Optical Prism | September 2017 01

September 2017 | Vol.35 | No 7THE MAGAZINE FOR EYECARE PROFESSIONALS

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SPECS

A look at luxury

WHAT’S HOT FOR FALL

22 Optical Prism | September 2017

OS-9245

K-600

E-9156

“By focusing on both fashion as well as eyewear trends, WestGroupe’s brand portfolio, which includes KLiiK denmark, FYSH UK, Evatik and Izumi, is always evolving to meet the needs of today’s eyewear consumers,” says Beverly Suliteanu, vice-president of product develop-ment and creative director at WestGroupe.

Retro styling continues to trend for fall at WestGroupe, but in a more refined, subtle way. Eye shapes are more balanced, with round and angular shapes dominating the fall 2017 offering. Metal designs are defi-nitely on an up-tick, although acetate continues to dominate.

Whether the profile is bold and chunky or thin and minimalist, key detailing focuses on mixed materials, custom lamination and interesting metal finishes. Retro styling continues to trend for fall at WestGroupe, but in a more refined, subtle way.

Eye shapes are more balanced, withround and angular shapes dominating the fall 2017 offering.

Metal designs are definitely on an up-tick, although acetate continues to dominate. Whether the profile is bold and chunky or thin and minimalist, key detailing focuses on mixed materi-als, custom lamination and interesting metal finishes.

Alternative/Plan ‘B’ Eyewear is focusing on uniquely interesting and eye-catching acetates for fall.

“We are keeping more of a slim profile with them still so as to not overwhelm the face, but definitely focusing on eclectic colouring,” says Cassandra Slepian, marketing and sales support for Alternative/Plan ‘B’ Eyewear.

“Another big trend will be the combina-tion – using light-weight metals with acetate to create a unique look. Using blacks and unique layering techniques

26 Optical Prism | September 2017

For many Canadians, September means a return to the classroom. While most people think of back-to-school time as an occasion for children - it’s also an important time for

millions of adults.On top of the five million Canadian children and teenagers

who will be returning to elementary and high schools, about two million adults will begin or resume their studies in

colleges and universities across the country, according to the latest estimates from Statistics Canada. In addition, about

800,000 teachers will be headed back to begin another year at the front of the classroom. That doesn’t include

the many educational assistants, librarians and other adults who will be returning to schools.

In the spirit of this back-to-school season, we have put together a small sampling of frames for adults that are both

stylish and modern and, we feel, exude confidence and intelligence.

By Denis Langlois

Optical Prism | September 2017 27

1. SAFILO Canalino 01 2. Fedra by Xavier Garcia

3. KLiiK denmark K-600 by WestGroupe

4. Seraphin Heatherton by Ogi Eyewear

5. The Stetson Off Road 5061 by Zyloware Eyewear

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50 Optical Prism | September 2017

framed

By Denis Langlois

Q. What kind of clientele does your store service?A. We service all clientele. We have a wide variety frames to accommo-date any taste. We also offer a large selection of safety glasses, sport glasses, children’s frames and prescription sunglasses. We also offer a mobile service to hospitals and nursing homes in the area.

Q. What are the primary brand names your store features? What are your most popular styles? A. We carry a large variety of designer frames, including Oakley, Nike, Armani, Coach, Ray-Ban, Silhouette, Lacoste, Versace, Guess, Easy Clip, Fysh and Bebe. Our most popular style this summer would be a deeper frame with a strong impact. Retro styles seem to be the way to gothis season. Lots of colour and even some print.

Q. What kind of marketing tools do you use?A. We have a Facebook page, Yellow Pages ad and an updated website. We also have a lawn billboard that we use to market our current sales.

Q. What are some of the benefits of operating an independent outlet?A. One of the benefits of operating an independent business definitely would be the ability to hand pick all of our frames. We sit down with all our sales representatives and choose what styles we would like to carry and what we think our store needs. We are also able to use local suppli-ers that maybe big box stores wouldn’t have access to. It’s nice being part of a close knit community that likes to support local independent businesses and suppliers.

Q. Are there any changes or plans for the future for the store?A. We are excited to welcome a new optometrist to our team, Dr. Riyad Khamis this summer. We have recently done some renovations and plan on staying in our location for many years to come.

Elgin Optical in St. Thomas, Ont., is truly a family-run operation.Established in 1981, the practice is operated by David Oatman, who has 45 years of experience in the optical industry, as well as his daughter Amy Annett, who followed in her father’s footsteps and has been a licenced optician since graduating from Georgian College in 2001.The business, which is located in Elgin Mall, offers eye examina-tions along with eyeglasses and contact lens dispensing.Two optometrists, Dennis Modes-to and Jeffrey Drexler, reception-ists June Whitcroft and Pat Bas-sett, lab technician Lauren York and frames stylist Pam Johnston also work at Elgin Optical.Amy Annett recently spoke with Optical Prism about Elgin Optical, the benefits of owning an inde-pendent eyewear shop and what the future holds for the company.

The independent advantage

Opticians Amy Annett and her father Dave Oatman.