BUYER'S FORUM
Best of the West
Joanne Schell, Senior Editor, Frames

While International Vision Expo West offered relatively few line launches, it was a great opportunity to see which of this year's trends have taken hold in optical.

No fading for fall. Despite the upcoming winter months, frame companies were showing bright colors mixed in unique combinations. Oranges, purples, and pinks were the most common in both metals and plastics, and harder to wear colors, such as yellow, were mostly seen on the inside of frames or as temple accents.

Crystal chic. Even though crystal adornments have been an ongoing trend, styles this year incorporate the jewels with more subtlety and elegance. Minimal crystal additions to temples and frame fronts offer just the right amount of sparkle.

Something for everyone. While "out there" frames may be too wild for the masses, toned-down variations of huge aviators, severe geometric shapes, and extremely wide temples bring runway-inspired couture to a more conservative market segment.

Brand new. Brands were still huge at the show, but they manifested themselves in different ways. Instead of the traditional logo, variations in color, font, and overall style are on temples, frame fronts, and the lenses themselves.

It will be interesting to see what becomes the next "must have" item for your dispensary.