J.F.REY is launching a new line of robust, lightweight, and aesthetically sophisticated optical frames for men. Increasingly ambitious, technical, and innovative designs that once again set the brand apart and highlight its expertise and unique culture of materials. High-technical performance, creative construction, rich aesthetics, and quality manufacturing: the signature of top-of-the-range design.
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The metal frames series is distinguished by one-piece high-performance titanium face gradually thickened: a technical and ambitious milling process that adds volume and robustness to the design, while totally contrasting with the lightness of the structure. The originality of the concept lies in the design of a tailor-made Flex hinge: a one-piece structure without any screws, an exclusive innovation developed by the design studio and protected by patent. The hinge is made up of three layers of stainless steel enhanced with a technical assembly of carbon or glass fibers depending on the version: an ingenious construction that strengthens the temples while adding a touch of elegance. Satin-finish color palettes create visual coherence in graphic duos that are emblematic of the brand, and always highly expressive.
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The collection also features a range of frames that rethink innovative Flex hinges around acetate faces. A creative way that allows the possibility of exploring new aesthetic dimensions and telling new stories of styles.
J.F.REY never ceases to surprise with its ever more ambitious, technical, and aesthetically sophisticated creations. Innovative creations that once again set the brand apart and highlight its expertise and unique culture of materials
See the entire J.F.REY Line at SILMO Paris Hall 7, Booth E104
ABOUT J.F. REY
JFREY is an independent designer of high-end optical and sunglasses frames. Founded by Jean-François Rey in 1995 and located in Marseille, the brand presents collections with an original, differentiating, and innovative style. It carries a family heritage made of passion and commitment around the product, which allowed it to become a unique and essential signature throughout the world. See the entire collection on their website www.jfrey.fr.
Specialty compounder Gibaplast now offers Eastman Tenite™ Renew for eyewear companies seeking to offer increased sustainable content in their eyewear frames through local European production.
Tenite Renew is a new, more sustainable version of Tenite cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), a trusted choice within the eyewear industry for optical frames and fashion sunglasses. Tenite Renew adds more than 20% certified recycled content* to the existing biobased content of Tenite CAP with no compromise to the material’s performance and quality. As a drop-in replacement, Tenite Renew combines injection molding efficiency with the comfort and adjustability of acetate eyewear frames.
“For years, the technical and aesthetic properties of Eastman Tenite CAP have made it the top choice for injection molding in the eyewear market,” said Giovanni Barbieri, CEO of Gibaplast. “We are proud to introduce Tenite Renew for eyewear, adding recycled content to traditional Tenite while maintaining its exceptional quality and performance and contributing to a more sustainable future.”
Gibaplast is ISCC PLUS certified, which ensures the traceability of recycled content for verifiable sustainability claims. Gibaplast offers the convenience of small orders and custom colors through local European service, and it ensures high quality and low waste production.
“Italy is famous for its quality eyewear production,” said Rachel Oakley, global eyewear segment lead at Eastman. “Gibaplast has been a reliable, high-quality supplier of Tenite to the local market for decades. Now, with Tenite Renew, Gibaplast is helping eyewear companies expand their sustainable offerings across an even wider range of styles.”
Tenite Renew is part of a broad range of sustainable materials, including Acetate Renew and Tritan™ Renew, now available at scale from Eastman’s molecular recycling technologies, which transform hard-to-recycle plastic waste that would otherwise end up in landfills or incinerators into new materials.
*Recycled content allocated via ISCC-certified mass balance approach
About Eastman
Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,500 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2022 revenue of approximately $10.6 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA.
About Gibaplast
Founded in 1964, Gibaplast specializes in cellulose ester processing with expertise in producing custom-formulated compounds and color-matching solutions for the eyewear industry and for further differentiated markets. For more information, visit www.gibaplast.eu.
The Whitney frame takes center stage in this season’s TOM FORD Archive collection from Marcolin. The iconic style comes in exciting new variations, each renamed to signal its singular appeal.
Consistent across the range: a dramatic flair that sits at the intersection of audacious and fanciful. The design’s distinguishing element is its graceful “infinity cross” front that creates a boldly alluring butterfly effect. This visual impact makes the Whitney a favorite of celebrities including Charlize Theron, Keira Knightley, and Angelina Jolie.
The Nicoletta is an exciting limited-edition titanium frame. The Bettina, Fernanda, and Jada styles all feature the butterfly silhouette and the Tom Ford signature metal ‘T’ insert at the temple – a mark of high elegance and masterful design.
NICOLETTA
FT1067 – NICOLETTA Limited-edition Whitney with cutaway lenses set into durable, ultra-light titanium frames.
BETTINA
FT1068 – BETTINA A glamorous interpretation of the Whitney with a tubular frame, wraparound front, and floating lenses.
FERNANDA
FT1069 – FERNANDA The racy end of the Whitney range is marked by a newly squared, wraparound silhouette.
JADA
FT1070 – JADA An oversized Whitney with gently sweeping curves for a seductive, feminine effect.
About Marcolin
Marcolin is a worldwide leading group in the eyewear industry founded in 1961 in the heart of the Veneto district, Italy. It stands out for its unique ability to combine craftsmanship with advanced technologies through the constant pursuit of excellence and continuous innovation. The portfolio includes house brands WEB EYEWEAR and J. Landon, as well as more than twenty licensed brands: TOM FORD, Guess, adidas Sport, adidas Originals, Max Mara, Moncler, Zegna, GCDS, MAX&Co., Barton Perreira, Tod’s, Bally, Pucci, BMW, Kenneth Cole, Timberland, GANT, Harley-Davidson, Marciano, Skechers and Candie’s. Through its own direct network and global partners, Marcolin distributes its products in more than 125 countries.
A graduate of the ESMOD School of Fashion Design (First Prize in the Haute Couture category), Nicolas Fafiotte trained in Paris – particularly with Emmanuel Ungaro – before moving to Lyon in the early 2000s. He opened his design workshop, offering bespoke wedding dresses and evening gowns, just off Place Bellecour. He crafts “exceptional garments for exceptional occasions that express celebration,” in his words. The designer wins clients over with his sense of style and his exacting perfectionism. The champion of French-style savoir-faire has a talent for designing sublime gowns that impressed Sylvie Tellier, Miss Lyon 2001, who became Miss France 2002 the same year. Brought into the spotlight and indeed flung to centre stage of the fashion world, he in turn became a loyal supporter of the extensively covered national competition, creating prestigious dresses for the event’s finalists.
Forever on the move and yet careful to choose his collaborations parsimoniously, he regularly works with other brands to create, for example, a jewellery line, handbags, accessories, and the spectacular looks of the “Live Show d’Etam Lingerie”. He also designed the capsule collection “Pronuptia by Nicolas Fafiotte” which was presented at the 2022 edition of Miss France.
Curious to discover other creative worlds, Nicolas Fafiotte was eager to take on the prestigious role of President of the SILMO d’OR awards, especially since he is a native of Oyonnax, in the Ain region, which is the cradle of the French glasses industry. This coincidence is a sign of good things to come for the next edition of the ever-as-sought-after SILMO d’OR awards, to be held in an unprecedented venue in the French capital. As a fashion designer for exceptional occasions, Nicolas Fafiotte is greatly honoured to turn his perfectionist (and glamourous!) eye on the nominated products.
Join The Optical Journal on October 1st at the SILMO d’OR space of SILMO Paris to discover the big winners of 2023!
With Vision Expo just a week away, comes news of a new optical show. This show is designed specifically for optometrists and opticians in the southern part of the country.
On April 20, 2024, the Southern Independent Optical Show, or SIOS, will hold its premier event at Frisco Hall, in Frisco Texas, a suburb of Dallas. SIOS is the brainchild of Alexandra Peng and Leo Zupan, the CEO’s of TC Charton and Laibach & York. “I travel the country showing our line, and there are distinct differences between buyers in Detroit and buyers in Dallas”, said Laibach & York CEO Leo Zupan. “We want to bring the best of independent lines to Dallas for one day and give buyers in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, or anywhere in the south for that matter, a wonderful curated experience.”
“We not only want to bring the best lineup of eyewear but some great education and roundtable discussions as to how independent optical can not only survive today’s environment but thrive” added TC Charton’s Founder, Alexandra Peng. “I don’t think any single one of us has all the answers, but combined, our strength and determination will show through”.
“I am very excited about this new show”, said Darlene Grubbs, of Peepers Eyewear in Dallas, Texas. “This will be the first time the best in independent optical will all come to Texas to show their wares, side by side, and we couldn’t be more excited”.
TC Charton is headquartered in Dallas while Laibach&York has its North American headquarters there as well. For more information on how brands may participate, visit siopticalshow.com.
Blackfin Eyewear is delighted to reveal its new Fall/Winter 2023 collection. A perfectly symbiotic relationship between innovative design, artisan craftsmanship, and technology promises to redefine the optical experience with aesthetics and functionality. This collection introduces new models in the Blackfin One, Blackfin Pacific, and Blackfin Atlantic families.
Specifically, it marks a milestone for the Blackfin Atlantic family. Endowed with a bold British look, the new styles have generous proportions without forfeiting the distinctive light weight that comes with the use of titanium.
Frames in the Atlantic series are cut from a single 3-mm block of titanium, lending them an infinite sensation of solidity. The beveled shapes lend a soft look, elegantly embracing the face. Thanks to an innovative patent, the pantoscopic angle of the temples can be adjusted, ensuring perfect adaptability to all faces, without compromising aesthetics. These frames embody all of Blackfin’s exceptional productive know-how.
SOHO
For the coming season, the Blackfin Atlantic series updates with the launch of three models: Soho (unisex), Tribeca (women), and Hoxton (men), all available in elegant shades and vivid colors, a distinctive trait of the brand, along with the exclusive “Black Edition” version in glossy black.
HOXTON TRIBECA
In this collection, Blackfin’s quest for design perfection finds a new, bold expression, demonstrating once again the company’s aptitude for innovation in the world of eyewear.
Made entirely in Italy at the sustainable Black Shelter headquarters, in keeping with the Neomadeinitaly code of ethics, Blackfin eyewear fuses design and functionality in a sophisticated portrayal of ingenuity and style.
About Blackfin
A Blackfin frame is the result of hundreds of processes, to some, these would just be the production process, but for Blackfin, each one is a little ritual. Each frame is made only of Japanese titanium, but it is worked entirely in Italy. Blackfin is based in Agordo, a little town in the heart of the Italian Alps, as wonderful as Blackfin’s eyewear.
The SILMO d’Or is the ultimate recognition that has highlighted the ingenuity and creativity of an entire industry! Every year, the SILMO d’Or awards recognize and spotlight talent and creativity. From shapes to designs, including colors, materials, and craftsmanship, the SILMO d’Or awards showcase the pinnacle of creativity and innovation through the diversity and richness that characterize the optical industry.
CHILDREN
DE RIGO with UK136 – Police ETNIA EYEWEAR with « BA-BAAAANG!» KALEOS EYEHUNTERS with « Philip C004 KNCO with « GEO » VARIATION DESIGN with « K186 Chance »
SPORT
BOLLÉ with « Windchaser » CÉBÉ with « S’tech Autofit » MARCHON with « Flyfree » – NIKE MARCOLIN with « Adidas sport SP0088_02L »
VISION
ESSILORLUXOTTICA with « Varilux XR Series » DIVEL ITALIA with « Re-Live » MORROW with « Morrow eProgressives » OPTISWISS with « Concept Biometrics »
MATERIAL/EQUIPMENT
COSIUM with « e-StoreConnect » ESSILORLUXOTTICA with « Shamir Spark 4 » – Shamir AARGOS with « Quicksee Free » – Plenoptika SBRUSSET&CO with « Bootle Glass Set »
OPTICAL FRAME “BRANDS & LABEL”
BOLLÉ with « Epid 02 » ESCHENBACH OPTIK with « 503216 Col.30 » – Marc O’Polo MARCHON with « PS24607 KIMPTON » – Paul Smith ODLM-SEAPORT with « KAAL71 – VEAR » – Paul & Joe ODLM-SEAPORT with « CC1086 – VEDO » – Carven
SUNGLASSES “BRANDS & LABEL”
ADCL with « MAUS2318 01» – Mauboussin DE RIGO with « P8966 » – Porsche Design GROSFILLEY with « Billie – LA91033 C1 » – Lancel Paris MARCHON with « CK24503S » – Calvin Klein ODLM-SEAPORT with « CC4091S NOVE » – Carven
TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION IN EYEWEAR
15-1 DIFFUSION with « Aloha » ATAVU with « Person “nez” lissée » – Les Petits Ponts BUST OUT EYEWEAR with « Twist » SBRUSSET & CO with « Meyro-nde OP » URBAND INTERNATIONAL with « Urband Carbon 3 »
SUNGLASSES “EYEWEAR DESIGNER”
ANDY WOLF with « Blossom col.05 » CLÉMENT LUNETIER with « Opportunity – 5517 » JEAN PHILIPPE JOLY with « Jean Philippe Joly x Gimm » LUCAS DE STAËL with « Glacier #01 » SASAKI with « Suekichi »
OPTICAL FRAME “EYEWEAR DESIGNER”
BLAKE KUWAHARA with « KELLOGG » CAROLINE ABRAM with « LYNN » CUTLER AND GROSS with « 9126 Lunettes Cat-Eye » RIGARDS with « MODEL RG1009TI » VERONIKA WILDGRUBER with « TYRELL »
Join The Optical Journal on Saturday evening, September 30th to find out who wins these coveted trophies at SILMO Paris.
Studio Optyx is thrilled to announce that they’ve become the exclusive US distributor of the French brand ba&sh eyewear, made in collaboration with SEAPORT ODLM. Introducing the collection to the US for the first time, Studio Optyx plans its first official showing of the ultra-feminine brand at their upcoming Vision Expo West exhibit in Venetian Suite #35-205.
“Studio Optyx is proud to announce a partnership with SEAPORT ODLM, serving as the first and exclusive US distributor of ba&sh eyewear. As a family business, it is important that our values align with our partners, and we’ve been continuously impressed by SEAPORT ODLM and ba&sh’s commitment to quality, style, and detailed craftsmanship. We are honored to be part of the eyewear collection’s debut in the US, and excited to add the Parisian brand to our current collections, which includes Erkers1879, NW77th, Tocco, and Monoqool,” says Jack Erker III, President and CEO of Studio Optyx Inc.
Founded in 2003 by best friends Sharon Krief and Barbara Boccara, ba&sh is a feminine brand of luxury clothing and accessories, designed by women for women. With help from SEAPORT ODLM, ba&sh’s first eyewear collection was launched in 2016, releasing an array of feminine eyeglasses and sunglasses. The ba&sh brand became international in 2018 when it opened its first concept store in New York City, and they have since expanded to 288 points of sale around the world. Inspired by Krief and Boccara’s dream wardrobe, each frame is adorned by delicate details and fine lines, giving the French collection a look of elegance with the aim to promote feelings of beauty and confidence in each wearer. A range of shapes and sizes can be found throughout their metal and acetate eyewear models, which feature a blend of classic and original colors.
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“SEAPORT ODLM is thrilled to be partnering with Studio Optyx, which becomes our exclusive distributor for ba&sh eyewear on the US market. Like us, Studio Optyx is a family company, where product quality and customer satisfaction are at the core of everything we do. We are delighted to be working together and are confident that ba&sh eyewear will thrive in the United States thanks to Studio Optyx. The brand is having great success in the US and will continue to open new stores in the future. ba&sh lovers will now be able to wear their favorite brand’s glasses,” says Guillaume KESSOUS, CEO, SEAPORT ODLM.
Studio Optyx is a family-owned design and manufacturing house of premium, luxury eyewear home to three in-house brands, Erkers1879, NW77th, and Tocco, and two distributor brands, Monoqool and ba&sh eyewear. With 144 years and 5 generations of optical excellence, Studio Optyx has aimed to achieve an unparalleled level of quality craftsmanship, focusing on a range of timeless and contemporary designs with only the highest quality of materials.
John Seegers of Optician Works and Laramy-K, have graciously shared some of their awesome videos with us to share with you. John is one of the best trainers of opticians and his video series has received acclaim from coast to coast, helping thousands of opticians pass certification and licensing exams.
This week’s video is Dispensing 101 – Dispensing a Problem-Free Single-Vision Pair of Eyeglasses
For Fall 2023, WestGroupe’s FYSH launches six new models featuring a blend of warm and cool colors, glamorous designs, and custom detailing carefully curated to complement fall’s aesthetics.
Thin, monoblock stainless steel frames embrace clean fashion with their subtle hints of color and design elements, rendering them versatile accessories for sophisticated and polished looks. F-3720 and F-3721 both feature laser cut edging on the frame front highlighted by bold coloration for a refined layering effect. F-3720, an oversized square frame available in Black Rose Gold, Fuchsia Black, Red Gold, and Moss Rose Gold, radiates confidence with its large size and strong color combinations. Evoking a sense of charm and femininity, F-3721’s angular cat-eye shape exudes a nostalgic retro aesthetic, appealing to those fond of vintage fashion. Colors range from light to dark with Black Rose Gold, Aqua Gold, Lilac Rose Gold, and Fuchsia Rose Gold. For those looking for a bolder metal look, F-3723 is the perfect choice with its flat metal front, engraved lattice design on the brow bar, and vibrant hues inspired by the deep, rich tones of autumn foliage. Available in Black Rose Gold, Eggplant Rose Gold, Terracotta Gold, and Teal Rose Gold, the laser cut detailing and two-tone coloration create a visual contrast that draws attention to the eyewear, while adding depth and definition to the design.
F-3720 F-3721 F-3723
Custom lamination creates unique visual and structural effects due to the harmonious blend of fashion-forward patterns and contrasting colors. For Fall 2023, FYSH launches three acetate models that use lamination to create designs that are colorful and fun. F-3722 is flattering and easy to wear with its modified square eye shape and custom lamination along the brow bar that seamlessly extend along the end-piece and temple. Available in four fabulous shades, Ice Blue Rosewood, Lavender Tortoise, Fuchsia Black, and Blue Cobalt, it is the perfect frame for women who want to embrace multiple color options in one stunning piece. F-3724 features a modified rectangular eye shape with a gentle upsweep that is soft and feminine. Custom integrated spring hinges elevate the overall design with their clean, tapered shape and high shine which contrasts beautifully with the acetate temples. Colorways include Aqua Hazelnut and Amethyst Smoke which establish an understated feel due to their lighter color combinations, while Black Cranberry and Rosewood Marble are visually intriguing due to their custom layering that suggests an intense, fiery effect for those who prefer standing out. F-3725 flaunts a triple-tone effect through the custom lamination of patterned, solid, and translucent acetate. The rounded cat-eye shape is the perfect shape for this daring design and will appeal to those looking to express their love of color and pattern through their eyewear. This model is offered in Black Lace Fuchsia, Navy Sage Pearl, Grape Pearl Teal, and Tortoise Cherry Oat, with each color being noticeably different from the rest.
F-3722 F-3724 F-3725
About WestGroupe
Established in 1961, WestGroupe is family-operated with over 60 years of industry insight. Its mission is to provide unique and superior quality eyewear for the fashion-focused consumer. WestGroupe is driven by its commitment to excellent customer service and exceptional products.
WestGroupe is dedicated to defining future standards in the optical industry by developing, creating, and supporting innovative products and services that allow its customers to succeed. WestGroupe offers a premium selection of international brands in over 40 countries, including FYSH, KLiiK denmark, EVATIK, Superflex®, and OTP.
