Optical Prism January 2019 | Page 10

Vision & Voice How can eyewear provide a fresh image for 2019 and what should we keep an eye out for? “People no longer want to hide that they are wearing glasses. Eyewear has become even more a part of one’s personal identity and more options to express unique style through frames and lens options will be something we continue to see. Offering different coloured lenses or a mirror finish, like Transitions style colours and style mirrors, and finding the most stylish match with frames will change the style game in 2019. Be on the lookout for a strong focus on customization. Offering more options for customizing eyewear – frames and lenses – will be desirable among consumers that want to personalize their eyewear.” Patience Cook, director, North America Marketing, Transitions Optical, Inc. “This year, our optical collection is all about sensible sizing to achieve the best comfort and fit for a child’s face – and a mix of urban colours and unexpected shapes and design details reflecting our love and dedication to a modern mood in kid’s eyewear.” Dr Julie Diem Le, director/ophthalmologist, ZOOBUG LONDON. 8 OPTICAL PRISM January 2019 “From macro to micro, sizing runs the gamut this season. Smaller-sized frames are a nod to the 1990s rave revival and paying homage to the iconic film The Matrix. Extreme XL sizing also continues to trend. Inspiration derives primarily from archival vintage styling from the 1960s-1970s. Expect to see a wide range of creations for all. From sleek, modern, architectural details for the minimalist to the heavily embel- lished, bejeweled and opulent elements for the maximalist. Sport-centric themes also dominate channeling direction from street style.” Nikki Maglione, senior designer, Zyloware Eyewear. “2019 trends include lightweight frames in both metal and plastic. Plastic frames are designed thinner and less bulky offering a sleek look that is more comfortable for all-day wear. Transparent acetate material with a hint of colour is trending and also adds to the overall lightweight aesthetic of the frame. Metal frames are becoming more important in-fashion now, with a shift in the share of acetate to metal. Metal frames are often more lightweight, thin and sleek in design.” Julie Allen, senior brand manager, TURA, Inc.