainer, conducted a spaceflight mission, and performed an underwater scuba build, all while learning about aerospace career opportunities. It was also a special opportunity for them to work together with other students who had similar visual challenges and overcome those challenges together, as a team.
Eschenbach’s scholarship winners not only had their tuition paid in full, but they also received a care package that included an Eschenbach Smartlux® Digital portable video magnifier they could use at camp and keep for themselves afterwards.
The student winners this year were Kelsey K. from Smithfield, UT who attended the Space Academy program and Coy dale D. from Hope Hull, AL who attended the Advanced Space Academy program, each of which completed their space mission successfully!
Upon completion of the camp, one of our scholarship winners reflected upon how transformational her experience was:
“Thank you for this amazing sponsorship! It was so much fun at Space Camp with all the things I got to try and do and all the crazy experiences I had, it was so exciting and challenging!” – Kelsey K.
Learn more about the Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students at http://www.scivis.org.
Click HERE for the full press release.
For more related articles on Optik NOW, click HERE.
The Vision Council and RX, the joint organizers of Vision Expo, have announced the return of NOW by Vision Expo. The dynamic display and awards program will make its latest appearance at Vision Expo East 2024, taking place March 14-17 at the Javits Center in New York City. This year’s edition promises to expand upon the successes of years past, showcasing a broad array of eyewear designs that illustrate the latest trends in colours, materials, and styles across the industry.
“Against the vibrant backdrop of the city, and in celebration of nearly four decades of Vision Expo in New York, we are excited to amplify NOW by Vision Expo for 2024 and encourage all eyewear exhibitors to participate in this fantastic showcase,” said Fran Pennella, Vice President of Vision Expo at RX. “Back by popular demand, NOW by Vision Expo will spotlight some of our industry’s most eye-catching frame designs, on display for all show attendees to experience.”
All Vision Expo East eyewear exhibitors are welcome to participate in NOW by Vision Expo by submitting one product per brand and/or collection that they believe best encapsulates the 2024 themes.
The themes for Vision Expo East 2024 are as follows:
To be considered for inclusion in NOW by Vision Expo, eyewear companies must be exhibitors of Vision Expo East 2024 and must complete a short submission form by February 1, 2024. The final selection of products will be made by the NOW Advisory Committee composed of renowned industry leaders, including:
“The new committee members for the 2024 NOW awards each represent a unique facet of our industry,” said Nico Roseillier, Founder, Designer and Creative Strategist of UN-TI-TLED Creative Agency, and Director and Founder of NOW by Vision Expo. “I am beyond excited for another spectacular demonstration of design and creativity by the industry’s finest, as well as the second edition of the NOW by Vision Expo Awards ceremony.”
On Friday, March 15, the NOW Advisory Committee will present the 2024 NOW Awards at The Bridge, Vision Expo East’s main stage. All participants of NOW by Vision Expo will be automatically considered for the NOW Awards. The Awards ceremony will include a panel discussion featuring the NOW Advisory Committee, a champagne toast, and award presentations to winners in the following categories:
Interested exhibitors are asked to submit company name, brand name, product name, booth number, the theme that aligns with their product submission, image samples and contact information here by February 1, 2024.
Participation in NOW by Vision Expo is free for all companies exhibiting at Vision Expo East, and the NOW Awards is free for all Vision Expo East attendees to attend. For details on the application process, click here.
For any inquiries about submitting your application, contact Suzanne Krauss at skrauss@thevisioncouncil.org.
Vision Expo East 2024 will take place at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City from March 14-17, 2024.
Source: Vision Expo
Munic Eyewear’s lightweight Japanese titanium frames exemplify precision manufacturing, seamlessly merging comfort and style. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and available in varied shapes and colours, they are the perfect addition to your boards.
Featured model: 8025
View the collection at www.georgesetphina.com
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