The 27th edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong International Optical Fair, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and co-organized by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association, will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Nov. 6-8. At a press conference, the HKTDC revealed the latest eyewear design trends and showcased some of the highlighted products from the 2019 fair.
“As a major eyewear exporting hub, Hong Kong’s export performance for eyewear products remains steady,” says Benjamin Chau, HKTDC acting executive director. “This year’s fair has attracted a total of 810 exhibitors from 18 countries and regions, helping companies to grasp business opportunities on a global scale. This year we have more than 600 exhibitors from outside Hong Kong, proving that Hong Kong remains an attractive trading platform. The HKTDC has also organized buying missions and strengthened its business-matching services to provide more business opportunities for exhibitors.”
For this edition of the Optical Fair, around 70 buying missions from more than 40 countries and regions have been organized, comprising around 5,500 buyers. The HKTDC has strengthened its free shuttle bus service and set up an HKTDC services counter in the Buffer Hall at Hong Kong International Airport where buyers can obtain information and pre-register for admission badges. Buyer concierge desks will be set up at the fair to connect exhibitors and buyers.
Latest global eyewear
The fair features a total of 12 group pavilions, including France, Italy, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. The Mainland China pavilion will gather exhibitors from Yingtan in Jiangxi province, Danyang in Jiangsu province, and new participants from Mayu in Zhejiang province and Chongqing. One of the highlights will be the Brand Name Gallery, featuring 230 international renowned eyewear brands, including new participants Absolute Vintage Eyewear (Hong Kong), Maserati (Italy) and NANOVISTA (Spain). Other well-known international brands include Paul Hueman (Korea), BMW (Germany), Stepper (Germany), Matsuda (Japan), Etnia Barcelona (Spain) and Savile Row (UK).
Diversified design trends
Eyewear design continues to become more versatile and more sophisticated as technology and craftsmanship advance. This year’s fair features a range of trendy thematic designs, including new sunglasses from Taiwanese brand Miro Piazza. Inspired by the work of Spanish painter Joan Miro, the design combines geometric shapes with vibrant colours to create artistic eyewear.
Spanish brand Etnia Barcelona will present a titanium eyewear collection. Using sophisticated technologies and innovative materials, the eyewear features a frame made from 100 percent recyclable and biodegradable natural organic fiber, together with Barberini lenses from Germany that are harder and more scratch-resistant than regular lenses to offer clearer vision to the wearer.
Optometric Symposium
The 17th Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium will be held Nov. 7 with the theme “Advancements in Optometric Specialties”. Prof Rob Jacobs, Associate Professor of the School of Optometry & Vision Science at the University of Auckland, Dr Frederick R Edmunds, an optometrist from the United States, and other optometry experts from Malaysia, Hong Kong and the mainland will examine a number of industry issues, such as the application of artificial intelligence in ophthalmology and optometry, trends in specialty contact lens, and sports vision.
Eyewear Design Competition
To foster local creativity and innovation, the HKTDC has joined hands with the HKOMA to organise the 21st Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition, the winners of which were announced at today’s press conference. The theme for this year’s competition was “Muse”, with entries from the Open Group and the Student Group competing for awards in various categories including “Originality & Creativity”, “Aesthetics”, “Practicality & Functionality” and “Marketability & Product Feasibility”. The judging panel included representatives from the HKOMA, Hong Kong Productivity Council, Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association, the Hong Kong Optometric Association, Puyi Optical and Milk Magazine.
The competition received close to 100 quality entries. All the award-winning and finalist entries will be on display at Hall 1D during the fair period to showcase Hong Kong’s creative force to international buyers, helping Hong Kong-made eyewear to expand into the international market.
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organizes international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. For more info, visit:www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
