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GENERATION NOW

Eyecare Business May 1, 2017

Heralded as “The Next Great Generation,” millennials are now the nation’s largest generation at more than 83 million strong, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

But, you might want to think twice about calling your 17-to-37-year-old patients “millennials.” In a recent survey by the research firm LIMRA, only 44% of millennial-age respondents said they truly connect with their generational label.

And, that’s this group in a nutshell. They share a common thread as a diverse generation of consumers who refuse to be categorized.

When it comes to the goods they buy, they retain a strong preference for uniqueness that puts design ahead of designers and personalization above all. They seek a story that appeals to them and that speaks to individual interests and aspirations.

This season’s eyewear designs—especially those brands and styles targeting this generation—provide just that, in abundance. Turn the pages here for a roundup of eyewear that is on trend and on target for Gen Y.

STYLE ARBITER Evatik E-9142 in color 973 from WestGroupe, a thick oversized square acetate with a dropped bridge in mixed rich demi amber tortoise.
STYLE ARBITER Evatik E-9142 in color 973 from WestGroupe, a thick oversized square acetate with a dropped bridge in mixed rich demi amber tortoise.
SARTORIAL COOL Ray-Ban 3557 sunglass from Luxottica in gold metal aviator shape.
SARTORIAL COOL Ray-Ban 3557 sunglass from Luxottica in gold metal aviator shape.
METAL ROCKS RICH-COLOR stories, such as deep dives into warm wine tones, are accentuated by design details such as eye-catching gold bridges and lustrous finishes. From top: » Calvin Klein style CK 5964 from Marchon is a style-honed update on an iconic silhouette with a gold double bridge and warm red metal front. » McQ style MQ0046O from Kering exudes a cool edge with a warm burgundy finish and a modified take on a classic shape. » neubau style Edmund T021 from Silhouette is a mix of matte chic and geek with a hip double bar front softened with lustrous color. Still Life Background Illustrations by David Kressler
METAL ROCKS RICH-COLOR stories, such as deep dives into warm wine tones, are accentuated by design details such as eye-catching gold bridges and lustrous finishes. From top: » Calvin Klein style CK 5964 from Marchon is a style-honed update on an iconic silhouette with a gold double bridge and warm red metal front. » McQ style MQ0046O from Kering exudes a cool edge with a warm burgundy finish and a modified take on a classic shape. » neubau style Edmund T021 from Silhouette is a mix of matte chic and geek with a hip double bar front softened with lustrous color. Still Life Background Illustrations by David Kressler
RETUNED TORTS TORT plays with light and pattern with unexpected touches of crystal and blues for calming, cool styles. From top: » Kensie style Romance from Kenmark Eyewear tops a crystal blue with a re-energized pink and blue tort bridge and temple. » Nomad style 3036N from Morel is a watery take on tort with blues and crystals creating a dreamy mix. » Polaroid style PLD D320 from Safilo serves up serious style with a havana/blue-speckled front and crystal blue temples. » Steve Madden style Hailee from Clear-Vision Optical offers millennial-approved brights with hot pops of blue and red tort.
RETUNED TORTS TORT plays with light and pattern with unexpected touches of crystal and blues for calming, cool styles. From top: » Kensie style Romance from Kenmark Eyewear tops a crystal blue with a re-energized pink and blue tort bridge and temple. » Nomad style 3036N from Morel is a watery take on tort with blues and crystals creating a dreamy mix. » Polaroid style PLD D320 from Safilo serves up serious style with a havana/blue-speckled front and crystal blue temples. » Steve Madden style Hailee from Clear-Vision Optical offers millennial-approved brights with hot pops of blue and red tort.
SMOKE AND SHINE ZYL STYLE goes beyond basic grays for on-trend looks with a touch of mysterious, smoky translucents and a bit of sparkle spicing up classic shapes for some serious pop. From top: » Bon Vivant style Angelina/7469 from Ogi Eyewear adds sparkle to the scene, with glitter embedded on a translucent acetate that makes a classic profile pop. » Kenneth Cole Reaction style KC0794 from Marcolin reveals that crystal isn’t always clear—this frosty crystal frame front is balanced by dark tort temples in a rectangle shape. » Converse style Q307 from De Rigo REM marries a standout smoky-blue translucent acetate with camouflage temples in an eternally hot shape. » Sperry style Acadia from L’Amy America channels the intellectual elite with a smoky keyhole silhouette.
SMOKE AND SHINE ZYL STYLE goes beyond basic grays for on-trend looks with a touch of mysterious, smoky translucents and a bit of sparkle spicing up classic shapes for some serious pop. From top: » Bon Vivant style Angelina/7469 from Ogi Eyewear adds sparkle to the scene, with glitter embedded on a translucent acetate that makes a classic profile pop. » Kenneth Cole Reaction style KC0794 from Marcolin reveals that crystal isn’t always clear—this frosty crystal frame front is balanced by dark tort temples in a rectangle shape. » Converse style Q307 from De Rigo REM marries a standout smoky-blue translucent acetate with camouflage temples in an eternally hot shape. » Sperry style Acadia from L’Amy America channels the intellectual elite with a smoky keyhole silhouette.

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