[Vol. 4] Introducing more tide zone exhibitors- Designers from the international market

Hello everyone!
It is now 1 month away from the opening of IOFT. Those who are visiting this year’s show must be in the final stages of planning your visit. When to visit which booth… etc. etc.

If you think you have completed your scheduling, the piece of information we are just about to reveal may cause you to alter your plans.
Today we have more information about 6 brands which will be showcased at this year’s show.

Below is the lineup of today’s news:

Interview with: Mr. Dider Marder, General Manager and Art Director of EMMANUELLE KHANH PARIS – a high quality eyewear brand born from the world of fashion, loved by many celebrities. http://www.emmanuellekhanhparis.com/

&

Interview with: Mr. Masashi Mishima, Senior Executive Manager of Thorough Distribution, MARI VISION INC.  He will be representing many world renowned eyewear brands such as OLIVER GOLDSMITH (U.K.）、Orgreen (Denmark), WOLFGANG PROKSH (Germany) and MEIMA (France). http://www.thorough.jp


I would like to start by introducing Mr. Dider Marder from EMMANUELLE KHANH PARIS.

(Interviewer Chiharu Nishiura, PR, IOFT Show Management)

Chiharu:
Mr. Marder, please tell me a little about EMMANUELLE KHANH.

Mr. Dider Marder

Mr. Marder:
EMMANUELLE KHANH was first founded as a fashion brand in 1969 and was very popular around the 70s and 80s in Europe, the U.S. and Japan.

 

Since then we have reconstructed our company in 2009. We now have a collection of sunglasses and eyewear. The sunglasses are very vintage and the eyewear line has an elegant French flavour to it. All our frames and accessories are hand made in France. 


Chiharu:
Your frames are so high fashion and endorsed by celebrities around the world. Could you share with us why you continually decide to exhibit at IOFT?

Mr. Marder:
The Japanese and Korean market is very important for our future business plans. Our frames are well known for its good quality in the world of fashion and we would like to do the same in the eyewear industry.

Chiharu:
I see, so IOFT is perfect for your brand as it has a distinguished place in the Asian market.

Mr. Marder:
Indeed. We wish to meet many buyers in Japan in search of luxurious fashion brands at IOFT. We would also like to meet optic stores from Korea, chain stores, independent boutiques, department stores…as many kinds of stores as possible.

Chiharu:
EMMANUELLE KHANH is definitely a brand to look out for if you are looking for something new and high fashion.
Now, the moment we have all been waiting for...could you introduce your latest eyewear that you will be showcasing at this year’s show?

Mr. Marder:
Sure.
I will show you the remake of the 1000GP1 model, which is a very symbolic model of EMMANUELLE KHANH.

remake of 1000GP1

This model was worn and loved by the 80s rap singer RUN DMC and many other people with great taste in fashion.
This was a limited edition model and was made with serial numbers.

Chiharu:
This is so cool!! This was recently worn by a very famous international singer wasn’t it… I really wish more high fashion eyewear such as this would become more popular in Japan as well.

Mr. Marder:
Thank you. Our collection of eyewear has a distinguished/unique style and quality so it can be worn by any sex, in any scene and especially enjoyed by someone who wants to wear something different. Therefore, I am really looking forward to meeting people in search of something to satisfy their needs and taste of high fashion.

Chiharu:
Thank you Mr Marder!!

Following on, I would like to introduce Mr. Mishima from MARI VISION INC.
Please introduce your brand to us.

Mr. Masashi Mishima

Mr. Mishima:

We are currently directing and distributing 4 European brands OLIVER GOLDSMITH (U.K.）、Orgreen (Denmark), WOLFGANG PROKSH (Germany) and MEIMA (France) and 1 Japanese brand from Gifu prefecture, ENA GANKYO KOUGYOU CO. LTD. with their original brands ENa (sunglasses) and EnaLloid (eyewear).

Chiharu:
Those are all brands that IOFT have been dreaming about so we are so excited about the exhibit. Could you kindly explain about each of the brands?

Mr. Mishima:
Of course. I will start with OLIVER GOLDSMITH.

OLIVER GOLDSMITH began in 1926. From 1950 many sunglasses with revolutionary designs were launched and caused a swept the European fashion scene in a flash.

There was a brief moment of silence but made a comeback in 2005. Since then it became a high fashion eyewear brand with a new edge sure to satisfy those who enjoy something striking and unusual. 

LIBRARY

The real charm about OLIVER GOLDSMITH is its timeless ability to impress and project a connection and memory of a real celebrity. Such a rare and unique meme of the brand has translated into the edge and vintage style of the end products. The natural ability to be both mischievous and elegant just goes to show the quality of the upbringing of the frames. That is the greatest attraction of OLIVER GOLDSMITH and can be enjoyed by any generation and any era.

The new OLIVER GOLDSMITH collection is a result of a collaborative work between the finest crafts men and a strict eye of selecting a timelessly glimmering vintage model out of an enormous design archive.

I will now introduce Orgreen.

The founder Henrik Orgreen was originally an importer of products such as snowboards and sold sunglasses on the side. One day he thought “We might as well make our own shades” and consulted Tobias Wandrup, a product designer and began to create the brand Orgreen.

The Designers

With his sense of style and taste, he was able to create eyewear gleaming with originality. This may be due to the fact that he based his designs on a texture completely unrelated to eyewear.
A great eye for beauty must have been preinstalled into his DNA. The refined “street style”, was inspired and born from nature, so beautiful but sometimes harmful. His continual hunger for crafts is definitely a driving force for his great work; light frames jam packed with hard work and deep content.  

ELLE

Maximilian Illustrations

The third brand is WOLFGANG PROKSH.

The designer’s name is the same as that of the brand.

Wolfgang Proksch

He bases his work on a very simple but bold style “Sexy Intelligence”. He is a very famous international designer from Germany with a very modern taste. His regular customers include new trendy brands as well as traditional fashion labels. His designs have received many awards in the past.

WOLFGANG PROKSH is iconic for its designs based on “Classic Modernism” and frames with unique structure created by the hands of a brilliantly skilled Japanese crafts men. A design loved by any era but at the same time respects the past.

The acetate frame is cut into a beautiful, modern and mainstream shape. It is very edgy but also embodies a bit of twist. An eyewear perfect for someone with a good eye. A fashionable 80s-90s style translated into something new and is a perfect match with the modern style.

And the fourth brand is MEIMA.

Anthony Meima, the designer is now 42 years old and started his own company 8 years ago. Handmade acetate frames are his main specialty.

Anthony Meima learnt how to make frames but instead of owning a optic store, he knew he will become a designer. Using second-hand machinery he began making prototypes at his own home. At the time, whilst making molds for frames, he worked with Karl Lagerfield who was involved with making eyewear for fashion brands such as Chloe and Christian Lacroix for the art couture fashion show and also worked as a product manager for 7 years with a famous French frame designer. He worked hard on discovering new craft skills, materials, colour and laminate.

XXXVII

LII

XLIX

Chiharu:
These are all famous eyewear brands! Other than the 4 brands you have just introduced to us, I heard you will also be exhibiting a brand from Gifu prefecture; ENa and Enaloid?

Mr. Mishima:
Yes we are! ENa and Enaloid, since it was founded in 1947 the frames were made at ENA GANKYO KOUGYO CO. LTD. a manufacturer that made all the plastic frames in Natsugawa (Gifu prefecture). It is a unique factory brand created by experienced crafts men with high quality skills working in collaboration with international designers in the forefront of modern design. We hope you can look at the plastic frames of ENa and EnaLoid and see our proud work and shiny quality of a Japan-made product.

Chiharu:
How exciting!!
It’s great to have so many different brands from Europe and Japan exhibiting at our show. I am definitely looking forward to how the new exhibits and meetings will contribute to the entire atmosphere of the show.

Mr. Mishima:
I hope to make new acquaintances and new connections at IOFT. Not only Japanese optic stores, independent boutiques but buyers from overseas too. I look forward to sharing these fantastic eyewear and the history and concepts behind it.

Here is my mobile number: +819046289679
If you wish to make an appointment with me, feel free to contact me at any time.


Chiharu:
Mr. Mishima thank you so much! Please contact him in advance if you wish to make an appointment!!!

[Editor’s Note:]
This time we introduced 2 companies exhibiting in the tide –The IOFT Int’l Designers zone. The brands mentioned above are all bound to turn eyewear fans on. Such a splendid interview! There are so many interesting exhibitors joining the tide zone this year, it’s really hard to keep my heart from pounding with excitement!
Keep your dates open for IOFT! You will certainly not regret it!

Written and edited by Ena Masui, International PR, IOFT Show Management

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*IOFT 2012 is NOT open to general public. Those under 18 years old are not allowed to enter the show.

[Vol. 3] Big Buyers meets Brilliant Brands – a match made at IOFT

Have any of you been to an overseas trade show and had difficulties conducting business due to language barriers, not knowing when and where to be, couldn’t work out how to fully utilise the show tools?...

For several years IOFT Show Management has been working on a project called “Matching Service” to support the business between exhibitors and premium Asian buyers.

So how does the service work?... Show Management specially invites top retailers, wholesalers and importers from Asia through the ”Premium Buyer Invitation Program”. Then Show Management simply arranges the time and place for the two parties to meet, fully taking into consideration which premium buyer the exhibitors want to make business with and vice versa. To add to the arrangement, show staff will guide the premium buyers to the exhibitor’s booth in time for the appointments and provide full language support on demand. This year the program is expected to be a massive hit due to the richer variety of exhibitors, especially from overseas.


Overseas Exhibitors

To get a better idea of what the project is like, below is a comment from an overseas exhibitor who joined the matching service last year:

Francis Klein
We have been exhibiting at IOFT for many years and are satisfied with the business there. In IOFT 2011, we were fully satisfied with the organization and the services the show management offered us. Especially, the "Matching Service" with Asian buyers was a very well structured and eventually a very prolific service. We will surely come back to IOFT 2012 because IOFT has already become the best business place for us in Asia.
Francis Kline will be participating in the program again at this year’s show and Show Management is currently in the process of arranging the appointments.

The beauty about IOFT is the fact that it is not only a gate way to enter the emerging Asian market; it is also a place to conduct serious business with International companies. Evidently, many exhibitors repeatedly exhibit at IOFT all the way from Europe and the U.S.   



Other voices from the international market:

FACE A FACE
We have been exhibiting at IOFT many years. The business result of IOFT 2011 was great. We could have business not only with Japanese buyers but also with Chinese and Taiwanese buyers. It is good news for us that IOFT has been becoming the gateway and business hub in Asian market. We really expect that IOFT welcome more international exhibitors.

LINDBERG
We were happy to see the continuous support of the IOFT. Our reps were fully booked and sales were satisfactory. Total sales was around USD 200,000 at IOFT 2011. IOFT is the main event in the optical industry in Asia, and LINDBERG will exhibit again in 2012.

This year as well as the exhibitors like the above, many new comers will be participating at IOFT from Europe and join the matching service.


For more exhibitor comments:
To view more comments from overseas exhibitors who will actually be exhibiting at this year’s show, take a look at some of the videos uploaded on to IOFT’s facebook page.
>> http://www.facebook.com/IOFT.megane

For the full list of exhibitors:
Take a look at the latest exhibitors list online
>> http://www.ioft.jp/en/exhibitor/ 

By integrating the matching service to the already successful international business platform, Show Management is sure to boost business between exhibitors and buyers and pull together a truly satisfying show for all parties. The improved line up of this year’s exhibitors is bound to contribute to a bigger success this year! 


 

Premium Buyers from Asia

Show Management is expecting 350 premium Asian buyers to participate in the matching service this year, who are all hungry for serious business! 

Taiwan

For instance, the top three Taiwanese megastores: FORMOSA OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY, KOBAYASHI OPTICAL and GRACE OPTICAL will be joining. Both the President and Vice President of all three companies will be participating and are also dignitaries for the Opening Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony. The service is also planning to involve around 20 of the most powerful importers from the Taiwanese market so fingers crossed for IOFT exhibitors! 


China

Major Chinese chain stores, importers and wholesalers will also be participating in the service. From what we have heard so far, many of the participating companies are expecting to spend 5,000,000 to 15,000,000 Japanese Yen’s worth on latest and unique frames.
As it is approaching the opening of the show, Show Management made a trip to China to be acquainted with some of the company representatives that are planning to attend the show. For example, the president of Beijing’s no.1 optical chain store, BEIJING TONGREN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION and the president of China’s largest optical chain store CHINA BAODAO OPTICAL had revealed to IOFT Show Management that they have high hopes for both the show and the service. They consider IOFT to be a great place to purchase new products and are looking forward to have a look at the latest Japanese frames as they find the quality to be the best in Asia. International brands are also a major attraction for the buyers.


Korea

Korea is another major region Show Management has worked diligently and over 100 buyers are expected to be involved in the service. The CEO of DAVICH OPTICAL CHAIN, the largest chain stores in Korea has promised to take part and is very fond of the service. He feels conducting business at a foreign country with a totally different language and culture is somewhat intimidating at times so such a service allows them to negotiate comfortably. The Vice president of another major Korean buyer GLASSBOX has mentioned to Show Management that it is a very efficient way to meet the exhibitors that match their needs and values the service. Both companies are regular visitors of IOFT and every time they bring along their key purchasing authorities with them to the show. They are very excited and eager to discover new brands, both Japanese and international.



A message from Show Management

To sum up today’s IOFT NEWS, Akira Kono, head of international sales, IOFT Show Management will like to deliver a message to existing participants and future participants:
“IOFT is THE gateway to enter the emerging Asian market and is especially beneficial for brands from other markets such as Europe and the U.S. to launch new products and find potential customers in Asia. The service like the matching service mentioned above will definitely support new business for such brands and we will try our very best to contribute to their future success. Please feel free to contact us at any time! We will be glad to be of help.”

[Editor’s Note]
It is really exciting to receive such positive comments from both the exhibitors and buyers. I can already feel the energy of the show oozing and cannot wait to witness the show contributing to both the Asian and International market. IOFT is where it all happens! Join us to witness or even be part of the intensive meetings which are sure to be firing away!

Written and edited by Ena Masui, International PR, IOFT Show Management

● EOY 2013 Official HP >>>CLICK HERE
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● Information Request on Exhibiting IOFT 2012 >>> CLICK HERE
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*IOFT 2012 is NOT open to general public. Those under 18 years old are not allowed to enter the show.

[Vol.2] Technology meets design – interview with exhibitors from Germany and Aichi prefecture (Japan)

Hello everyone! As if to portray the building heat of IOFT, the post summer air is still very hot in Japan. Today I would like to introduce two very special exhibitors with excellent skills and very unique style. 

Interviewees:

• MYKITA from Germany - One of the world’s leading eyewear designer with excellent designing skills. All their frames are 100 % handmade.

• Mr. Hironori Kishi, CEO of MonkeyFlip, ASANOYA Co. Ltd. from Aichi prefecture in Japan - With their special plastic injection molding technique, they have made Aichi the new area of production of eyewear.

I would like to begin an interview with MYKITA.

 
(Interviewer Chiharu Nishiura, IOFT Show Management)


Chiharu:
MYKITA, please tell me about your brand.

MYKITA:
MYKITA was brought to life by 4 founding fathers; Harald Gottschling、Daniel Haffmans、Philipp Haffmans、 Moritz Krueger. The brand name was inspired by our company building. Before MYKITA, the building was used as a nursery in the past, which in East Germany is called “KITA”. Distinguished skills and continual innovation are the fundamentals of the MYKITA brand and established a unique fusion of art and technology. Transparent, one of a kind brand, that is what MYKITA is.

MYKITA

 

Chiharu:
I see. It is so clear that all your eyewear portrays the MYKITA style. Not only by its stylish visuals, but also the skills behind it.

MYKITA:
Yes, that is why we are different from other eyewear manufacturers. Our eyewear are all 100% handmade and all the vital steps such as designing, marketing and manufacturing are concluded under one roof.

Chiharu:
Impressive! Everything is produced and managed by your company…that must be the secret to how you maintain the high quality of your products. Could you introduce some of your wonderful frames to us? 

MYKITA:
Sure, this is a collaborative work between MYKITA & BERNHARD WILLHELM. 

DAISUKE

It is a line of sunglasses called DAISUKE (pastel black, green, gold coating)
It certainly is the birth of an eyewear that explores the definition of sunglasses. It is a hybrid between traditional style and a practical sun visor. It is like a sporty head accessory. The frame stretches from the edge to the center of the nose so when you wear it, it covers the face with a very fresh pastel colour and certainly is an eyewear that floats and spreads in front of your face. Black is used for the frame and the colour used for the hinge creates a formal look. The frame is made from MYLON and is very light. It has a good fitting feeling and has great elasticity. The selling price is JPY 47,250. We also have a completely new MYLON line too.

Chiharu:
It’s so different! I have never seen a shape like this before in my life! I am so stunned! The buyers will definitely be drawn and surprised by the new style.
Your company has continually exhibited at IOFT many times in the past. Could you kindly share your reason for exhibiting?

MYKITA:
IOFT is a great place to meet many retailers and buyers and we value that very much. We hold a booth at all the world class exhibitions such as SILMO, MIDO and of course IOFT, to share our vision and work to many people as possible. We want existing and new customers to experience what we try to express through our work and spread it to their customers so more people are able to enjoy it. That’s why we continue to exhibit at IOFT.   

Chiharu:
Thank you very much. Who do you wish to meet at this year’s show?

MYKITA:
Optical, overseas, apparel any and every kind of buyer. Please feel free to come to our booth to experience the world of MYKITA. We look forward to your visit.

Chiharu:
Thank you so much for your time. I’m sure your booth will be overflowing with buyers as always. We look forward to seeing you again at the show and good luck with your preparation. 

I would now like to introduce Mr. Kishi from MonkeyFlip, ASANOYA Co. Ltd. with a very unique style.

                                                ***


Chiharu:
Mr. Kishi, Welcome to IOFT NEWS! Please tell us the history of your brand

Mr. Hironori Kishi, CEO of MonkeyFlip, ASANOYA Co. Ltd

Mr. Kishi:
Yes. Our shop opened in Nagoya city in 1996 and our original line was launched in 1997. More than 500 models have been released since then. We started to properly market our brand in 2007. Starting from street style, the brand continues to produce hard but cool frames targeting people who has a passion for rock music, bikes and custom culture. We exhibited at IOFT for the first time in 2008 and was awarded Eyewear Of the Year, Men’s category in 2011.

Chiharu:
I remember that!! It’s already been 2 years since the award already?!
I heard that you will be trying something new at this year’s show?...

Mr. Kishi
Yes we will be.
We exhibited 3 years until last year and was able to make connections with many wonderful shops. We did not exhibit last year as it was a turning point for our company. But as we have built a new factory in Aichi and began working on new challenges, we would like to show off our work to many people as possible. That is why we decided to exhibit this year. There are a number of new shows in Japan but IOFT is still the No. 1 to advertise products to a large number of eyewear shops in Japan.

Chiharu:
Thank you so much!! So could I ask a bit more about your new challenge?

Mr. Kishi:
Aichi is very big in the Plastic industry due to its very long history in producing high quality, refined plastic parts for automotive, entertainment and industrial machinery, and have coped with to various customised demands.
Aichi is therefore the leading area in Japan for plastic industry. With this back ground, we started to make high quality plastic frames using injection molding technology.
When you hear the word “injection molding” you may imagine the end product to be something cheap, I certainly used to think that way, but the technology is surprisingly advanced in Aichi.
We carried out a questionnaire in June and 90% of the people who have answered said they cannot tell the difference between the appearance and quality of the frames using the injection molding technique and cut frames. That definitely boosted our confidence and made us believe that what we have been doing is not a waste.

Our work has been praised by the region and was featured in the regional paper, CHUBU-KEIZAI newspaper, using up an entire page. I would prefer to explain more about the technology and the frames at our booth but I can certainly say that the volume created by this method is different from any other. The technique we are using for our frames has allowed us to freely design 3-D shapes and form.

Chiharu:
So you incorporated a local technology into eyewear. That certainly is something to look forward to! I’m sure people are dying to know what it’s like…

Mr. Kishi:
Okay…I will show you just a little.
The theme of the collection is “XENO” which means foreign matter, foreign objects.

XENO logo

We will be showcasing 4 models which are called, DOUMA, LINDA, GAIRA and SHIDEN XENO.
All the models have a very cool style and I must admit I have fallen in love with it myself. We added some scales as a gimmick which has perfected the total look. This certainly is a collection proudly representing MonkeyFlip.

This is a photo of a CG prototype of SHIDEN in its preparation stage.

CG of SHIDEN

The ENGINE series which was chosen for Eyewear Of the Year has been renewed and reproduced at the Aichi factory and will also be showcased at the show.
Our concept of the brand is; “Last Piece- To become the piece of item that finally defines the character of the wearer” and we are launching the 5 models based on that concept and worked on making the models naturally fit the lifestyle of the wearer. We are coming up with an interesting collaboration so we hope we could impress you by our product line up.

Chiharu:
I am so temped to beg you for more photos but I guess it will have to wait until the opening of the show.

Mr. Kishi:
The target range for MonkeyFlip is not that large but the shops with the same style and taste tend to be a big fan of our work and we wish to meet more buyers like that at this year’s IOFT.

Chiharu:
I see. That makes me even more excited about your exhibit.

Mr. Kishi:
We have spent over a year preparing the new factory and creating the new collection. To think of the number of people that will be witnessing it at IOFT is somewhat intimidating but the excitement of it is much much bigger!

If you wish to make an appointment with us at the show, please contact:

MonkeyFlip Outline
Attn.: Kengo Takada
Tel: 052-261-7710
Email: takada@monkeyflip.co.jp

Chiharu:
Thank you so much! Please make sure to get an appointment with MonkeyFlip before they are fully booked.


[Editor’s Note]

We introduced two exhibitors both with an out of the ordinary factor; MYKITA, a famous German brand with fine quality and design, loved by many celebrities around the world and MonkeyFlip, a unique brand with frames made by an innovative plastic injection molding technique. Without a doubt both exhibitors are glowing with new and exciting ways to create and present their work and have made it harder for us to wait for the opening of the show.
Please keep a close eye on IOFT NEWS for more up to date information about products, trends and juicy information about IOFT.

Written and edited by Ena Masui, International PR, IOFT Show Management

● EOY 2013 Official HP >>>CLICK HERE
● Be our FAN on Facebook Fan page! >>> CLICK HERE

● Follow us on Twitter! >>> CLICK HERE
● IOFT2012　Official HP>>> CLICK HERE

● Information Request on Exhibiting IOFT 2012 >>> CLICK HERE
● Invitation Ticket Request for IOFT 2012 >>> CLICK HERE

*IOFT 2012 is NOT open to general public. Those under 18 years old are not allowed to enter the show.

[Vol. 1] New-comers to the tide- The IOFT Int’l Designers zone (1)

Hello everyone!

It is nearly a month to go until the opening of IOFT and we have a really good feeling about the content and atmosphere of this year‘s show.

One of the reasons for this anticipation is due to the huge increase in the number of new overseas exhibitors! 

As many of you know, IOFT is THE place for Asian and Japanese buyers to get in touch with new styles and the latest eyewear from the international market such as Europe and the United States as well as it being a hub for good quality Japanese frames.

This year will be no exception and we are sure that your expectation will be greatly exceeded by the variety of unique brands.

Today we will introduce the following companies who will be exhibiting for the first time at IOFT in the tide- The IOFT Int’l Designers zone:

• 141°ONE FOUR ONE DEGREES http://141degrees.com    

   Featured brands: Jacques Durand http://jaquesdurand.com

                                      alyson magee 

• TIMELESS CO., LTD

   Featured brand: Loree Rodkin Eye Couture by Sama

Interviewee 1:

Mr. Jacques Durand, Designer, Jacques Durand

Ms. Alyson Magee, Designer, alyson magee

* Both brands will be exhibited at IOFT by their distributor in Japan, 141°ONE FOUR ONE DEGREES

(Interviewer: Chiharu, International PR, IOFT Show Management)

Chiharu:

I have been informed that both of you will be showcasing your brands at IOFT. Could you briefly explain to us what they are like?

Mr. Durand:

Jacques Durand is a brand which was launched in France in 2008 and it appeared in the Japanese market for the first time in 2009.

In recent years, in order to lower the production costs, the design of frames tend to be simple but Jacques Durand aim for something different…something new and revolutionary. It is an eyewear with great design, cost and function and that is proven by those who have actually worn it and said how great it is!

Ms. Magee
alyson magee is named after myself. I am the designer and I have been involved in getting the brand up and going in the European market. 

The long awaited first collection was introduced into Japan this spring. I wanted to create something that shines like a Gems on the wearer’s face. The delicate colours used for the frames are inspired by nature.  

Chiharu:
It seems like there is high hope for both brands.

Mr. Durand:
Indeed! Jacques Durand only started to be marketed in 2009 so it’s only been 3 years since its arrival in Japan but it is being featured in publications and slowly selling its name. Therefore I think it is great timing for us both to introduce the 2 brands. That is why we decided to exhibit at IOFT.

Chiharu:
Numerous buyers from Japan visits IOFT so I think it would be a great opportunity to expand your brands.

Ms. Magee:
Thank you very much. IOFT is surely a great place for appeal the brands but it is also a place to get in touch with many rare collections which you don’t usually get a chance to see so I am very excited about it.

Chiharu:
I hope for the best.
So…I think the readers are very eager to have a look at some of the frames that will be showcased at the show. Could you introduce some of them to us?

Mr. Durand:
Sure, I will start with Jacques Durand’s 506(PAQUES)       

Jacques Durand 506(PAQUES)   

It is a very popular frame of the Classic collection and as well as being a classic design it is edgy and comical.

It also has a flat bridge, a mat finish with brushed effect.

The frame is designed from the temple end as the design is focusses on how easily you can wear the frame.

Ms. Magee

Next is alyson magee AMO 510, AMO 004

alyson magee AMO 510, AMO 004

The material used for alyson magee is one of a kind. A luxurious frame with very fine care taken with its hinge and modern design.          

Chiharu:
Both brands are so unique and are very fashionable. It must be exciting to think about which style to mix and match it with.

Mr. Durand:
Indeed. I think both brands will grab the attention of people from the fashion industry as well as the eyewear industry. To all those who are attending IOFT, I really hope you get a chance to visit our booth.

Ms. Magee:
Unfortunately for now we do not have any plans to visit this year but I am sure the reps in Japan are open for appointments during the show so please feel free to contact them:

TEL: +81364501127
FAX: +81357760978
141tokyo@brand-hin.co.jp

Chiharu: 
Such refined designs. These frames are perfect exhibits for the tide zone. It’s so exciting to imagine what will be line-up at the show. Mr. Durand, Ms. Magee thank you very much for your time!
     
* * *

Chiharu: 
I would now like to welcome Mr. Tsuchiya from TIMELESS CO., LTD. Their eyewear brand Loree Rodkin, is originally a jewelry brand adored by many celebrities around the world. Could you explain a little about your brand to us? 




Interviewee 2: 

Mr. Susumu Tsuchiya, President, TIMELESS CO., LTD.

Mr. Tsuchiya:
Based in Los Angeles, Loree Rodkin is a jewelry brand that continues to charm celebrities from around the world. Prominent customers such as Madonna and Steven Tyler have spread our brand name. It is a brand even loved by Michelle Obama, the wife of the President of the United States.

It is also a luxurious eyewear brand “Sama”, which has continually charmed celebrities, stylists and even royal families from around the world for over 20 years. The brand first started to come into the limelight after it was worn by Arnold Schlesinger in the film The Terminator. Since then it has been used in many films and has become increased its popularity. The two brands Sama and Loree Rodkin became partners and created the eyewear brand “Loree Rodkin Eye Couture by Sama”

  

It was a big hit at the Milan show in autumn 2005 and has been loved by many celebrities.

Chiharu:
It certainly is a match made in heaven. Loree Rodkin is a very famous brand among women who base their style on celebrity fashion.

Mr. Tsuchiya:
Indeed. But unfortunately it isn’t as recognised as much as we want it to be in Japan so hopefully exhibiting at IOFT will help the brand to get known by a larger and wider range of people. IOFT is the biggest show in Japan and brings together eyewear brands from all over the world in one place…that's why we chose IOFT.

Chiharu:
Thank you so much! We won’t let you down. We will try our very best to get the show ready for you all. Now, could you introduce some of the frames that you will be exhibiting at IOFT?

Mr. Tsuchiya:
Lets start with this

Kim

Kim is the most popular sunglasses. It has a very exquisite colour, temple design, and is very popular in Japan as it is well fitted for a typical Japanese face shape.

Next is Angie.

Angie

  

This one is the most popular frame in L.A. this year. The frame shape is a wellington which is very hot at the moment and it comes in many different colours. The temple design is unique of that of a jewelry designer.

And this is Cameron.

Cameron

This year’s colour is a combination of black and a vivid shade of blue. The shape is a standard tear drop but the temple has a motif of a tiger. Cameron is the perfect item to complete the “I’m not like one of you” - kind of look.

Chiharu:
I must say all 3 frames are a great representation of the wonderful world of Loree Rodkin. I personally love your silver jewelry and I have a few of my own so I am really interested in your brand.

Mr. Tsuchiya:
Thank you. As Ms. Loree would say, “Eyewear is the ultimate jewelry for the face” You may be able to find an item at Loree Rodkin Eye Couture by Sama that you may not be able to find elsewhere. If you would like to book an appointment during the show period please feel free to contact us.

TEL: +81335380654 (Attn. Sugiyama)

Chiharu:
Mr. Tsuchiya thank you very much! “Eyewear is the ultimate jewelry for the face” is such a great expression. I can’t wait to see your product line-up.




[ Editor’s Note ]

Today out of the many new-comers to tide, we introduced 2 companies and 3 of their brands which will actually be exhibited at the show.

Jacques Durand and alyson magee has a refined French style with a comical taste all jam-packed into one frame. Loree Rodkin on the other hand has an American hard rock style yet hinting a unique sense of elegance.

Both have their own distinct flavor so you will be able to have so much fun mixing and matching it with different styles! This is the beauty of eyewear and why so many people are drawn by it…the more you learn the more you are captured by its charm… The two interviews definitely reminded me how much fun you can have with eyewear and am very much looking forward to rummaging around at this year’s show (in a professional manner of course!)

Don’t miss out! Join us at IOFT! – the one and only place to actually see and touch these wonderful frames and many other!!

Written and edited by Ena Masui, International PR, IOFT Show Management

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