The Time is Ripe for Independent New Changes and New Steps
It is time to bring something completely new to your eyewear agenda. Make it something completely on the cutting edge of Independent thinking. Look to the efforts of these Independent Eyewear purveyors. Consider their bold insight. Depend on their vision, their eyewear, their daring. And looking onward to the horizon of the June 20/20 issue, we are definitely seeing some great Sunwear in your life. Until then, feast on these amazing Independents.
–James J. Spina
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Minimalist Masters - With materials and construction at the heart of its design and production philosophy, Mykita draws its independent spirit from its hometown of Berlin, Germany, where all Mykita frames are created. This square/round sunglass from the Lite Acetate collection features stainless steel and slender acetate for a refined material mix offering supreme lightweight comfort. –Christine Yeh
LENNARD from Mykita
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Localized Design - Constructed with eye-catching acetate in an oval shape, this sunglass from Lowercase puts a strong emphasis on independent branding and Made in America products. –Victoria Garcia
OPAL from Lowercase
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See to Shining See - With a design heritage rooted in the Italian Alps, Dom Vetro founder Ashley Bezamat brings handcrafted artisan eyewear stateside to his hometown Los Angeles factory. This champagne optical style with matching sun clip channels monochromatic cool from Venice Beach to New York City streets. –Christine Yeh
CAPRETTA from Dom Vetro
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Crystal Corners - The angled transparent crystal detailing on the upper corners transforms this tortoise frame into a chic statement piece. –Jillian Urcelay
FACE A FACE Freez 2 from Design Eyewear Group
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The Current State - Eye am made here in Chicago. Eye speak for my craftsmen and women. Eye sing for my sales reps and staunchly Independent retail supporters. Eye look on my wearer and hope they are as proud of me as Eye am of them. Understated? Yes, but with quirks and charisma. That’s the perfect State of Mine. –James J. Spina
CICERO from State Optical
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Honorable Heritage - Since 1956, Carrera has created a name for itself not only in the sport category, but also as a lifestyle brand creating both sunwear and optical frames that cater to all eyewear needs.
–Victoria Garcia
CARRERA 228 from Safilo
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Energizing Points of Vision
As a special feature, some of our favorite independent brands share what they want 20/20 readers to know during this unprecedented time. We have compiled their responses for you both here and in our May 2020 issue.
–Jillian Urcelay
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“As an independent manufacturer, we are fortunate to have the right conditions to secure our processes, and I feel like recent events have brought us even closer as a company. From a product perspective, we have set the right course with our new collection and product portfolio: Longevity and added functional value in the products will play an even greater role in purchasing behavior as a result of the current situation.” –Moritz Krueger, founder of Mykita
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“We believe an event such as this pandemic will drive consumers to quality non-disposable products, whether that be eyewear or otherwise. Independent retailers will play an important role in this expedited transition because with higher quality and more expensive purchases, consumers expect a higher level of service, and with eyewear, that can really only be done in person.” –Gerard Masci, co-founder of Lowercase
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“It’s a frame. With a clip-on. I’m sure you’ve seen a million. But this one was handcrafted in Los Angeles. At the Dom Vetro factory. It’s packed with conviction, passion and a relentless pursuit of excellence. That frame has a soul and a story. And the person wearing it does too.” –Ashley Bezamat, founder of Dom Vetro
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“The Design Eyewear Group is committed to our valued partners’ safety, success and ongoing prosperity. The recent unavoidable events have challenged everyone, yet we remain positive, strong and are excited to begin servicing our customers when the proper authorities deem it safe. Our Americas Sales Organization remains unchanged, robust in spirit and resilient in nature. Together, we will overcome and emerge even stronger.” –Jonathon Berke, VP of Sales & Marketing - Americas, Design Eyewear Group
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“As we are living through this pandemic, we are seeing real support from humanity. During this time, supporting each other, finding new ways to help and service each other, and being independent is more important than ever. Europa has been doing this since 1977, and it is truly embedded in our company DNA. I dream of a time where big brands and big box stores will start thinking like independents—after all, we are all in this together.” –Nico Roseillier, Creative Director, Europa and State Optical
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“As the world returns to normal, we look forward to fully re-engaging in our mission of providing the best in class eyewear products and services. All our employees, especially our reps, are eager to serve you using creative approaches to meet the new market challenges and demands head on!” –Steve Wright, President and Chief Commercial Officer, Safilo North America
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