The Studio: Independent Eyewear at 100% Optical

With the 2020 vision of foresight, I predict that next year will be huge for the optical industry. 100% Optical will certainly start the year with a bang. The UK’s largest optical event will take place 25th-27th January, at Excel, London. I’m involved in several capacities. I’m delivering two presentations, I’m a judge in the AOP awards and I’m an official media partner to 100% Optical.

To champion independent eyewear, 100% Optical has designed an ultra-cool industrial studio area within the Eyewear Zone. It’s specifically for brands that design hand-made, bespoke, futuristic or luxury designs, perfect for high-end, boutique optical practices who like to offer something unique.

Here are some of the eyewear brands that are exhibiting there.

Bevel

Richard Mewha and Rick Nelson founded Bevel in 1999. They believe that eyewear is as essential to personal style as clothing. Bevel maintains a classic, minimalist aesthetic.

Bellinger

Danish brand Bellinger was founded in 2003. The eyewear is innovative and unique, perfect for the wearer who is colourful, vibrant and passionate about life. Perfect for those who like to leave a lasting impression.

Götti

Götti is a Swiss brand which focuses on innovation and quality. Götti eyewear has harmonious proportions, timeless designs and clever functionality. The brand offers three distinct collections which embody simplicity and beauty.

he Studio. Independent eyewear at 100% Optical

Feb 31st

Feb 31st is an Italian company born from the intuition and tenacity of three entrepreneurs.
The artisan process allows wearers to design a bespoke piece of eyewear. Feb31st has always respected nature and used sustainable materials; everything is made to order, so consequently, there is no wastage. (Click here to see my bespoke Feb31st eyewear design).

Anglo American

Anglo American Optical is a London-based family business established in 1882. It is a trusted retro eyewear designer with a long history. The brand values creativity, style, sophistication and top quality materials. Those that choose Anglo American eyewear are in esteemed company. Christopher Reeves sported a pair in “Superman” and Sir Elton John is a loyal fan.

Salt Optics

SALT is a premium Californian eyewear brand dedicated to timeless style and effortless beauty. Sandy beaches, snow-capped mountains and pristine deserts provide the inspiration. Designs capture the casual elegance of California’s aspirational lifestyle.

Ørgreen

Ørgreen Optics,founded in Copenhagen is renowned for its signature style and innovative colour combinations. The collections are designed and made by hand in Japan, a process that can sometimes take up to six months. The Ørgreen aesthetic is playful, dynamic and sometimes provocative.

Coral Eyewear

Coral Eyewear is a new sustainable brand which will launch at 100% Optical. Stylish eco-friendly frames are produced from recycled fishing nets and post-consumer plastics. Coral Eyewear was established by the Bailey family in association with some of the UK’s top-research universities.

Randolph Engineering

Randolph is a family business and the only remaining metal eyewear company in the USA. The classic designs are handcrafted with top-grade materials and relentless attention to detail and quality.

The Goods Agency

The Goods Agency is a full service agency for the eyewear, accessories and lifestyle sectors. They will exhibit their eyewear brands in the Studio at 100% Optical.

Thierry Lasry

Thierry Lasry launched his eponymous sunglass line in 2006. The designs are based on the concept of “futuristic vintage”. The sunglasses are all flat fronted, giving a futuristic twist to retro-inspired shapes.

Komono

Komono was founded in Belgium in 2009 by Raf Maes and Anton Janssens. It brings its sleek design, inspired colour palettes and a minimalist aesthetic to the world of accessories.

Blake Kuwahara

Blake Kuwahara launched his exclusive eponymous range in 2014. Styles are artful but wearable; an inner silhouette encased in an unexpected outer shape. The seamless fusion of two frames and the juxtaposition of contrasting form and colour creates a thoroughly modern eyewear range. Not only that, Kuwahara has a doctorate of optometry degree from UC Berkeley.

Article One

Article One frames are handmade in a small village in Northern Italy at the base of the Dolomites. The family-owned factory has 12 craftsman who are experts in what they do. Article One strives to give credit where credit is due, by shining a light on the hands that touch each frame.

Kaleos

Kaleos has reinvented the concept of contemporary eyewear by combining design, fashion and luxury.Tthe Kaleos Studio engineering team, in collaboration with the world’s leading manufacturers, designs pieces, assemblies, unique acetates and exclusive lens colours for the brand