Martin Krafčík Last week, SILMO, one of the most prestigious events in the eyewear industry took place. Over the course of 4 days, a total of 900 exhibitors from 42 countries showcased their products on a 75,000 m² exhibition space, drawing in 30,000 visitors. Our eyewear virtual try-on solutions were also among the highlights.
Several emerging eyewear trends were showcased, reflecting the growing fusion of technology, design and sustainability in the industry:
3D Printed Eyewear: Companies like OOmade are leading the charge in using 3D printing technology to produce customizable, on-demand replacement frames made from bio-sourced and recyclable materials. This trend not only promotes sustainability but also enhances the customer experience by allowing for quick in-store frame repairs.
Sustainability: Many frames, such as those by Lafont, are now made from bio-based materials (e.g., castor oil), encouraging eco-friendly practices while addressing specific needs, like eyewear for premature infants. The shift to sustainable materials is shaping the industry's future, highlighting the growing awareness of environmental impact in product manufacturing.
Technology and Smart Shopping: More and more brands are embracing virtual eyewear try-ons. Major players in the market already have their solutions and over the past few years, virtual try-ons have become a standard for selling both glasses and colored contact lenses. Additionally, new innovations are emerging, such as Social Shopping, where you can shop with friends or family, and Assisted Shopping, where a real salesperson guides you through virtual try-ons.
AI: The Ray-Ban Meta, developed in collaboration with Meta, pushes the boundaries of smart eyewear by incorporating AI-powered features. These glasses allow users to stay connected, take photos, and capture moments hands-free, integrating AI seamlessly into everyday eyewear. This new breed of smart glasses is a glimpse into the future, where eyewear is not just about vision correction but about connectivity and convenience.
Dynamic Lenses: Transitions Gen S lenses were another significant innovation, offering lenses that adapt to varying light conditions. These ultra-reactive lenses change in response to the environment, providing both aesthetics and optimal visual performance. They ensure comfort and clarity, whether indoors or outdoors, making them ideal for people who are constantly on the go.
At Auglio, we believe the future of eyewear retail lies in creating seamless, interactive, and personalized shopping experiences. Virtual try ons not only make eyewear shopping more accessible but also help consumers feel confident in their choices before they even visit a store. Innovations like social shopping and assisted shopping are revolutionizing the way people shop for glasses, turning what was once a solitary task into a collaborative, engaging experience.
If any of our products caught your interest, do not hesitate to contact us.
Tags: Virtual Try On Assisted Shopping Virtual Mirror Silmo Social Shopping
