Vision & Voice
What colours/
patterns will be
popular for frames
this summer?
“Trends in colour this summer will continue
to move in the minimalistic and earth-in-
spired direction. Think of the lipstick shades
in oversized sunglasses of the ‘60s and early
‘70s. We are drawing inspiration from hit
movies like Once Upon A Time In Hollywood
for both colours and shapes. For women, it’s
opaque putty, soft coral, nude blush and rosé.
For men, it’s about vintage tortoise, earthly
honey, sun-baked orange, dark chocolate and
glossy black. Continuing in popularity with
consumers are the “hint of colour” crystals of
warm grey, dew, petal pink and champagne.
Key translucent colours going forward include
the lollipop spectrum of the reds, purples and
greens. Earth inspirations include the use of
actual or acetate that mimic iridescent opal,
wood, stone, slate, quartz, rattan, marble,
beads and mother of pearl. Patterns in eye-
wear include colourful ‘patchwork’ lamination
work on a crystal base. This artisanal effect
lends a one-of-a-kind and craftsman touch.”
LINDA MULFORD-HUM, Director of
product development, Centennial Optical.
“
“2020 will be dominated by varying
shades of blue and earth tones. There
will be an exploration of contrast,
finding the perfect balance between
trendy sport looks and sophisticated
styling found in wrap-around styles
showcasing varied shaded lenses.
There will also be a strong emphasis on
lightweight frames with a focus on the
multiple facets of ‘lightness’ through a
rich metal/titanium offering and
combination frame constructions,
providing the ultimate design evolu-
tion. In the upper end of the market, we
will see an increased interest in luxu-
rious frames with precious details and
a demand for elegant add-ons such as
ornate crystals against shades of gold.”
Eric Blanchette,
EVP, Safilo North America.
“We see juxtaposition of colour and finish to be very important. The play of
very shiny with the mattest of mattes will be the must-have look. This creates
a very interesting contrast of colours and new depth. Colours that will be
relevant are mint or seafoam green. Rose gold will continue to be very on-
trend. Blue and silver will be making a comeback. Filigree is also important as
we are seeing this for both men and women expressed in different ways. For
women, it’s more lacey, while for men it’s more patterned. Coining will be seen
as well, which creates a great dimension and light-catching effects on frames.”
CASSANDRA SLEPIAN, Director of marketing, Alternative/Plan “B” Eyewear.
8 Optical Prism | April 2020
“With the Pantone
Institute naming Classic
Blue as the top colour
for 2020, blue hues will
dominate the eyewear
category throughout the
year as it is an easy-to-
wear colour for both men
and women. In addition
to blue, neutrals contin-
ue to anchor the colour
palette as consumers
look to simplify their
life. Brown, black, green,
nude and wine shades
are easily combined with
other colours making
them the perfect neutral
background for eyewear.
For ladies, pastel and
metallic shades will con-
tinue to trend in 2020,
but they take on a more
dusty hue than past sea-
sons. On the print front,
animal print and snake-
skin motifs continue to
resonate with consumers
looking to add some
fun into their eyewear
wardrobe.”
Shaleen Ratansi,
Marketing director,
WestGroupe.