Silmo 2024 returns to the Parc des expositions de Paris Villepinte from September 20 to 23, 2024. The world’s leading optics trade show, which brings together opticians, manufacturers and ophthalmologists every year, promises a 31st edition packed with new products, innovations, discussions and meetings.
For over 50 years, Silmo has established itself as the must-attend international event for the optics and eyewear industry.
For four daysfrom September 20 , 900 exhibitors (opticians, independents, chain stores, distributors, wholesalers, etc.) and some 1,500 brands, from the most prestigious (EssilorLuxottica, Oliver People, Thierry Lasry, Vuarnet, etc.) to the trendiest (Mykita, Cutler & Gross, Gentle Monster, etc.), vie for the limelight in the aisles of the Parc des expositions de Paris Villepinte.
More than just a trade show, the event attracts a growing number of visitors (31,300 at last year’s event), providing an opportunity to discover the latest trends and innovations in the sector.
The climax of the show, the Silmo d’Or, is set for a thrilling and festive 30th anniversary on September 21.
30 years of Silmo d’Or
This 2024 edition will be marked by the 30th respective anniversaries of Silmo d’Or and Novacel. Novacel, a 100% French glassmaker, has the largest stand at the show every year, with a wide range of events. The Château Thierry-based company is competing for the prize in the Vision category.
The Silmo d’Or is one of the highlights of the Mondial de l’Optique, rewarding the creativity and innovation of the entire optical industry (eyewear, vision and equipment). Particularly coveted, this prize is internationally recognized by the profession.
For its anniversary, the Silmo d’Or has chosen fashion designer Alexis Mabille as jury president. A graduate of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, the designer worked with the most prestigious Parisian fashion houses before founding his own brand in 2005. For him, eyewear should reflect a person’s character, while combining functionality and durability.
In conjunction with the 31st Silmo d’Or ceremony, the 2024 edition of the world optical show will host the 2nd CSR award. This award recognizes a company’s total commitment in terms of product, social and environmental actions. Five exhibitors are competing for the title: Andy Wolf, Friendly Frenchy, Opal Demetz, Skans and Vanni.
Tomorrow’s trends
The show is divided into several areas, including Silmo Next! which focuses on the future of the profession. There’s also the unmissable Trends Forum 2024, featuring a selection of optical and sunglasses, incorporating the latest developments in fashion and design.
Futurology allows us to anticipate the future of optics and eyewear between 2025 and 2035, between technological innovations, personalization solutions and augmented or virtual reality experiences based or not on artificial intelligence.
The Silmo Next area does not forget the CSR dimension , with practical information sheets on key issues such as sourcing, packaging and transport. Concrete advice is distilled to reduce ecological footprints, encourage diversity and improve transparency in supply chains.
Crafts in the spotlight
As in previous years, the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (Best Craftsmen in France ) will be offering workshops and demonstration sessions, such as custom frame design, hand shaping, welding…
The Design Challenge exhibition showcases projects created by pairs of design students and trainees from the École de Lunetterie de Morez. Alongside this, the Oyonnax-Morez museum exhibits a collection of historical objects and innovations that have shaped the optical industry.
More than a trade show
Unlike the Parc de la Porte de Versailles, where Silmo was held until 2009, the Parc des expositions de Paris Villepinte may be particularly out of the way, but it’s not the same size: 75,000 m² of exhibition space. A spacious setting that welcomes optics and eyewear professionals from 130 countries in a festive atmosphere that is out of the ordinary for a trade show, with its corner bars and entertainment.
Over the past fifty years, Silmo has perfectly reconciled the contradictory visions usually attached to the world of eyewear: seen primarily as a medical prosthesis in France, and as a fashion accessory and self-expression in Italy.
Last but not least, Silmo 2024 will continue to feature its Silmo Talks series of expert conferences. The Silmo Academy is developing a new format, with the opportunity to interact with international researchers and experts.
An international event, Silmo has its rival in MIDO, which takes place every year in another fashion capital inseparable from eyewear expertise: Milan. The latter will take place from February 8 to 10, 2025.
In detail, the 31st Silmo d’Or will be contested in the eyewear categories by
Sport: ADN Optis – Marcolin – Metaoptics – MPG – Out Of
Children: Grasset Associés – Lafont – Minima – Rofl – Variation Design
Technological innovation in eyewear: Blackfin – Leinz – Nomade – Obe – Sebastien Geslin
Technological innovation in the connected products category: Chamelo – EssilorLuxottica – Even Realities – Julbo – Solos Technology
Designer” optical frames: Bookart – Cutler and Gross – Factory 900 – Tilmann – Grawe Paris – Pierre Eyewear
Créateur designer” sunglasses: Lucas de Staël – Plein les mirettes – Prodesign – Sasaki Celluloïd – Vava Eyewear
Designer optical frames: Carrera (Safilo) – David Beckham (Safilo) – Nina Ricci (De Rigo) – Isabel Marant (Safilo) – Vivienne Westwood (Mondottica Group)
Designer sunglasses: David Beckham (Safilo) – Isabel Marant (Safilo) – Marc Jacobs (Safilo) – Vuarnet – Zilli (Grosfilley France)
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Featured Photo: © Silmo
