Trends from SILMO Paris

SILMO Paris is a trade show bringing together the world’s eyewear pacesetters every year at the end of September. Designers and manufacturers gather to present their creations and new ideas and set the trends for the coming year.  Here are some trends that really caught our team’s eye at this year’s event. 

Trends in frames

We were dazzled by the designers’ work on all the collections. They seem to be looking even more closely at possible materials and producing frames thoughtfully, down to the smallest detail. It all adds up to flawlessly made frames and the ultimate in wearer comfort.

Materials

We first noticed the greater prominence of metallic frames in eyewear collections early in 2019. That trend only seems to be gathering strength, with designers leveraging the versatility of metal in bolder and more original creations.

Another returning material is nylon wire, which is used for instance to finish lenses that don’t have metal or acetate rims. The effect is one of greater delicacy and minimalism. It’s used for all manner of designs, including a new trend towards partial rims. We also saw coloured nylon wire used a lot for a contemporary designer look. 

We were also struck by the use and layering of translucent materials such as polyamide to create fascinating effects of light and depth.
 

We saw quite a few frames that used split metal to create a sense of volume. The trend is called negative space—leaving a gap between the rims and the lenses. The effect is an intriguing style with added volume in the frames. 

Shapes and details

This year once again we saw plenty of butterfly, hexagon, and square frames. The change is in the proportions. One striking example featured oversized triangles with a tiny, unobtrusive bridge.

Crosshatching and striking are engraving techniques for metal frames that we’re seeing more and more of. 

• Crosshatching, or guilloché, is the technique of cutting small marks into the metal in specific motifs and patterns. 
• Striking refers to engraving an abstract motif in the metal. It yields a less detailed appearance than crosshatching.

These extra refinements add value to frames and demonstrate just how meticulous these manufacturers are.

Colours

There was no shortage of exciting colours—with something for anyone and everyone!

Earth tones

Classic neutral tones for an understated style that goes with anything.

Lightec

Bérénice

Aged raspberry

Try this deep colour on for size. It’s a step up from black and brown!

Fysh

Etnia Barcelona

Emerald green

This adds a touch of vibrancy to frames. A trend that’s also been spotted in ready-to-wear.

Christian Dior

Ariane de Blanc...

Antique rose

Pale pink is back this year, though it’s warmed up a few degrees. It goes with any complexion, even the palest. 

Blackfin

Koali

Rose gold

This shade is on trend since a few years and it's there to stay. We saw it in most collections, and we're convinced that it's a must-have for 2020!

Calvin Klein

Eleven Paris

Going green

The environment is getting more and more attention in the eyewear industry. A host of initiatives are being put forward by a range of manufacturers, including the use of recycled metal and acetate frames, plant-based materials and post-consumer plastics, recycled cardboard and biodegradable packaging, planting a tree for every frame sold or giving a share of the profits to an environmental organization, and more. You’ll certainly find more and more environmentally friendly options in our clinics—watch for them!

New from Millésime!

We also had a chance at SILMO to check out the all the latest from our exclusive collection, handcrafted in France. Stay tuned—the new models are coming to our clinics very soon.

What do you think of the new trends? Will you fall for them? To find out more, feel free to ask an eye care specialist at our clinics. They can recommend the perfect style for you based on the latest trends, your needs, and your own unique personality.