Arıkan Focuses on Quality

Arıkan Group stands out as one of the reliable business partners of the sector thanks to its original designs and meticulous workmanship. While offering high performance to its business partners with its production capacity and innovative solutions, it positions the unique stories of its brands strongly in the market. Arıkan adds value to its business partners with collections that lead the sector in both quality and design. Guiding its designs with its experience of making a difference in the sector, Arıkan continues to win the admiration of all women with assertive style with its Belmond eyewear collections. Without compromising on product quality, Arıkan provides its business partners with a competitive advantage by offering designs that set the trends in the sector. Arıkan also offers Slazenger eyewear for those looking for sporty elegance. With its comfortable use, eye-catching color variety and charismatic details, Slazenger eyewear collections offer many options that will be among your favorites. Knowing the needs and daily lifestyle of its consumers, Arıkan continues to gain the trust of its business partners with its high sales figures and wide market share.

November 2024

Makes a Difference with Innovative Designs

Leading the sector in eyewear production in Turkey, Arıkan Group makes a difference with its innovative designs and strong production capacity. Offering high quality in the most efficient way to its business partners in every region, Arıkan follows the developments in the sector and offers solutions to increase customer satisfaction. Quantum, one of the Arıkan Group brands, stands out with the high quality and durability of its collections that embody courage, self-confidence and different perspectives. It has the potential to increase sales volume by appealing to different customer segments and offers both aesthetic and commercial advantages to your business partners. Another Arıkan Group brand Lee Cooper, with its deep-rooted heritage, gives importance not only to fashion but also to individual freedom of expression. Lee Cooper collections offer unique designs that emphasize personal expression for those who want to have style. The fine details and rich color options in the glasses allow users to create their own style. Lee Cooper stands out with its timeless designs while combining elegance with simplicity with models that appeal to all tastes.

November 2024

Fashion Wind with Anatolia Ventures

Anatolia Ventures Optik has categories consisting of domestic women’s, men’s, unisex glasses, sunglasses, reading glasses produced from TR90 raw materials and metal raw materials. Anatolia Ventures, which blends European colors with the historical colors of Anatolia, allows you to buy quality safely at the most affordable prices. Turkey’s best known brand O.Marines and Le Club will continue to blow a fashion wind in Turkey, Italy and France with its renewed concept and Italian design.

November 2024

Timeless Aesthetics with Original Vintage

Original Vintage sunglasses bring the refined and unique style of the 1960s to the 2000s to the present day. Each model stands out with its timeless aesthetic and attention to fine details. The craftsmanship of this period distinguishes the durability and elegance of the eyewear from today’s mass production. Original Vintage glasses are the ideal choice for those who want to stand out from the masses and express their personal style. With a classic and timeless stance, these pieces adapt to all ages and eras, becoming a style icon. One of the most important elements that makes Original Vintage sunglasses special is that each piece is expertly and meticulously handcrafted. Made from premium acetate and high quality materials, these glasses offer both durability and comfort. Far from mass production, these models are characterized by meticulous craftsmanship and design richness in every detail. With their unique character, each pair of glasses is a timeless work of art that will reflect your personal style in a sophisticated way.

November 2024

Smart Optik

Smart Optik

Technology and Quality

We consider Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair as a critical event to strengthen our position in the sector and increase customer satisfaction.

Hello Mr. Mustafa Bayındır, Could you introduce yourself to our readers and tell us about your entry into the sector?

Hello, my name is Mustafa Bayındır. I started my career as a Sales Representative in an international pharmaceutical company, where I gained experience in sales, marketing, training and senior management for 20 years. During this period, I gained in-depth knowledge in sales, developing marketing strategies and team management. I became a member of the optical industry by taking part in the management team of Essilor Turkey. This experience enabled me to understand the dynamics in the sector and then I had the opportunity to join Smart Optik. I am currently serving as the General Manager of the company. With nearly 10 years of experience in the field of optics, I continue to work to meet the innovations and customer needs in this sector in the best way.

As Smart Optik, we know that you have a highly developed production facility. Could you tell us about your production process and capacity?

As Smart Optik, we have production facilities equipped with the latest technology. Our facilities are equipped with automation systems and high capacity machines. This allows us to optimize our production processes and respond quickly to customer demands. Our facility has a daily production capacity of 3,000 pairs of RX. We will further increase this capacity with investments in the near future. Our production process is meticulously managed from material selection to the final product. This enables us to offer high quality and reliable products. We also attach importance to environmentally friendly production methods in line with sustainability principles.

Could you share the brands of your company and what would you like to say about them?

Our main brands include Smart Vision, Sky and Neo. These brands offer a wide range of products for different needs of users. We are also planning to launch our high-end Schneider brand soon. Schneider will further strengthen our position in the sector with its high quality and innovative products. By developing our own brands, we aim to increase customer satisfaction and respond quickly to the dynamics of the market. While ensuring that end-users have the best quality lens at the best price, we offer all kinds of assurances, guarantees and marketing materials to our business partners so that they can sell these products with confidence.

Which quality standards do you prioritize in your products? Could you give us some information about your quality control processes?

We prioritize international quality standards in our products. We are ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certified, which guarantees the effectiveness and continuous improvement of our quality management system. We also ensure compliance with European Union norms to improve the performance of our products. Starting from the receipt of raw materials, various tests are carried out at every stage of the production process. Our end products undergo detailed tests in a laboratory environment to ensure compliance with our quality standards.

You are a company that closely follows technical and technological innovations. Could you tell our readers about your R&D activities?

As Smart Optik, we are constantly conducting research to develop innovative materials and production techniques. Our R&D department is constantly working to improve the quality of our products and offer new solutions. We follow the latest developments in optical technologies and integrate these innovations into our products. For instance, special lenses designed to slow the development of myopia in children, superior coating technologies on the lenses and protection from UV and harmful blue light significantly improve the performance of our products.

Could you tell us about the initiatives that will accelerate your company’s growth and development in the near future?

We aim to better meet customer expectations by accelerating our new product development processes and to realize market development projects. Especially the launch of our Schneider brand will provide an opportunity to increase our market share in the upper segment. In addition, we aim to contribute to the development of Opticianry students as well as our business partners and employees by providing post-graduation training support through the Smart Academy we built in our administration building. We plan to improve our online sales and marketing strategies by strengthening our digital transformation processes. By prioritizing customer experience, we will further improve our support services. With all these steps, we aim to consolidate our leadership in the sector and reach a wider customer base. In addition, in order to expand our distribution and sales network, we plan to increase the service we currently provide with 10 branches across Turkey to 12 branches within two years.

Could you tell us about the support you provide during and after sales?

We take care to provide comprehensive support to our customers during and after sales. Our experienced sales staff helps our customers to offer the right products by providing detailed information about the features and benefits of the products to the user. Our marketing and training department provides our business partners with classroom, in-store and online trainings to improve their technical skills in eye anatomy, lens, product knowledge, measurement and installation. While providing support to our business partners in the presentation and sale of products, we also offer support through our branches to help them with any questions they may have and provide information about warranty processes in order to act together after sales. We continuously improve our services by taking feedback into account to increase customer satisfaction.

As an exhibitor, how would you evaluate Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, which will be held for the 11th time with its new and larger service area?

Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair provides an excellent platform to follow the latest innovations and trends in the field of optics, connect with business partners and increase our brand awareness. I think exhibiting in the fair is a great opportunity for us. With our new and larger service area, we aim to reach more visitors and introduce our products to a wide audience. By interacting directly with industry professionals, we will have the chance to better understand their needs and get feedback. It also offers an ideal environment to strengthen our collaborations and create new business opportunities. We consider Silmo Istanbul as a critical event to strengthen our position in the industry and increase customer satisfaction.

Thank you very much for this exclusive interview. Finally, could you tell us about the evolution of our magazine 4 your eyes into digital publishing?

The rise of digital publishing is facilitating access to information and changing content consumption habits. I think the evolution of the magazine to digital publishing is very important in terms of providing readers with a more dynamic and interactive experience. This transformation offers a great advantage for those who want to follow the latest developments and innovations of the industry. Thank you for this valuable interview and I wish you continued success.

November 2024

Çengelköy Cadde Optik

ÇENGELKÖY CADDE OPTİK
Attentive and Innovative

The 11th edition of Silmo Istanbul is an important milestone for the growth and development of the Turkish optical industry.

Hello Ms. Aslı. Could you tell us about yourself and your story of meeting the optical industry?

Hello, I am Aslı Akyol. My story in the optical industry started with my choice of Opticianry at university. I realized the importance of eye health and how glasses can improve people’s quality of life. After graduating from university, I had the opportunity to work in an old and well-established optical store for many years. Here I undertook various tasks such as assembling glasses, customer consultancy and interpreting eye examination results. Then I decided to continue my career in the optical sector by opening my own store. We opened Çengelköy Cadde Optik in November 2023.

How did you decide to open your store? Could you tell us about the establishment phase?

The decision to open our store was made because I aim to improve people’s vision experience and bring an innovative perspective to the optical retail industry. During the establishment process, we created a detailed planning and strategy to realize this vision. I also took steps to offer a unique customer experience by collaborating with leading suppliers in the sector.

What do you pay attention to when determining the products you sell in your store?

In our store, where we adopt the principle of keeping customer satisfaction at the highest level, we act carefully when choosing the brands of optics and sunglasses. We carry a variety of brands so that our customers can choose from a wide range of products that appeal to a variety of styles and needs. The product portfolio of our store was determined as a result of meticulous segmentation and market analysis. We offer high quality products to our customers through strategic collaborations with well-known and trusted brands in the sector, especially in the field of frames.

What role do you think the window layout and interior design of an optical store play in sales?

The window layout and interior design of an optical store play a very important role in sales because these elements are used to attract customers’ interest in the store, strengthen the brand image and improve the shopping experience. We created the design of our store in the light of these ideas. We would like to state that we are very lucky in this regard because our father was our biggest supporter in the creation of the design of our store. We would like to thank our father, the architect of our decor, once again through you for sharing all the meticulousness of his profession with us. Our main goal is to make every customer feel at home in a cozy and comfortable space.

Do you organize events or special campaigns to increase customer satisfaction?

We aim to increase the satisfaction of our regular customers and encourage them by offering special discounts, gifts or advantages to our customers. We organize special events in our store to celebrate occasions such as new product launches, seasonal sales or special occasions. At these events, we aim to increase customer satisfaction by offering them special discounts, gift vouchers or trial opportunities

Could you tell us about your after sales support services?

We offer free service and repair services for purchased products during the warranty period. In case of any malfunction or problem with the products, our customers can come to our store and benefit from free repair or replacement services. We also adopt an environmentally friendly approach by offering our customers the opportunity to bring back and renew their old products. In this way, our customers can recycle or refurbish their old products in a convenient way.

How would you evaluate the 11th Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, which will be held for the 11th time with its new and larger service area?

The 11th edition of Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair is an important milestone for the growth and development of the Turkish optical industry. This fair brings together the leading brands and professionals of the international optical industry, providing an opportunity to showcase the latest trends and technologies in the industry. The exhibition offers industry professionals the opportunity to make new business contacts, discover new products and share industry knowledge. It also creates a valuable platform to see the innovations and developments in the optical industry in Turkey. We expect Silmo Istanbul Optics Fair to increase its impact in the sector in the coming years, reinforcing Turkey’s leading position in the optical industry and contributing to the growth of the sector.

Thank you very much for this valuable interview. Finally, could you tell us about the transition of our magazine 4 your eyes to digital publishing?

We believe that your transition to digital publishing will enable the content to reach a wider audience and provide readers with easier access. In addition, innovative features such as interactive content, video content and user interaction can offer readers a richer experience. Thank you for this opportunity and we wish your team success.

 November 2024

Mykita

MYKITA

Pure, Light&Chic

With its new campaign, Mykita captures the essence of lightness, modern structures, balanced silhouettes and refined color compositions that define eyewear designs.

Founded in Berlin, Germany in 2003, Mykita is known for its innovative and independent eyewear design. Mykita combines its independent spirit with its unique design language to offer eyewear collections that appeal to consumers of all ages. Behind Mykita’s success in eyewear design are production processes that combine advanced technology with handcraftsmanship. In particular, Mykita’s first collection, Mykita No1, attracted attention with its flexible and lightweight frames made of stainless steel without the need for screw connections. This collection was one of the first strong indicators of the brand’s engineering know-how and design talent. Mykita has also developed Mylon, a material known not only for its steel but also for its lightness and durability. Mylon is an extremely light, flexible and durable material produced using laser sintering technology. Thanks to this innovative material, Mykita has been able to produce a wide range of modern and functional eyewear, from sports eyewear to fashion-oriented collections.

Design and Production Approach

Mykita’s collections offer products that combine functional minimalism with the needs of the fashion world. In this context, both the brand’s optical and sunglasses collections are characterized by clean lines and lightweight construction. Mykita’s sunglasses not only offer elegance, but also take care of the wearer’s eye health with superior UV protection and high quality lenses. In particular, polarized lens technology protects against reflections and provides clear vision. In addition, Mykita occasionally collaborates with world-renowned fashion designers and brands to produce exclusive collections. The collaboration with Maison Margiela has attracted great attention in the fashion world with its unusual forms and experimental designs. Again in the Fall/Winter 2024 period, the models, which are the product of the collaboration with another Berlin-based brand 032c, have also received great acclaim. Combining technology and design, Mykita also stands out as an environmentally conscious brand. Recyclable and sustainable materials used in the production of eyewear are among the priorities of the brand. The production facilities in Berlin are equipped with modern energy-saving techniques and operate with minimal impact on the environment. Mykita crowned its commitment to sustainability and responsible production processes with the first Responsible Company award in 2023 at the Silmo d’Or, one of the most prestigious awards in the optical world.

Pure Lightness Dazzles

Mykita presents its newest campaign, Pure Lightness. In the new campaign, unusual perspectives, distinctive compositions and a defined presence of light contribute to a strong mood and a unique atmosphere that expresses the pure yet radical aesthetic of Mykita’s visual identity. In a combination of close-up and distance images, Photographer Artist Ben Beagent captures the essence of the lightness, modern structures, balanced silhouettes and refined color compositions that define the eyewear designs. The Stockholm archipelago, with its sharp, clear light and raw landscape, provides an authentic and natural setting that reinforces the preference for pure, understated elegance and minimalist aesthetics. Mykita has pioneered many patents in eyewear, always emphasizing lightness, comfort and precise fit. The Germany-based brand’s patented design solutions, such as its iconic spiral hinge, serve as styling elements that distinguish its products from the rest, signaling the pure yet radical aesthetic that defines the brand.

Pure and understated, bold and confident designs await users in the new Mykita collection. As the core aesthetic of Mykita Acetate is based on the visible interplay of high-tech functional elements and tactile acetate material, the responsibly designed new collection is made entirely from Acetate Renew and equipped with Mykita’s patented Endura hinge to preserve the exclusive fit and longevity of these reinvented classics of eyewear design. Mykita’s new collection features versatile eyewear designs that allow each individual to find their own expression and still feel unique to the brand.

November 2024

Moscot

Eyewear Passion

Silmo Istanbul plays a valuable role in connecting with partners who appreciate Moscot’s heritage and are passionate about telling its story.

Moscot is a five-generation family-owned New York City heritage eyewear brand renowned worldwide for its iconic eyewear. The Moscot optical roots were first planted in America by Great Great Grandfather, Hyman Moscot, who arrived from Eastern Europe via Ellis Island in 1899. Hyman began selling ready-made eyeglasses from a pushcarton Orchard Street on Manhattan’s famed Lower East Side. Now, over a century later, Moscot is a New York City institution, renowned worldwide for its iconic eyewear. Moscot infuses a uniquely refined, urban aesthetic with nearly 110 years of eyewear expertise and master craftsmanship to create its timeless eyewear. While Moscot is now recognized as a fashion brand with shops around the world, it continues retain the naivety of a neighborhood optical shopin its heart. We present our exclusive interview about Moscot’s deep-rooted heritage, vision for eyewear, design DNA and latest collection with Zack Moscot, Chief Design Officer, the 5th generation of this precious family business.

Hello, could you introduce yourself to our readers and tell us about how your journey with Moscot started?

I’m Zack Moscot, 5th Generation and Chief Design Officer of my family’s 109-year-old heritage eyewear brand. Our story began over a century ago when my great-great-grandfather, Hyman Moscot, arrived in New York from Eastern Europe in 1899 and sold glasses from a pushcart on the Lower East Side. We’re still rooted there today! I grew up working in our Shops, learning the business early on. With a passion for design, I became the first formally trained designer in the family, rather than an optician or optometrist. I now work alongside my father, Harvey Moscot (4th Generation), evolving our brand from both a business and creative standpoint. Eyewear is truly in our blood!

We know that Moscot has a long heritage as an iconic brand. What would you like to say about Moscot and its milestones?

As a family-owned business for over a century, our focus on quality, craftsmanship, service, and expertise has allowed us to grow and build a loyal following worldwide.

How would you describe Moscot and its vision of eyewear?

As a downtown NYC brand, our DNA is rooted in the Lower East Side where we were born. My great-grandfather Sol always said, “You must know your past to know where you’re going,” and this guides everything we do. While we honor our heritage, we don’t rest on our laurels. We stay true to core values like treating people fairly and doing things for the right reasons. Eyewear is both a medical device and a fashion accessory, and it’s this unique balance that defines us.

Could you tell us about Moscot’s design DNA and how it differs from other brands in this sense?

Our aesthetic is unique because it evolved naturally over time. Our Shops feel like stepping into my grandma’s living room, full of knick-knacks and nostalgia. At the heart of Moscot are the incredible people we consider part of our extended family, serving customers for generations. We pair this with a collection of timeless eyewear that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern flair.

Let’s talk about Moscot’s 2024-2025 Fall/Winter collection and its highlights…

The Fall 2024 collection reflects both our past and future. It combines timeless shapes with iconic design elements, featuring bold chunky acetate frames alongside delicate metal classics. We offer multiple frame sizes because we know one size doesn’t fit all. Finding the right frame for your face and style, along with a proper fit, is essential, as we always consider each individual’s lens design and prescription needs.

Could we talk about the subjects that inspire Moscot designs? How are current developments reflected in your designs?

We draw inspiration from our family archives, historical bestsellers, and the customers who come through our doors. Located on the Lower East Side, our design office thrives in this eclectic melting pot of style and culture. We blend function and fashion by focusing on fit, while enhancing frames with distinct colorways, lenses, and material details.

We know that Moscot has a strong connection with music. What does music mean to Moscot? What are its influences on your collections?

Being in the Lower East Side for over 100 years, we’ve naturally connected with artists, including many musicians and celebrities who’ve been customers. In a neighborhood rich with creativity, my father, Harvey, combined his passion for music with Moscot by launching Moscot Music, where both up-and-coming and renowned musicians perform in our Shops worldwide. Music reflects the creative, independent spirit that resonates with our brand’s unique style and aesthetic.

For the upcoming year 2025, should we expect new collaborations, openings or collection surprises from Moscot?

In 2025, we’re celebrating 110 years with exciting surprises, new launches, and fresh products!

You are represented in Turkey through your distributorship. How would you evaluate this cooperation and Moscot’s position in the Turkish market?

We have wonderful partners in Turkey who have helped share the Moscot story. They’ve connected us with like-minded retailers and opticians who offer Moscot frames and pass our story on to their customers. We like to say, when you wear Moscot, you’re wearing more than glasses – you’re wearing a piece of NYC, history, and family.

As Moscot, to what extent does exhibiting in international optical fairs contribute to your brand awareness worldwide?

We find global partners who align with our values and curate our brand in a way that reflects who we are. We’re also opening Moscot Shops in cities where we have fans who appreciate our approach to eyewear. Alongside our shops, Moscot.com and social media help us share our story and grow brand awareness worldwide.

Could you evaluate the development and market impact of Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, which will be held for the 11th time in Turkey in partnership with Silmo?

The Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair plays a valuable role in helping Moscot connect with partners who appreciate our heritage and are passionate about telling our story. Events like these provide a great opportunity to find like-minded retailers who understand the unique qualities of our brand and are committed to representing Moscot in a way that aligns with our values.

November 2024

Rihanna

Rihanna

Guccı

Rihanna is a style icon who has established a solid place for herself in the world of music and fashion. Rihanna, who was last seen after a TV program, looked enchanting with her Gucci sunglasses and fur coat. Rihanna, who continues to be the center of attention of the magazine press with her bold style and cool look, proves her dominance in the fashion world once again.

October 2024

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez

Fendı

Jennifer Lopez is an icon who has been making a name for herself not only in the world of music and cinema but also in the fashion scene. J.Lo, who always manages to look young and energetic, recently made a sporty and casual outfit with jeans, a white basic t-shirt and a navy blue cardigan. Fendi sunglasses added a sophisticated touch to this look.  Jennifer Lopez dazzles as always.

October 2024