MIDO 2015 – Handmade artisan products vs. Mass production
Text: PETER TOKARSKI, CULT OF VISION
The biggest optical fair in the world took place from February 28th till 2nd of March in Milan, Italy. MIDO every year offers a world preview of new collections whose sought-after shapes, materials, design and quality are an essential. There you could find the newest collections of well-known luxury designers, but also absolutely unique collections from new and very sophisticated brands. Designers from all over the world showed that they can make fantastic glasses from wood, buffalo horn and rust following the MIDO motto Never Ending Wonder.
What initially drew our attention was a fresh company from Los Angelesnamed RIGARDS which designs and produces very special eyewear from buffalo horn! Eyeglasses from RIGARDS are original and nonconformist yet respectful of vintage influences, intended for discerning individuals who appreciate ingenuity and independent spirit. Their products are handmade craftsmanship, from natural but rare materials and most importantly not made in mass production. That is why their glasses are so desired by celebrities and those who appreciate comfort, individuality and time-worn elegance. www.rigards.com
Another fascinating eyewear collection was presented by the Italian designer Tom Rebl. Innovative, modern, unusual shapes from 2015 spring-summer “shocking radiance” collection is based on rust and metal. They are so different than standard eyewear that you cannot forget them. Rusted sunglasses are patented and made only by order. www.tomrebl.com
A very interesting proposal you could also reach was from OMAS OCHIALLERIA ITALIANA. Their collection is dedicated to the most prestigious opticians and people who understand the uniqueness of the product and who are able to appreciate it not so much for the name that it carries, but for the quality and diversity of the models themselves. OMAS has always worked with stones and crystals, not only with simple applications on acetates, but also using metal components with three-dimensional drawings to make glasses that become real pieces of jewelry. Some of the models are inspired from architectural masterpieces like the Cathedrals of Venice. They say that care and details make the difference, that is why their products are small pieces of art. www.omas-srl.com
The new, ecological trend was beautiffuly represented by WOO Class Eyewear from Firenze, Italy. Woo class designs and produces handmade eyewear with a special attention to product uniqueness and quality. Through fashion and design, they explore and mix the fascination of history with modern functionality.
Woo Class eyewear stand out through attractive design, are extremely comfortable to wear and are personalized to the customer’s specific needs. Appreciated by those who acknowledge the difference between sartorial elegance and mass production, but also by those who greet an “artisanal product hand made in Italy” as an added value. www.wooclass.com