Design being redesigned

Stepper Eyewear is continuing its move to larger style frames through 2017, the company has revealed. The design development has been “dictated from the catwalks of the large fashion houses.”

Stepper Eyewear has been able to benefit from the fashion trend by using its light TX5 material, combined with new production processes, which result in elegant thin rims that work better with larger frame shapes.

New styles in 2017 will be influenced by three things, the company told OT: the key couture fashion trends in the coming 12 months, the innovations it can bring to the market to interpret the trends into eyewear and a move away from age profiling in frame styling.

“But our direction isn’t only towards larger styles,” Stepper Eyewear’s senior designer, Daniel Chan told OT. “There is a limit to the number of face shapes very large styles suit, therefore Stepper will include some shallower large styles that echo this trend, but are more wearable.”

A new innovation with the TX5 will be the company’s ‘Hybrid’ frames. Mr Chan explained: “With the trend towards thinner and lighter eyewear that has attractive detailing, these frames combine the 3D design, moulding, shape stability and inbuilt Stepper bridge with the cutting and shaping usually associated with acetate manufacture.”

He added: “In these ‘Hybrid’ styles you will see translucent base colours, and our digital printing processes allow Stepper to add colour in gradient, with designs applied to both the front and back of the frame depending on the desired effect. This technology will allow for the predicted popularity in both geometric and organic patterning.”

Titanium will be applied to the sides of the new TX5-fronted ‘Hybrids,’ delivering frame weights as low as 4–6g.

The company has highlighted that age is becoming a less-defining characteristic in women’s frame choices, with female spectacles wearers making their decision based on lifestyle, so Stepper Eyewear will be modifying its collections further.

Rather than being the company’s ‘older’ collection, ‘Stepper’ will “reflect modern, classic fashion for sophisticated women of all ages.”

The ‘StepperS’ range will become more urban and edgy for women who are very confident about their style choices.

Mr Chan concluded: “2016 has seen some shift in perception on the appeal of Stepper products and 2017 will be another exciting year for Stepper as it continues to define its own place as a fashion eyewear brand.”

For more information, visit the Stepper website.