By David Goldberg
This time last year, the eyewear industry was in shambles.
The COVID-19 pandemic had just begun and there were so many unknowns forcing many of the top brands to take a pause.
Fast forward to now and we’ve (for the most part) adapted to our new reality. We’ve emerged from our homes with a renewed sense of optimism, ready to embrace the warmth of spring.
It’s the time of year that usually inspires us to freshen up our wardrobe or pick up a new pair of frames.
According to industry insiders, including Centennial Optical’s Linda Mulford-Hum, the ongoing pandemic will continue to influence design choices.
“Feel-good nostalgia shapes and neutral hues will lend a sense of grounding during these turbulent times,” she predicts.
Environmental sustainability, a love for everything vintage and even the Olympics are going to play a role as well, optical industry officials say.
Here’s a look at all things trending for spring ‘21:
OGI’S BRIGHT FUTURE
“People are looking to brighten up their future with happier, more expressive colours,” says Ogi Eyewear chief creative officer David Durable.
Yates is a fabulous unisex shape from Ogi’s Seraphin collection that works well on almost any face type. The vintage-inspired styling is made from premium Mazzucchelli Italian acetate and features cast rivets on the front with metal detailing at the temple end piece. Available in the tortoise/black fade as well as the coconut tortoise/black fade.
CENTENNIAL’S OLYMPIC STYLING
“The need for safe one-stop shopping has driven the consumer to their eye care professional and supporting trusted heritage brands that offer superior value,” says Linda Mulford-Hum, Centennial’s director of product development.
Looking for a trusted heritage brand? Search no further than Ben Sherman.
Not only is Ben Sherman the official outfitter of Great Britain at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, but the designer label also has a banging new pair of frames for spring.
Denmark is an elegant pair of men’s frames available in the season’s hottest colour combination of black and gold.
These eye-catching frames also come in navy/light gun and brown/light gun.
WESTGROUPE LOOKING (FASHION) FORWARD
“I am super excited about the new Izumi spring releases,” says Beverly Suliteanu, vice-president of product development; creative directors at WestGroupe. “We have been going through a subtle redesign of Izumi, making it a bit edgier and fashion-forward.”
Nothing screams fashion-forward more than the shape of OS-9310, an elegant-looking pair of frames that comes in black rose, gold/teal, gold/orchid gold.
Also from WestGroupe, the OTP-121 for both men and women keeps it classy with its throwback retro styling and timeless aviator shape. Colour combinations available right now include pink/gold, black/gold and navy/gunmetal.
