SILMO 2024 closes its doors until next September 2025

Arriving at Les Parcs des Expositions on the RER from the Gare du Nord one is immediately struck by a sense of enthusiasm and urgency to enter the two Halls.

These are very big halls, both larger than the one hall used at Excel by 100% Optical & 100% Ophthalmology.

One is struck by the large numbers of SILMO helpers, some dressed as if just coming off a shift from the Venice Orient Express, many entry points in both halls and almost no queues because of the smooth entry procedures.

32,125 visitors from around the world came through the gates over the 4 days events, Friday through close on Monday.

On entry as press representatives we were invited into a large very comfortable Press Club from where others could pass through into a VIP lounge. (Haven’t cracked that one yet!)

You get a great view from this other level of Hall 6 containing many of the very large stands and larger companies. But the hall contains a rich mix of large medium and smaller stands well-spaced and along specifically signed aisles clearly indicated from A to R and each stand number is clearly visible. (Please note 100% for next year)

There are special spaces allotted to educational and awards presentations, as well as SILMO next futurology, a space dedicated to future products nearly all including some form of SMART wear, new sports wear and assistance in low vision and hearing.

All of these products were of course available to handle on the manufacturers stands. Judging by the numbers on these SMART stands this proved to be among the biggest draw this year. There success was demonstrated by both Essilor/Luxottica’s Ray-Ban/Meta collaboration and Transitions Gen S later becoming Silmo D’Or winners on Saturday night, after the jury to which our Editor was invited to join.

Other noticeable highlights were an abundance of thick acetate highly coloured frames although designed to be lightweight and occasionally coming with a caveat of Sustainability.

Sustainability we think was less heavily promoted this year than last but maybe it has just become an accepted part of the process. What we did notice was a huge drop in the mentions of Blue Light Protection. That’s the complete opposite of shows held in the USA.

It took one day to selectively look and see all the stands in Hall 6.

The next day we started our adventures in Hall 7, which opened for the first time last year to enclose the frame industry’s amazing new and fresh designs. Just so many brand names many well known but many new ones appearing as well as the street market with emerging brands. We were amused by Albert I’mStein which is a FUN & HAPPY eyewear brand based in Warsaw, Poland, with the appropriate graphics!

If frames are your thing, then SILMO should be on your calendar for next year.

On Saturday night as Jurors and companies we were invited to the SILMO D’OR awards the 30^th held and as usual the venue was selected away from the exhibition. This time in a very large and modern espace in a shopping centre next to La Louvre.

Last year it was in a circus tent in the Parisien Forests. Girls doing stilt walking or dancing in bubbles entertained whilst bubbly and canapes were consumed by in excess of 300 in the audience. Then came the big moment and the awards ceremony in a lavish hall with large stage and incredible lighting to set the scenes opening by Amelie Morel, Chairwoman of SILMO Paris.

Read about the Award Winners here

Amelie Morel Chairwoman Silmo

Reflections

ED.: This was my 40^th visit to SILMO! This did not escape notice and I was interviewed by the SILMO podcast team on my views over that period. Shows like this just don’t happen overnight they evolve and so it is with SILMO.

It started on the outskirts of Paris périphérique at the Porte de Versailles and at that time I was a buyer for Eros UK and Ireland of some thousands of unbranded frames which we had a part in the design process and then branded. (Many will remember Roberto Collini as one example).

With a new view on today’s scene the abundance of branded labels has taken that “buyers crafted element” away from the show. When there are 100’s of well branded frames now being sold into the market why create another unknown?

The byword must be to select on design, quality and yes, a noticeable label in that order. But do you know your designers as well as you might have done in the past? Wander around Selfridges or Fenwick’s designer floors and you will be surprised at the growth in new young labels.

With Smart eyewear gaining ground and, in its infancy, but literally just around the corner AI will play a large role next year.

Brexit (sorry) has had a large effect on UK companies who had a strong foothold in Europe have found the supply complications have reduced their trade in Europe many refocussing on the UK and Ireland. But we still had flag bearers on view, not a complete list but Eyespace, Hilton and Optical Services were enjoying the large crowd interest but did feel like an Englishman abroad in Paris.

Maybe it’s the growth in Optical Chains in the UK or the greater interest in clinical themes but UK opticians seem to have lost their mojo from frame selections.

Will I return there for my 41^st visit, yes of course, it’s the format, the buzz, the Paris element which makes an extended weekend visit a must.