silmo report

Silmo: A Success

Stephanie K. De Long

Silmo 2012, held October 4 to 7 at the Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition center outside Paris, welcomed 34,696 visitors to 900 exhibits during its four-day run. Those attendance numbers are reported to be on par with last year, with 55 percent of attendees traveling from outside of France for the event.

Well-attended events included the official announcement by The European Sunglass Association (ESA) and The Vision Council of their intent to merge. At a special press conference, both parties signed a Joint Operating Agreement with the goal of fully merging the ESA into The Vision Council within 12 months. “By combining the leadership, programs, and services from both associations,” says Jamie Shyer, chairman of The Vision Council, “we are better positioned to support the growth and development of our members and the global vision industry.”

SILMO D’OR

This year’s Silmo d’Or awards were presented by designer Stella Cadente, president of the 2012 grand jury, at a party held at the Cite du Cinema. Winners and their categories were: Essilor, lenses; Hoya, equipment; Seaport, children; Jeremy Tarian, sunglasses; Silhouette (adidas), sports equipment; Di Esse, frame technology; and the Etex DaVinci for low vision. Also honored in low vision was actor and director Pascal Parsat, who has also designed the Low Vision Forum at Silmo since 2006.

OPTICAL TRENDS

If one word had to be picked to define trends at Silmo, it would be “color” and lots of it… in colorblocks and in prominent patterns, as well as with more subtle touches inside frames or on temples in retro looks with an eyecatching range of futuristic twists. Metals were in demand, with plastics and combinations also out in force.

For 2013, the dates are Thursday through Sunday, September 26 to 29, at the exhibition center. EB

1. The showfloor at Silmo is hopping; 2. Mykita celebrated the launch of the Mykita/Damir Doma collection with a cocktail party; 3. Arnold Schmeid talks with a guest at Silhouette’s evening press event; 4. Jamie Shyer (l) and ESA’s Martijn van Eerde signing a joint operating agreement; 5. Silmo d’Or winners celebrate on stage; 6.- 7. Attendance was brisk throughout the show; 8. Face a Face launched the Woow collection at Silmo