Silmo still remains an essential trade show for professionals in the optics and eyewear sector. Over the course of four days, from September 29 to October 2, 900 exhibitors are expected to come to the event at the Parc de Villepinte exhibition centre in Paris. A total of 1,400 brands will be showcased at Silmo, including Adidas, Kaporal, Le Temps des Cerises, ST Dupont, Bugatti, Façonnable, Kenzo and Salomon. The countries represented the most are France, Italy, Japan and Spain. According to the organisers, around 100 new labels will be presented.

Silmo (photo by DR)

Silmo aims to be an information platform where professionals can enhance their knowledge on health, technology and fashion. The Silmo Academy will address topics on childhood, reading and sight impairment. Silmo TV will broadcast news and debates relevant to the sector. Eyewear professionals will also be able to participate in a “Job Dating” activity based on the speed-dating principle.

Carlin International, a trend-forecasting agency, and Dominique Cuvillier, an expert on trends in eyewear, have predicted the trends for 2012. Those will be Hypno'Chic (sharp aesthetics with light and thin lines), Soft Touch (authentic and refined materials), Mix & Match (hybrid frames and overlapping styles), Glitter forever (a neo “bling-bling” trend), Color Block (lively colours on refined frames) and finally Brit’Effect (how the London Olympic Games will affect tomorrow’s trends).

The Silmo d’Or Awards will take place on September 29 at the French Air and Space Museum (Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace). Designers will be rewarded for their creativity and innovation in 8 different categories: Vision, Material/Equipment, Low Vision/Optic Instrument, Children, Optic Frame, Sunglass, Sport Equipment and Frame Technological Innovation.