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MIDO Trending

Amy Spiezio

Standing out in a crowded field of shows, MIDO's 41st edition drew more than 1,100 exhibitors to six halls, giving an indication that the optical market is on the mend. “The expectations were good and I am happy to say that the event lived up to these expectations. I hope that this result represents a turning point for the entire industry worldwide,” says Cirillo Marcolin, MIDO's executive vice president.

Time and technology were two of the major themes of MIDO 2011.

LOOKING FORWARD, LOOKING BACK

MIDO's offerings included retro styles, futuristic styles, and those that borrowed from the past for a distinctly present feel. Trends included:

- Here kitty, kitty: Cats-eye shapes dominated in Rx and sun looks, but with softer curves and moderate corner uplifts for wearer-friendly looks.
- If it ain't baroque….: Curlicues, swirls, and sweeps have been ushered in with over-the-top baroque looks that will require a second look.
- Return of the tint: Tinted lenses are back and not just with simple gradients, but also with an updated pinky peach look à la 1980s Sophia Loren.
- Old school updates: Rounds, P3s, and other traditional looks are refreshed with matte finishes, metal/acetate mixes, and other modernizations.

TECHNO TRIUMPHS

While machinery is getting smaller and quieter and lenses are getting more specifically targeted for demographic and visual needs, frames are helping to drive technology in a few new directions.

- That's entertainment: The 3D eyewear trend continues, and the technology bar has been raised with the presentation of in-eyewear camera sunglasses from Polaroid.
- Organic opportunities: New technology is springing up in natural and recycled materials, from sculpted wood frames to re-purposed comic pages.

Next year, show officials announced, MIDO will shift to a Sunday through Tuesday format, running March 11 to 13 to better meet the needs of local attendees whose shops are typically closed on Sunday or Monday.

INFO: mido.it

1. An updated classic: Lindberg style 1237A 2. Cats-eye styles from Lafont 3. Lady Gaga in Polaroid camera glasses 4. MIDO's Design Lab 5. A rosy gradient style Formula SGP by newcomer Frenchy & Mercury 6. Style RPF comic from Symon Says 7. A baroque look from X-Ide, x-diamond 2