Parisian style

My journey to Paris for my first Silmo was a short but packed one (but yes, I did manage to squeeze in a trip to a patisserie too). My iPhone says I clocked up 21,501 steps on the Friday alone, which might have been why I was so thankful for the comfy Eurostar seats on the way back to London.

I had been told that Silmo was a big event, but I was still amazed at how many brands featured across the two exhibition halls. I like to walk around and get my bearings before I start talking to exhibitors, but I had to cut that short at Silmo because I would’ve still been going at lunch.

One of my first appointments was with the president of Silmo, Amélie Morel, who told me that last year’s event welcomed 37,000 visitors and she expected a similar number to come through the doors in 2018.

“Silmo is the place to be and Silmo is for all opticians. It’s a great point de vue for all opticians and for the industry,” Ms Morel said.

With 967 exhibitors available to speak to, the event was not short on eyewear launches. British brands such as Cutler & Gross, Kirk & Kirk, and William Morris London were in attendance showcasing their creativity, colour and class alongside small, medium and large European exhibitors.

Those exhibitors have all shared their thoughts with OT about the Paris event, the UK market and what trends to expect in 2019. Stay tuned to OT as we bring you reaction and comment.

Silmo also offered an insight into consumer thinking during the optical monitor presentation, which was jointly hosted by Mido.

The presentation highlighted that there is an increasing appetite for purchasing sunglasses online in the five main European markets – the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. However, the optical practice is still number one when it comes to buying spectacles.

In the spectacles market, price and quality of lenses are the main drivers for British consumers with brand and celebrity influencers also an emerging trend.

This all adds to the excitement for the UK’s event in January, 100% Optical. OT is busy preparing its next preview on 100% Optical, with October’s focus on eyewear available to read online now.

Priority booking for education is currently open exclusively for AOP members via the 100% Optical website, before opening to all tomorrow.

We’d love to hear about your plans as a visitor or exhibitor. Email [email protected].