By David Goldberg
Permission to have fun.
No, seriously!
After a tumultuous two years that left us blurry-eyed and fumbling for the reset button, the eyewear industry’s top designers are sensing customers’ desire to celebrate style and individuality, completely unhindered by the world’s current state of uncertainty.
“2022 will be focused on having fun with eyewear,” says WestGroupe vice-president of product development and creative director Beverly Sultineau.
She says that colours will be bolder as consumers look to update the neutral tones that have been popular over the last couple of years. A perfect example is the graffiti design on the KLiiK K-706 in fuschia, olive, ruby and multicolour.
Sultineau also says that intricate detailing will play a large role in the new year as consumers become more sophisticated in their eyewear choices.
Laser-cut details and cut-outs, patterned eye rims and material layering are all design elements that elevate eyewear design. Check out the Evatik E-9229 in matte tortoise and the FYSH F-3685 in teal turquoise for examples of these trends.
BOLD AND THE BEAUTFUL
Along with bolder colours, Centennial Optical’s director of product development Linda Mulford-Hum sees frame size continue to increase in contrast to the strong subtle crystal trends between 2019 and 2021.
“The Vera Wang V580 is a dramatic cat-eye, oversized, and in vibrant updates on the traditional tortoises, while Alfred Sung AS5278 is an oversized geometric updated in softer colouration which offset the larger size.
Mulford-Hum explains that metals are gaining traction again for women in thinner metal profiles. Hues include teal blues and jade greens.
Bolder colours? Check. Bigger shapes? Check! But let’s also travel back in time.
“Spring-summer 2022 takes a step back to the classic Hollywood glam of yesteryear,” says Bolle Brands marketing manager Rene Gerber.
Oversized frames take on a new twist and the Serengeti Hayworth is leading the way, she says, while the extended rectangular shape is another popular style this upcoming season and is suitable for both men and women.
The Serengeti Nicholson is on track with this classic styling, but with handcrafted eco-friendly acetate and chamfered edges and bevels on the front.
A DASH OF DAZZLE
As for Robin Brush of Safilo Group USA, she sees spring 2022 as the perfect time to add a dash of dazzle for women.
“Crystals, pearls or studs – as well as frames with pops of prints, transparent frames, oversized bold squares, narrow and angular cat eyes and novelty shapes.”
Wear this trend with the flashy kate spade new york Flavia or the Jimmy Choo AURI.
For men, Brush says sporty looks will rule.
“Shields, frames with colour-blocking, lightweight frames and materials such as titanium or frames from eco-friendly materials are expected to be strong sellers as well as styles with a twist on classic aviator shapes in metal or sportier plastic combinations.”
Some perfect examples of these include Under Armour UA9006 and Hugo Boss 1356S.
SUSTAINABLE SPECS
And the eyewear industry’s move towards more sustainable production design shows no signs of slowing down.
“Sustainable eyewear continues to be a focus for Marchon Eyewear in 2022,” said Massimiliano Maccanti, vice-president of European design and product development at Marchon Eyewear.
“We want to meet the consumers’ expectations on how our eyewear is made and its impact on the environment.”
This season, Calvin Klein and Longchamp, with the CK22100 and LO2695, respectively, are offering sustainable optical eyewear in easy-to-wear shapes and classic colourations.
Another sustainable yet fashionable option is the new collection from Sea2See eyewear.
Made from 100 per cent recycled marine plastic, this year the Made-in-Italy collection has a wider choice of genderless and unisex styles with modern shapes in a mix of vibrant, upbeat colours for all tastes and style preferences in this age group.
For kids, try the Clarisse Junior in pink grey or violet strips and Joe Junior in blue red or green yellow.
“There is now a Sea2See frame for every member of the family so everyone can be part of the change,” says Sea2See founder Francois van den Abeele.
STRUNG OUT
Taking design cues from the legendary electric guitar rocked by so many music icons, the HIVE Group is proud to show off its flashy new Gibson Sunglasses Collection.
Amp up your style with the GS0010 – Cool Oval Sunglasses. This signature unisex sunglasses style with an oval shape features gold hardware and a refined mother of pearl logo. The shape is inspired by Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain.
Life is complicated but your eyewear doesn’t have to be. That’s why Alternative and Plan B’s Interface eyewear will continue to be a strong accessory in the eyewear market for 2022.
“Unable to escape our phones, tablets and computers in everyday life, the convenience of swiping a yellow lens to gray polarized lens is a brilliant way to transform daily prescription eyewear,” says Alternative and Plan “B” Eyewear CEO Paul Storace.
The transformative eyewear experience offers eyecare professionals a luxury ‘clip-on’ with skins that protect any element, yet feel like a pair of sunglasses with an easy fluid movement.
The new collection, available sometime in 2022, expands the availability of slim styles with more feminine shapes offered in eight new styles and colours to pair with grey and yellow lenses.
TIME TO PLAY
Zeal has become very well known in the winter sports space for its Automatic+ lens collection. “This patented lens combines premium polarization and photochromic technology so that skiers and snowboarders never need to change their lenses,” explains Zeal Optics, managing director-Canada Jeff Speiran.
“This combination provides a unique lens tint for all sun and snow conditions as it gradually transitions with the day’s light.”
For spring 2022, Zeal is extending this same technology in its Plano lens called Auto Sun into six of its top-selling active frames. This lens is ideal for all-day adventures, where you’ll be in and out of the shade, and we’ve often heard that this is people’s favourite lens for activities such as golfing, fishing, jogging, cycling and even driving.
These lenses had only been available in a very select group of frames previously. Look for new Auto Sun offerings in these favourite frames: Brewer, Sable, Caddis, Incline, Magnolia and Avon.
Featured image: Calistoga (L) and Northwind (R) by Zeal Optics