Blog

July 5, 2023July 6, 2023

The Generational Effect

An interview with Amélie Morel, Chairwoman of SILMO PARIS.

The new advertising slogan for the 2023 edition of the trade fair is “Generation SILMO”. How did that tagline come about?

A.M.: Several reasons – both rational and emotional – led us to this choice. For more than 50 years, SILMO Paris has remained the first and oldest professional trade fair to participate in the life and history of the world’s optics and eyewear industry.

Several generations of men and women have contributed to its development and have borne witness to the progress of both the business and the event. In fact, a number of companies have been exhibiting every year at SILMO Paris since the first time it was held in Oyonnax in 1967! The Morel company is a great example, since it has never missed a single edition.

The tagline “Generation SILMO” also expresses that continuity: the feeling of passing something down from one generation to the next, through historical companies large and small. That dimension is so important for the dynamics of the industry whose professionals come from different horizons: young and not-so-young share their views, forging ahead together.

And so, through the years, SILMO Paris has naturally become a gathering place where people are clearly delighted to assemble.

Does that mean that the notion of belonging to an industry is truly real and important?

A.M.: SILMO Paris is built on the idea of communities standing for the same values and having the same – or nearly the same –ambitions. You can even call us a big family. That is precisely how the “SILMO Family” concept came about, based on that observation,

It is a meeting place for every initiative, showroom, and trade fair that we organise across the globe.

Of course, this isn’t the magical world of make-believe – there can be tensions, disagreements, and objections –, but in the end, SILMO Paris manages to align all its energies to satisfy the entire optical and eyewear field.

Is the event’s long-lasting success also a question of maintaining the same structure and fundamentals, generation after generation?

A.M.: Each generation develops attitudes and behaviours that result from the socio-economic context in which it is brought up.

But the symbolic “Generation SILMO” concept is also a way of laying a foundation and demonstrating the trade fair’s strategic continuity, edition after edition, with one chairmanship leading smoothly into the next in a coherent whole.

SILMO Paris is also such a solid institution because of the stability of the organisation. Each member of the supervisory board is thoroughly involved, and the logistics teams remain present and attentive throughout the year.

People are truly attached to this ambiance and cohesiveness, and both exhibitors and visitors feel an affection for it. That constancy is confirmed, generation after generation, despite the crises that we have endured, such as COVID.

Thanks to its long-term vision and foresight, SILMO Paris has won over every generation. Much more than just a trade fair, it is a gathering place.

Click HERE for the full press release.

July 4, 2023July 6, 2023

Safilo and Tommy Hilfiger Renew in Advance Their Licensing Agreement Until 2030

Safilo Group announces the early renewal of their global licensing agreement with Tommy Hilfiger – which is owned by PVH Corp. – for the design, manufacturing and distribution of TOMMY HILFIGER branded sunglasses and optical eyewear collections until 31st December 2030.

“We are very proud to renew our partnership with Tommy Hilfiger in advance of the natural expiry date of the agreement, confirming the fruitful collaboration that has united our Groups for thirteen years. With Tommy Hilfiger, we have forged a path of dynamic growth across the diverse markets where we are present, continuously reinterpreting the brand’s classic, American, cool heritage in a way that is relevant for today’s consumer.” – says Angelo Trocchia, CEO of Safilo Group.

“We are very pleased to continue our collaboration with Safilo” – says Martijn Hagman, CEO, Tommy Hilfiger Global and PVH Europe – “Since 2010, Safilo has demonstrated its ability to interpret the classic, American, cool essence of TOMMY HILFIGER through distinctive eyewear designs. These collections effortlessly capture the desire of consumers who want to distinguish themselves through the iconic frames, seamlessly blending red, white and blue classic and modern elements.”

Click HERE for the full press release.

July 4, 2023May 4, 2023

X-Ide, the Epitome of Avant-garde

Creativity, avant-garde and contemporaneity are the keywords that define the models in the X-Ide collection. A perfect example is the Kandinsky model: rectangular, but with rounded corners, in bold acetate. Sensuous neon hues and acetate accentuate the contrast between fronts that are embellished with special details – from marbled effect to transparent, by way of striated and solid colours.

Distributed by Mood Eyewear: www.moodeyewear.com

July 3, 2023June 26, 2023

UdeM School of Optometry Publishes Study on Accuracy of Purchasing Prescription Glasses Online

Findings from a recently published empirical peer reviewed study conducted by the Université de Montréal (UdeM) unveils that the advanced technology Topology, used by New Look Vision Group, is the leading technology-supported purchasing method online.

Topology is a technology that uses the latest advances in 3D facial scanning and augmented reality to enable customers to take the necessary ultra-precise measurements needed to produce high-quality glasses.

The article, which has been published in the Journal Optometry and Vision Science, surveyed 30 people over 50 years old to test the generally more complex progressive prescriptions. It compared how three online eyewear retailers’ technology-based services (New Look powered by Topology and two major online eyewear retailers) fare against the UdeM School of Optometry store. The research parameters primarily included the accuracy of the measurement, fitting and comfort upon delivery, and overall satisfaction.

“I am thrilled that an independent study confirms that New Look Vision Group’s app, which was conceived from a partnership with Topology, is the most accurate on the market. This represents years of extensive testing and a significant advance that will give confidence to people wishing to buy prescription glasses online, while providing an alternative solution with the same quality as in-store purchases.” says Jean-Michel Maltais, Senior Vice President Omnichannel, New Look Vision Group.

“People are increasingly looking to online methods of shopping, and the app represents a new type of interaction with your mobile phone. It uses the latest 3D technology to scan 30,000 data points on a person’s face, taking ultra-precise measurements. This level of precision ensures a high-touch consumer experience, custom-fit frames (customer’s choice) and optimal comfort”, says Dr. Schwirtz, Optometrist and Vice President Innovation within the New Look Vision Group.

New Look Vision Group’s app powered by Topology, is available from its banners New Look, IRIS and Greiche & Scaff.

UdeM School of Optometry Shares Study Findings on Accuracy of Purchasing Prescription Glasses Online

Click HERE for the full press release.

June 30, 2023June 29, 2023

GÖTTI: Refined Swiss Design, Craftsmanship and Technical Innovation

Since its founding in 1998, GÖTTI has focused on innovation, quality, and sustainability. The unmistakable style bears the signature of Sven GÖTTI; unique in design, minimalist and harmonious with the addition of that “Swiss” touch that reflects the highest quality standards.

At the Sven GÖTTI headquarters, one immediately feels the serenity of a working environment in which employees are truly part of the Team.

Sven guides young talents by creating technical innovations that are part of his great wealth of knowledge and experience. Innovation is a continuous process of improvement shared with the Team. He inspires them to understand that human beings have the aptitude to constantly change, grow, and look at new horizons.

GÖTTI BIONIC – INSPIRED BY NATURE

The idea is simple: a sustainable eyewear collection based on reduction and simplification.

GÖTTI BIONIC glasses are crafted while enabling sustainable and resource-saving processes in keeping with the ethos of “slow eyewear.”

The glasses are printed in 3D from a single material based on the seeds of the castor bean plant. This bio-based polyamide offers greater flexibility compared to other 3D-printed materials, creating the opportunity for new shapes and forms. A new hinge, inspired by human ball-and-socket joints, is the reason behind the new collection’s name: BIONIC.

GÖTTI BIONIC frames, with their delicate finesse and minimal presence, can impress yet do not lose strength and consistency. They are the ultimate in technical precision and aesthetic refinement: GÖTTI’s typical inspiration.

Check out Mark Matthew’s article in the May-June issue of Optik Magazine!