IN addition to the all-important fashion factor, eyeglass wearers are looking for comfort. That’s where eyewear “technologists” come in. Whether it’s lightweight and/or flexible materials, combination of materials, hinge technology, em-bellishments, or color transfers, these trends all point to making eyewear comfortable without compromising on style.
Putting It Together Companies are looking for new and different ways to affix temples onto the chassis. Screwless hinges, flexible hinges, and smaller spring hinges are just some of the latest innovations. One company even has a hinge that is a buckle and a hook for articulation. Material Matters Combining two or more frame materials continues to be all the rage and memory metals and lightweight titanium remain strong. Material design techniques include the use of crystals, laser-decorated temples, and color transfers. Performance sunwear is also more in tune with fashion and function, with the use of high-tech materials and design elements. Feeling good and looking good in their eyewear is what consumers want and today’s continually evolving frame technology is making both possible.
Beth Schlau is Vice President, Editorial of First Vision Media Group.
