SILMO 2024: The momentum of the present and the future
The 2024 SILMO Paris trade fair is getting ready to welcome all of the players from the optics sector with more than 900 exhibitors participating in the event and 1,500 brands from 144 countries throughout the world on hand to showcase their offers. This key event will take place at a 75,000 m² venue (Halls 6 & 7), offering a top-tier platform for an in-depth look at the latest technological developments, product innovations and trends that are shaping the future of the optics industry on a global scale.
The success of SILMO Paris resides in the extent and depth of its offer, which covers all components of the sector: eyewear, lenses, machines, point of sale layouts and stands, retail chains and central purchasing groups, training, etc. As an international crossroads for business, the trade fair also owes its success to the many tools for review and analysis as well as the unique spaces for exchanging ideas to better envision the future of the optics-eyewear industry, grouped together under the banner of SILMO NEXT.
This concept explains the trade fair’s intention to be at the cutting edge of the aesthetic and technological challenges of a sector firmly focused on the future. At the same time, the emergence of technologies such as in-shop 3D printing are redefining eyewear fabrication with increased automation, thus reducing the impact on the environment. This transformation will enable opticians to focus on high added-value services, becoming genuine consultants for visual comfort and preventive healthcare, even integrating functions such as audio technology and fall prevention
In this constantly developing landscape, it is vital for opticians to get a firm grasp on these changes so they can remain relevant and successful. In fact, Meta announced that connected glasses will replace smartphones in several years, transforming the optician’s traditional role. To remain essential players, professionals must reinvent the shop experience, recentring the offer Eric Lenoir, Director of the SILMO trade fairs, underscores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the optics industry: “From smart, AI-equipped eyeglass design to revolutionary tools for opticians, the possibilities are wide reaching. Imagine eyewear that can instantly translate a language through an integrated camera or mechanisms that preemptively detect serious health issues such as heart attacks or Parkinson’s disease.
This rapid development requires the rapid adaptation of professionals because without adequate training, AI could potentially replace traditional opticians. on customer service and innovation, while reworking the economic model in order to stay competitive in the coming decade.”
2024 SILMO PARIS continues to highlight its intention to remain at the fore of the aesthetic and technological challenges of an industry looking ahead into the future.
From 20 to 23 September, the fair’s different dedicated spaces will offer the chance to discover the optics eyewear industry of the future, reflecting this ambition to continually stay one step ahead.
FUTUROLOGY
OPTICS IN 2035
Set up on different complementary areas, the FUTUROLOGY space invites visitors to take an immersive dive into the future of optics with exciting prospects for 2025 through 2035. Technological innovations and interactive experiences show the sector’s different future paths that visitors can discover as a range of test benches.
1. THE SHOP/WORKSHOP OF TOMORROW
The physical and virtual worlds now join together to explore new approaches in the design of points of sale with the aim of making the customer path more streamlined and intuitive.
Digital Experience: this space is for learning about how mobile technologies and AI are transforming traditional visual tests.
Vision Test & Personalised Measurements: virtual reality headsets simulate different lens solutions, while 3D scanners offer accurate measurements for optimal eyewear personalisation.
Virtual Fitting & Local Production: custom eyewear creation is possible using AI. A personalised avatar makes it easier to virtually fit frames and then the 3D print produces the eyewear in real time, complemented by on-site lens edging and mounting for 100% local, zero- kilometre production!
2. CENTRAL AREA: THE LATEST INNOVATIONS
At the core of Futurology, a space for learning and sharing showcases the latest innovations.
Pitches/Workshop: a circular stage with two foot bridges set up for dynamic presentations, pitches from start-ups and interactive workshops.
Connected Products: 5 displays exhibit connected products while a special display unveils a connected eyewear concept, the result of the work of the Committee of Experts. These displays offer a glimpse into future trends and technologies that will transform daily life.
3. AR/VR/XR EXPERIMENTAL AREA
The real and virtual worlds are not just overlapping, but existing together to offer unique and surprising immersive experiences.
Virtual Experiences: a section devoted to RX experiences and raising awareness about vision impairment, created in cooperation with Arts et Métiers, to understand the challenges of low vision through immersive simulations.
Smart Product Demonstrations: Two pieces of smart eyewear, Meta and Pulse Audition, are put forward so visitors can experience these smart eyeglasses that integrate advanced features, combining comfort, design and technology
TRENDS BY SILMO FORUM EXHIBITION
The FUTUROLOGY space that explores near and distant futures reflects the TRENDS EXHIBITION, which offers a look at the images, shapes, colours and materials of different eyewear, a comprehensive overview that sheds light on the best eyeglasses and sunglasses from the exhibitors at the trade fair. A stage design completed by an edition of TRENDS by SILMO constructed as a real trend book. The four identified trends to follow.
FREE COLORAMA
Single colour, two-colour, three-colour and multicoloured, the glasses present colour palettes that are not afraid to show bold colour combinations to chase away dark thoughts
VIRTUOUS SIMPLICITY
Quiet design makes an impression through minimalist style without embellishment, the height of clear design. Metal is out ahead, but acetate knows how to get in shape to make a place for itself in this quest for a streamlined design.
CLASSIC VARIATIONS
Long-standing staples, timeless and forever in fashion, classics possess an attractiveness that enables them to easily move through all periods and fads. And they can reinvent themselves without ever going around in circles!
FULL SUN
Sunglasses hold an increasingly important place in the eyewear sector (with or without sun!) They’ve become an accessory that is perfectly integrated into the collections of major luxury and fashion brands while long-standing or new creative eyewear manufacturers are making space for themselves in this sector with extensive offers.
2024 OPTICAL DESIGN CONTEST
Discover the selection of nominees
Enhancing expertise, stimulating innovation and championing the sector: SILMO also promotes tomorrow’s talent with the Optical Design Contest. Open to design school students around the world, the third edition of the contest focuses on accessory glasses that, aside from correcting and protecting the wearer’s vision, explore new functionalities and uses.
Chaired by Olivier Jault and made up of optics and design professionals, the jury met at the start of July to assess the projects submitted from various design schools and select the most pertinent to the theme. A renowned shoe designer, Olivier Jault joined the fashion and accessories sector after passing the entrance exams for the Duperré School of Applied Arts. With an applied arts degree in his back pocket, he presented his first shoe collection. He then collaborated with many prestigious brands such as Martin Margiela, Givenchy with Alexander McQueen, Saint-Laurent with Tom Ford, J.M. Weston, Repetto, Jean Paul Gaultier and many others. With a great passion for shoes, Olivier Jault is also co-commissioner of the “Jean-paul Gaultier pour Stéphane Kélian: Roman d’une rencontre” exhibition at the Shoe Museum in Romans-sur- Isère, which can be visited until 3 November 2024.
Jury members reviewed the projects, taking into account their creative, innovative design dimension and the proposed product’s use and function within the scope of the theme. The project’s feasibility, including the production of a 3D printed prototype, was also assessed.
DISTROAL
by Thomas DENEUFBOURG & Adrien GALLOIS – École de Design Nantes Atlantique
Glasses as support accessories for users that have specific needs, including people affected by disorders on the autism spectrum and anxiety disorders. Distroal means “calming’ in the Breton language.
LUCID
by Perrine PAYEN – Rubika
“Forgotten objects” like the pocket watch and the monocle are recycled and find a new life by being transformed into elegant magnifying glasses.
RHOÉ
by Theo VANPOPERYNGHE & Célia NIVELET & Pierre ZIOLKOWSKI & Matthieu PIRAT & Sacha VANDERSTEN – ISD Rubika
An original designer device to help with eye strain
SOUND SIGHT
by Nolan GUENOT & Quentin BOUDIER – Ecole Supérieur De Design de Troyes
Bone conduction glasses, proven technology that is reinvented here with an aerial aesthetic.
SPECTAPOP
by Camille GRAND – ISD Rubika
Glasses with an uncompromising, attention-grabbing, fun design for visual hide-and-seek.
VIEWPROJECT
by Amélie MEERSSEMAN & Audrey AUDUREAU – École de design Nantes Atlantique
Innovative protective eyewear conceived as an “fit over glasses” for DIY enthusiasts and wearers of corrective eyewear. A flexible, adaptable and durable solution
The jury will meet at SILMO on the morning of 20 September to choose the winner from among the selected designs
We invite you to learn more about these innovative projects at SILMO Paris and join
us in celebrating tomorrow’s optical design talent.
SILMO ACADEMY
SCIENCE BENEFITING OPTICS
SILMO ACADEMY is a top-tier scientific symposium that is vital in underscoring the progress, discussions and reflections occurring in the sector with a new format planned this year. A €10,000 grant will also be awarded to support a research project in vision and optical sciences. 2024 SILMO promises to be an important event for the entire optics sector, combining innovation, reflection and discussions to anticipate the challenges of tomorrow.
SILMO D’OR
REWARDING EXCELLENCE
The ultimate awards for the talent of the sector’s players, the SILMO d’OR prizes are decided by a jury of professionals. The festive and prestigious ceremony will be held in an exceptional venue in Paris and will mark the 30th anniversary of the SILMO d’OR awards. All the nominated and winning products will be exhibited in Hall 7, providing an exceptional display for the innovations and talent found in our sector.
Alexis MABILLE – is the chairman of the 2024 Silmo d’Or Awards
Hailing from Lyon, Alexis Mabille has had a passion for fashion since a very early age. He graduated in 1997 from the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture Parisienne before working with the major Parisian fashion houses. In 2005, he created his eponymous brand with the aim of blending clothing tradition, a certain sex appeal and the energy of our time. Upending codes, twisting silhouettes, mixing periods… Alexis Mabille cultivates a playful spirit to create a light-minded and elegant wardrobe. He has rejuvenated the bow tie, going so far as to make it into his icon, then developed men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, accessory and tailored collections. He has thus been on the official calendar of Haute Couture since 2021. Passionate about many different artistic disciplines, Alexis Mabille couldn’t simply settle just for clothing. He quickly moves onto other creative realms, including interior decorating with his office Beau Bow. He brings his conception of the art of living to private apartments, restaurants and other entertainment venues (he recently designed the new décor of Lido in Paris). Since 2021, he has even created limited edition furniture.
For Alexis Mabille, a person’s overall environment is an essential component that influences their well-being. Just as a silhouette should emphasise the body while still being comfortable and just as a space’s interior should express the personality of its host while being suited to their lifestyle, a pair of glasses should highlight the character of the person wearing them while being functional and durable. By sharing his design expertise and creative vision with the members of the jury of the 2024 SILMO d’Or awards, he will provide valuable insight into this daily object that only needs to be enhanced by a shape, a material or an innovation.
