MIDO – Live The Wonder

So we’ve just returned from Milan where the MIDO Eyewear Show is held.  This annual event is one of the biggest in the international Optical calendar where eye wear companies and manufacturers exhibit their products and services to the world of Opticians.  Often it is the first chance to view the latest trends in eyewear and also see ranges that are not available in the UK with a view to have an exclusive range in our practices.

This year we were invited to attend by the Italian Trade Agency and we were treated to a pre-show event called Made In Italy where we met with Italian suppliers and manufacturers.  This was a fantastic opportunity to see what is available from Europe and also make business connections with a wonderful range of quality Italian companies.  We saw a bespoke range of spectacles that were cut from marble and precious stone, they were beautifully made but hefty in price tag as well as weight!

MIDO itself is vast, held in an exhibition centre there are 7 Halls filled with suppliers of Frames, Lenses, Equipment, Contact Lenses, Accessories and anything Optical related.  Over 1200 exhibitors met with over 52000 attendees from all over the world to do business and be inspired by innovation dedicated to eye wear.

We have been to MIDO for the last few years and look forward to seeing many new and exciting products that are available from the sublime to the ridiculous.  Many of the large companies have lavish stands with entertainment and refreshments on offer, beautifully thought out and  eye catching it is mesmerising wandering around and seeing everything.  Eye wear is as much about fashion as it is about being a sight aid and there were fashionistas at every turn, runways with models wearing the latest frames and very much an air of style everyone trying to reinvent the spectacles and offering something unique and interesting.

The small independent stands were the most interesting with new designers showing their small collections in the ‘Lab Academy’ with little or no promotional material, signs, decorations.  These small companies however were innovative, quirky and really thought outside the box when it came to designing eyewear.

It was an inspiring trip and we are looking forward to launching some amazing new products soon…….watch this space!