With its sharp cat-eye shape and bold frame, Alexander McQueen offers a powerful and striking expression of modern femininity. Its deep black frame and fluid lines lend a sophisticated and timeless character to the design. With a strong silhouette and eye-catching presence, this piece stands out as an impressive accessory for those looking to make a statement with their style.
March 2026
Celine brings together bold form and refined luxury with this striking model. Gold-toned details set against the black structure add an elegant glow to the design, while delicate stone embellishments scattered along the frame create a captivating effect. With its angular silhouette and fluid lines, the model presents a distinctive and confident look. Celine continues to impress high fashion enthusiasts with designs that guarantee effortless elegance.
March 2026
Celebrating the 15th anniversary of its distinctive journey among independent design brands with a sophisticated sunglasses collection, Sunday Somewhere reinterprets the spirit of the 1970s for today while drawing color inspiration from the Ionian Sea.
Founded in 2010 by Australian designer Dave Allison, Sunday Somewhere Eyewear is not only an eyewear brand but also a way of life. Whether inspired by curiosity or the desire to travel, the brand places the belief that the human urge to explore can never be fully satisfied at the center of its Dna. Creating designs for dreamers, explorers and those who keep their sense of curiosity alive, Sunday Somewhere was born under the Australian sun and blends past and future through its own refined aesthetic language. The brand presents meticulously crafted collections that combine vintage inspired frames with premium materials and details that shift between contemporary and futuristic expressions. Produced with careful attention to the finest details, Sunday Somewhere eyewear guarantees a high level balance between durability and style. Under the leadership of Dave Allison, the design team approaches eyewear through a broad perspective extending from vintage influences to high fashion, from travel experiences to futuristic movements. The collections feature striking reinterpretations of classic aviator models, experimental proportions and bold dimensions, alongside classic silhouettes reconstructed with modern touches. Architectural influence reveals itself through clean and precise lines that complement the wearer’s facial features with balance and harmony. As an independent eyewear brand, Sunday Somewhere quickly gained global recognition thanks to its focus on quality craftsmanship and bold design starting with its very first collection. The preference for Sunday Somewhere designs by numerous celebrities including Beyoncé, Bella Hadid, Kaia Gerber, Vanessa Hudgens, Jennifer Lopez, Whitney Port, Nina Dobrev and Candice Swanepoel, from red carpet appearances to street style moments, made a significant contribution to strengthening its identity as a fashion brand and expanding its international visibility. Seeking to broaden its distribution network, the Australian brand signed an agreement with Westgroupe last year, reinforcing its presence particularly in the United States and Canada. The first launch of this collaboration introduced a women’s collection consisting of 18 optical frames crafted from Mazzucchelli acetate and titanium. With this series, the brand created resonance not only across the American continent but also within the global optical fashion scene.
Taking You to the Ionian Coast
Marking the 15th year of its journey among independent design brands with a distinctive perspective and models that have already reached iconic status, Sunday Somewhere Eyewear welcomed the new year by introducing a sunglasses collection that carries forward the legacy of its 2025 optical series while serving as its continuation. Consisting of 18 designs, the collection reflects the brand’s characteristic aesthetic, bringing together a strong and expressive identity with craftsmanship inspired by the 1970s. The models stand out with the iconic palm tree logo placed at the temple tips and durable hinge constructions designed for long lasting comfort. The SS monogram featured on the lenses adds a refined signature detail to the designs. Produced using premium acetate and stainless steel, the sun collection presents striking silhouettes in oversized square, structured cat eye and round forms. The color palette that defines the spirit of the collection draws inspiration from the light reflections of the Ionian Sea and the natural allure of crystal textures. Presented with rich tones, energetic patterns and colorful lens options, the new designs succeed in becoming a choice of trendsetting names.
Dance of Form, Color and Materials
Sunday Somewhere’s new sun collection reveals, upon closer look, a diverse interplay of forms, colors and materials that integrate seamlessly both with one another and with the optical series. Opal introduces a slim, tapered cat-eye rendered in fine-quality acetate, defined by clean lines and a universally flattering silhouette. Sleek and lightweight with a whisper of nineties style, it lends understated cool to the edit. Forest Multi Havana and Tortoise Red ground the palette, each featuring the collection’s crystal-inspired temple detailing. Black Crystal heightens this effect, pairing a transparent temple front that gradually transitions into a tortoise pattern at the tip. The look is dimensional and aligned with the collection’s crystalline influences. Petunia unfolds with an exaggerated, rounded geometric form, designed for the boundary-pushing wearer who loves to stand out and treats fashion as a true expression of self. Daring, glamorous, and sculptural, it commands attention with ease. Multi Havana blends shimmering purples, greens, and muted neutrals for a gleaming, jewel-like finish. Black Havana and Purple Havana continue the palette with rich tones that intensify their dramatic profile. Durable rivet hinges adorned with the iconic palm tree logo complete the frame with a distinctive hallmark detail. Olive sets the tone for Sunday Somewhere’s sun debut with an oversized flat-top aviator shaped in premium acetate. Burgundy Blue leads the palette, pairing warm-tinted lenses with vibrant two-tone colorplay for a confident, contemporary statement. Teal and Black expand the story with saturated finishes refined by the brand’s signature accents, with the palm tree emblem finely embossed on the durable rivet hinges, decorative end caps, and temple tips. Peony transforms the classic aviator with a modern, fashion-forward lens. Slim, sculpted acetate forms its clean structure, while a softly contoured brow bar introduces gentle definition. Tailored proportions flatter narrower face shapes yet retain a sense of polished boldness. Colourways include Tortoise Terracotta, and Black Multi, each elevated by a rivet hinge finely detailed with the palm tree logo, underscoring the meticulous craftsmanship at the heart of the brand’s design philosophy. On the other hand Andy is constructed in stainless steel and infused with vibrant color lenses. Linear temple detailing and the SS monogram nose pads sharpen its minimalist identity. Effortlessly cool with a relaxed sophistication, Andy moves seamlessly from sunlit coastlines to polished city dressing. Finishes include Gold, Copper, and Silver. Suja II modernizes old Hollywood glamour for today’s style-conscious wearer. Its delicate geometric construction is crafted in stainless steel for a weightless feel. Intricate textural detailing across the frame, shaped by carved edges and gentle contours, lends the design a quiet depth. Along the temples, pressed-leaf motifs highlight the artistry and texture that define the style. Rose Gold introduces a luminous sheen paired with blue rose gradient lenses for a sophisticated contrast, while Gold offers a radiant alternative with caramel brown ombre lenses.
Source: The Optical Journal
March 2026
“For us, eyewear becomes a true design object only through the perfect harmony of aesthetics and function.”
Rodenstock Eyewear presents a strong identity shaped around lightness and precision as a well established brand that brings together German engineering heritage with a contemporary design perspective. Placing the principles of functionality and minimalism rooted in the Bauhaus philosophy at the centre of its designs, the brand aims to deliver superior wearing comfort, perfect fit and long lasting performance with every frame. Advancing through a holistic approach in which aesthetic decisions evolve simultaneously with technical engineering processes, the brand transforms design not only into a visual expression but also into measurable performance. Developed through data driven engineering, Rodenstock eyewear seeks to go beyond industry standards in quality and establish a new benchmark of excellence. Bringing tradition and innovation together in a balanced way, the brand treats optical precision not merely as a technical feature but as a fundamental value shaping its design language. Since becoming part of the De Rigo Group, the brand has further expanded its international distribution strength while making its technical expertise more visible on a global scale and continuing to strategically reinforce its position within the premium segment. We present to our readers an interview with Rodenstock Eyewear Global Brand Director Stefan Kutschereuter, discussing the values on which the brand has repositioned itself, how it is strengthening its presence in the premium segment, the feedback received from partners and its new communication campaigns.
Rodenstock Eyewear has been changing how it presents itself. What led to this repositioning, and how would you describe where the brand is heading now?
I believe that long-term success is driven by a clear strategy and a strong, well-structured organisation. For sustainable growth, you need the right products, a compelling price-performance ratio, and a brand story that is authentic. From the very beginning, our priorities have been clear: we’ve reshaped both our product direction and our brand messaging around our core Dna. Our brand strategy and positioning are built on a clear foundation of creating a distinctive collection that highlights lightness, innovation, and premium quality materials. Rodenstock is deeply rooted in the minimalist Bauhaus philosophy, where lightness and precision meet German engineering. This mindset guides everything we do and continues to shape the future of our collections.
What are you hearing from opticians and distributors so far? Have any reactions to the new direction stood out?
Rodenstock, as a brand, enjoys a high level of trust worldwide and is a true pioneer in the field of optics. The feedback from international markets on our new brand direction has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s not just about the new collection – our partners are also experiencing the value the brand brings to their day-to-day business. Customers immediately notice a Rodenstock frame’s light, comfortable fit.
Rodenstock Eyewear became part of De Rigo a few years ago. How has this shaped the collection and the brand’s role within the group?
De Rigo is a truly global player in the eyewear industry, driven by a clear strategic vision and, above all, by dedicated and passionate people. The company stands out with a strong and distinctive brand portfolio, and the integration of Rodenstock Eyewear has further strengthened the De Rigo premium division. Rodenstock Eyewear brings technical expertise, innovation, and genuine engineering excellence to the portfolio. Each model in our collection reflects our unwavering commitment to the philosophy of lightness. This principle is non negotiable for us. Any concept that does not align with this approach is not included in our collection, and every Rodenstock frame is developed by our team in Munich. We handle everything, from the first idea to design, technical development, and the prototype. Our close collaboration with the headquarters in Italy is essential. That tight connection ensures precision, quality, and continuous improvement throughout the entire process.
How are you keeping Rodenstock’s heritage in optical precision alive in the eyewear collection while also aiming for a more modern look?
Rodenstock is a strong and highly trusted brand in the optical industry. Their exceptional fit and outstanding wearing comfort—core pillars of our brand promise—are consistently praised across global markets. Our engineering team in Munich ensures that every product meets the highest standards. The designers in our studio also carry an engineering mindset, each ideally representing the standards of German engineering. By bringing design and engineering together, we develop innovative technical solutions that elevate aesthetic excellence to the highest level. In this way, we combine stability and durability with lightweight and refined designs. We work closely with Rodenstock on all strategic decisions, leveraging their decades of expertise and data-driven insights. This partnership enables us to achieve outstanding precision and comfort in every frame of our collection.
The collection feels more focused than before. How would you define your current design direction?
For us, eyewear is a true design object only through the perfect interplay of aesthetics and function. Our design concept is therefore built on timeless design combined with innovative technical details. At Rodenstock, we strongly believe in one simple principle: form follows lightness. Guided by this vision, our design and engineering team in Munich continuously focuses on developing innovative solutions that respond to the needs of both end users and opticians. As our design team in Munich always says, “We don’t just design eyewear, we craft an experience.” An experience rooted in clarity, precision, and effortless simplicity.
What new tools or materials are you giving your partners to help them share the updated Rodenstock story in their stores?
I’m convinced that lasting success comes to brands that stand for a clear, authentic purpose—and have the courage to be different. With our new Rodenstock Eyewear campaign, Experience Lightness, we’re bringing that purpose to life. Each Rodenstock series is unique, with its own technical innovations and design features, yet they all share one defining quality: exceptional lightness paired with timeless design. We’ve also developed an entirely new POS experience to complement the Experience Lightness campaign, reflecting Rodenstock’s core values in a tangible, engaging way.
What’s next for Rodenstock Eyewear? What can people expect in terms of new products or the development of the brand over the next couple of years?
What’s next for Rodenstock Eyewear is a clear focus on strengthening our position as a premium, technical brand in the world of eyewear. In the coming years, every new release will reflect a seamless balance of innovation, lightness, and timeless design, while staying true to our technical Dna and strong, recognisable brand identity. We will continue to invest in new materials, advanced production technologies, and intelligent design solutions that make eyewear not only lighter and more comfortable, but also more precise and functional than ever before. At the same time, we will further refine the Rodenstock design language—clean, minimal, and purposeful—always guided by our philosophy of “form follows lightness”.
Source: 20/20 Europe
March 2026
” I believe Silmo Istanbul plays a major role in raising quality standards within the industry and increasing Turkey’s visibility in the global optical sector.”
Hello Mr. Hikmet Doruk Could you tell our readers when you first entered the optical industry and how the journey of founding Arma Optik began?
First of all, I would like to extend my greetings to all 4 your eyes readers. I founded the Arma brand in 2015, however my introduction to the optical industry dates back much earlier. My professional journey began in 1983 with Doruk Optik in Denizli, marking the start of a long and educational path that allowed me to understand the sector from multiple perspectives. In the following years, I established Sistem Optik and Gozlukevi in Istanbul, operating in both wholesale and retail segments. This process taught me not only how to sell products, but also the importance of branding, building trust, and creating sustainable business relationships. The experience I gained at every stage enabled me to accurately interpret the changes within the industry. The Arma brand emerged as the culmination of all these years of experience, something I personally consider my masterpiece. Today, we believe we have built not only a commercial structure but also a brand culture shaped by family values. Working together with my wife and daughters and sharing the same enthusiasm adds a deeper meaning to what we do.
What product categories does the Arma brand offer today and how does your production process operate?
Under the Arma brand, we operate in colored contact lenses, optical frames, and sunglasses categories. While building our product portfolio, our primary goal has been to combine user comfort with the highest quality standards. For this reason, we implement a highly meticulous production control system. Our contact lenses and eyewear are manufactured in technologically advanced facilities located in different parts of the world, each specializing in its field. We closely monitor quality control processes at every stage and conduct detailed evaluations before products are introduced to the market. Since sensitivity is especially critical in the contact lens category, we carried out extensive research when selecting our production partners. Our contact lenses are produced in an award winning manufacturing facility in South Korea. Additionally, this year we are launching the production of a contact lens solution in Italy under our All In Sol brand, featuring one of the most advanced formulations in the world. This investment represents not only an expansion of our product range but also our vision of approaching user experience in a holistic way.
Could you tell us more about your contact lens brands Arma Color and Mood Color?
Arma represents our main collection. Under the Arma collection, we offer annual colored contact lenses, while the Mood collection presents quarterly replacement options to users. Both collections are developed according to the highest standards of quality, safety, and comfort. Although the main difference between the two lies in their usage duration, they essentially provide solutions tailored to different user habits. Users who prefer long term use tend to choose the Arma collection, while those who enjoy more frequent changes or experimenting with different colors often prefer Mood. During the design process, we prioritize not only aesthetics but also eye health and wearing comfort. We focus particularly on natural color transitions, the visual effect on the eye, and everyday usability. Our goal is to provide a natural appearance where users hardly feel they are wearing contact lenses.
Your colored contact lens collections feature a strong color palette. How do you determine your colors?
We do not rely on a single source when defining our color selections. Customer feedback obtained from our retail store in Bakirkoy, Istanbul provides extremely valuable data. Users’ direct experiences, expectations, and requests play a significant role in shaping new collections. In addition, insights shared by our international distributors and observations from our dealers across Turkey further support this process. By analyzing user habits across different regions, we gain a broader perspective. We also closely follow color tendencies in fashion, makeup, and styling trends. Customer requests regarding colors and patterns are carefully evaluated, and in many cases, new collections originate directly from user feedback.
Bünyenizdeki Janie Hills markasının konumunu nasıl tanımlıyorsunuz? Koleksiyonun öne çıkan özellikleri nelerdir?
İthalatını gerçekleştirdiğimiz Janie Hills, zamansız tasarım anlayışı ve zarif çizgileriyle premium segmentte konumlanan güçlü bir markadır. Marka, modaya bağımlı kalmak yerine uzun yıllar kullanılabilecek zamansız tasarımlar üretmeyi hedefliyor. Üst düzey malzeme kalitesi özellikle dikkat çeken unsurlardan biridir. Üstün kaliteli asetat ve metal kullanımı hem dayanıklılığı hem de konforu artırıyor. Tasarım detaylarında sadelik ön planda tutulurken, incelikli işçilik sayesinde ürünler güçlü bir karakter kazanıyor. Yetişkinler ve çocuklar için geniş bir optik çerçeve koleksiyonuna sahip olması da markayı farklılaştırıyor. Böylece farklı yaş gruplarına hitap eden bütüncül bir koleksiyon yapısı oluşuyor. Janie Hills’i premium segmentte değerli kılan unsur, estetik ile fonksiyonelliği dengeli biçimde bir araya getirmesidir.
Jacobson markasının minimalist çizgisi nasıl ortaya çıktı? Bu markayla ulaşmak istediğiniz müşteri profili kim?
Jacobson güneş gözlükleri, sade ama güçlü bir tasarım anlayışıyla ortaya çıktı. Minimalist çizgileriyle zamansızlık kavramını merkeze alıyor. Yıllar geçse bile rahatlıkla kullanılabilecek modellere yer veriyor. Koleksiyonun en önemli özelliklerinden biri üst düzey metal işçiliğidir. Özellikle metal bölümlerde uygulanan el işçiliği detayları, ürünü yalnızca bir aksesuar olmaktan çıkararak değerli bir tasarım objesine dönüştürüyor. Bu detaylar gözlüğe karakter kazandırıyor. Jacobson ile hedeflediğimiz kullanıcı profili, stiline önem veren ancak gösterişten uzak bir şıklık arayan kişilerden oluşuyor. Kalite, sadelik ve rafine tasarım anlayışını bir arada isteyen kullanıcılar için güçlü bir alternatif sunduğumuzu düşünüyoruz.
Arma Optik’in bayileriyle kurduğu iş ortaklığı anlayışı hangi temel prensiplere dayanıyor?
Bayilerimizle ilişkimizi klasik tedarikçi-satıcı ilişkisinden ziyade bir iş ortaklığı olarak görüyoruz. Kendimizi büyük bir ailenin parçası gibi hissediyoruz ve bu yaklaşım iş süreçlerimize de yansıyor. Bayilerimizin kazandığı bir yapı kurmanın uzun vadede herkes için daha sağlıklı olduğuna inanıyoruz. Seçilmiş bayilerle çalışarak rekabet baskısını azaltan, sürdürülebilir bir ticaret modeli oluşturduk. Böylece iş ortaklarımız ürünlerimizi güvenle temsil edebiliyor. Satış sonrası süreçte ise bayilerimizi hiçbir zaman zor durumda bırakmamaya özellikle dikkat ediyoruz. Ürünlerimizin her zaman arkasında duruyor, hızlı çözüm üretmeye odaklanıyoruz. Sosyal medya gücümüzü de yalnızca marka bilinirliği için değil, bayilerimizin satışlarını destekleyecek şekilde aktif olarak kullanıyoruz. Başarıyı birlikte büyütmenin en doğru yol olduğuna inanıyoruz.
Türkiye genelindeki iş ağınızı oluştururken nasıl bir büyüme ve iletişim modeli benimsiyorsunuz?
Sınırlı ve seçkin sayıda bayi ile çalışmamız iletişim kalitemizi artıran önemli bir unsurdur. Ekibimle birlikte süreçlerin başında bizzat bulunuyor ve bayilerimizle sürekli temas halinde olmaya özen gösteriyoruz. İletişimi güçlü tutmak, sorunları büyümeden çözmemizi sağlıyor. Whatsapp ve Telegram grupları üzerinden anlık iletişim kurabiliyor, kampanya ve yenilikleri hızlı şekilde paylaşabiliyoruz. Bu yapı hem operasyonel hız sağlıyor hem de iş ortaklarımızın kendilerini sürecin içinde hissetmelerine katkı sunuyor. Yeni bayilikler verirken mevcut bayilerimizin ticari dengelerini korumaya özellikle dikkat ediyoruz. Bölgesel planlama yaparak herkes için sürdürülebilir bir satış ağı oluşturmayı hedefliyoruz. Uzun vadeli başarıyı ancak dengeli büyüme ile mümkün görüyoruz.
Koleksiyonlarınızı oluştururken global pazarlar ve aldığınız geri bildirimler tasarım sürecinizi nasıl şekillendiriyor?
Yurt dışındaki distribütörlerimizin paylaştığı bilgiler koleksiyon oluşturma sürecinde önemli bir rehber oluyor. Her ülkenin estetik anlayışı ve kullanıcı beklentisi farklı olduğu için pazar bazlı analizler yapıyoruz. Bazı koleksiyonlarımızı belirli ülkelerin zevklerine göre özel olarak üretiyoruz. Bu yaklaşım markanın uluslararası pazarlarda daha doğru konumlanmasını sağlıyor. Global trendleri takip ederken yerel beklentileri de göz ardı etmiyoruz. Dünyadaki birçok kontakt lens markasının renk ve tasarımlarımızı referans alması bizim için ayrıca gurur vericidir. Hatta bazı markaların renk isimlerine kadar ürünlerimize benzer çalışmalar yapma gayretinde olması da doğru ve yüksek standartlarda ürünler oluşturduğumuzu gösteriyor.
Kısa ve orta vadede Arma Optik için hedefleriniz neler? Yeni markalar, seriler veya yeni pazarlar gündemde mi?
Temel hedefimiz renkli kontak lens ve kontakt lens solüsyonu kategorilerinde dünya çapında kalite algısı en yüksek markalar arasında yer almaktır. Bu doğrultuda üretim standartlarımızı sürekli geliştiriyor ve Ar-Ge çalışmalarına önem veriyoruz. Özellikle Amerika ve Avrupa pazarında büyümeyi hedefliyoruz. Uluslararası pazarlarda kalıcı olmak için yalnızca ürün kalitesinin değil, marka güvenilirliğinin de önemli olduğunun bilincindeyiz. Bu nedenle distribütör ağımızı güçlendirmek, marka bilinirliğimizi artırmak ve sürdürülebilir büyüme sağlamak adına çalışmalarımızı planlı bir şekilde sürdürüyoruz.
Silmo İstanbul Optik Fuarı hakkındaki görüşleriniz nelerdir? Fuarın sektöre katkılarını nasıl değerlendirirsiniz?
Silmo İstanbul Optik Fuarı’nı Türkiye optik sektörünün uluslararası vitrine çıktığı en güçlü organizasyon olarak görüyorum. Fuar, sektör profesyonellerini bir araya getirerek bilgi ve deneyim paylaşımına önemli katkı sağlıyor. Bu platform sayesinde yurt dışındaki firmalarla tanışma, markamızı tanıtma ve yeni işbirlikleri geliştirme fırsatı yakaladık. Aynı zamanda global trendleri yakından gözlemleme imkanı sunması açısından da oldukça değerli bir fuardır. Silmo İstanbul’un sektörde kalite standartlarının yükselmesine ve Türkiye’nin optik alanındaki görünürlüğünün artmasına ciddi katkı sağladığını düşünüyorum.
Bize zaman ayırdığınız için çok teşekkür ederiz. Son olarak 4 your eyes ile ilgili neler söylemek istersiniz?
Her sayısında yayın kalitesini koruyan, sektördeki yenilikleri ve gelişmeleri okurlarla buluşturan önemli bir yayın olduğunu düşünüyorum. Optik dünyasına dair güncel bilgileri profesyonel bir bakış açısıyla aktarması sektöre değer katıyor. Arma Optik adına sizlere teşekkür ediyor, yayın hayatınızda başarılarınızın artarak devam etmesini diliyorum.
Mart 2026
“I believe Silmo Istanbul is also a guiding light for opticianry students and for our young colleagues who are planning and shaping their future in the sector.”
Hello Mr. Saydam. Could you please introduce yourself and tell us how your business life began and how you entered the optical sector?
Hello, I am Oytun Saydam. I was born in Malazgirt in 1984 as the child of a civil servant family. I started my business life in 2008 in different sectors such as technology, electronics and Gsm. For many years I operated in import, export, wholesale and retail sales as well as technical service and spare parts. This process provided me with a strong foundation both in commercial discipline and customer relations. My introduction to the optical sector happened thanks to crossing paths with Enes Kadir Yaman, who is now my business partner. When his opticianry education and sector experience came together with my commercial background, the idea of starting a new journey emerged naturally.
The result of this partnership was Saydam Optik. Could you talk about the process of establishing your store and the contributions of your partnership to your business?
We turned our store idea into a concrete project in the summer of 2023. We decided on a location in Adapazarı, the central district of Sakarya, at a point opening onto Çark Street with very dense pedestrian traffic. In selecting the location, we evaluated criteria such as ease of transportation, the presence of nearby healthcare businesses and pharmacies, and proximity to the city square. By visiting Silmo Istanbul we took important steps regarding brand agreements and the store infrastructure. Thanks to this planning, which progressed simultaneously with the architectural process, we were able to bring the store to life in a short time. Throughout my business life I have observed that people who truly love their work and carry it out with dedication always make a difference. Mr. Enes is someone who grew up in the sector, completed his education in this field and knows store operations closely. I, on the other hand, have more experience on the commercial structure, organization and business development side. When these two different backgrounds came together, a strong balance emerged. Over time we built not only a business partnership but also a strong bond of friendship. As we grow the store together, I can say that we move forward shoulder to shoulder.
In a short time you started working with world brands and boutique brands. What kind of strategy did you follow when selecting brands?
When planning the store, our main goal was to build a sense of trust. The originality of the products, the price performance balance and the customer profile we wanted to address were at the center of our decisions. While world brands create trust in consumers, boutique brands give the store character. By following current trends, brands with strong marketing power and models that resonate on social media, we created a balanced portfolio. In fact our approach was simple, but presenting the right product at the right time and in the right way was the most important point. Companies such as Luxottica, De Rigo and Safilo Group include many globally known brands within their structure. Working with these brands requires meeting certain commercial criteria. After completing agreements with these large companies, our portfolio became significantly stronger. In particular, strong after sales services provide a great advantage in terms of customer trust. We were aware that such collaborations are very valuable for a new store both in terms of recognition and building trust.
Your store design offers a simple and reassuring atmosphere. What were your priorities when planning the interior architecture?
We believe it is important to entrust the right job to the right people. When Mr. Enes’s years of retail experience, my commercial observations and professional architectural support came together, a balanced result emerged. We had an area of approximately 40 square meters and we needed to use this space with maximum efficiency. We paid attention to ensuring that every centimeter of the area had a function. In this way we created a small but strong store identity. Our goal was to establish a layout that feels visually spacious while also being operationally functional. The shelving systems, showcases and workshop area were planned to support the sales flow. Despite the limited space we created a structure where we can display approximately 3,000 products in an orderly and understandable way. Our aim was for customers to feel trust and simplicity rather than confusion the moment they enter the store.
You managed to establish a strong stock structure during a period when supply processes became more difficult. How did you manage this process?
In the post pandemic period supply chains were quite challenging. However, the fact that we had already contacted some companies before the store opened provided an advantage. Even though we could not reach all the brands we had planned at the opening, we quickly included the products we were able to access in our stock system. Although many brands could not make it to the store opening, we made every effort to add as many products as possible to our inventory and our preliminary accounting system. The location of our store also enabled us to receive positive feedback very quickly from the first day of opening. In addition, we invested early in technical service and workshop infrastructure for our store. We believe that one of the most important advantages and freedoms of being a street store lies here. Thanks to our spare parts and service preparation, we can respond to customer needs immediately.
Your participation in De Rigo’s Vogue presentation event in Bodrum was a remarkable development. What does this invitation mean for you?
As we continue our journey with Saydam Optik and turn our dreams into reality, the successful progress of our sales gave us the courage to hold more product stock. Being invited to such presentations by major companies like De Rigo was certainly among our plans. However, these types of events usually require a purchasing quota. In the province where we operate there were only five stores capable of meeting this quota. Being added to this invitation as a +1 store in our first year after opening showed that we had achieved the right momentum in a short time. This situation may be perceived as ordinary for some optical stores, but we see a newly opened optical store proving itself in such a short period as a success story and we welcome it with pride and happiness.
We know that you have agreements with trade unions. What was your main aim with these collaborations and how did they affect your store traffic?
The Marmara Region hosts about 60 percent of our country’s factories. The city where we are located is an industrial center for many well known brands and all of them are registered with trade unions. Considering these factors, we planned to increase our store traffic by offering privileges to union members. In fact this means a mutual loyalty agreement. With the support of my close circle and especially my father, who is a bureaucrat, we also held meetings with unions in the field of education. By bringing these meetings together on common ground, we offered privileges such as discounts and campaigns to union members. In this way we were able to connect the brands we carry with the right consumers.
As Saydam Optik, what are your main criteria for achieving customer satisfaction?
In all my previous business experiences I have always seen the customer not merely as someone who makes a purchase, but as a benefactor with whom we build a long term relationship based on trust. Since the optical sector is directly connected with health, we act with even greater sensitivity in this regard. Because their health is involved, guiding customers correctly is extremely important. In optical eyewear, directing customers toward the right lens and frame selection is essential. With sunglasses, our priority is to explain clearly that they are not just accessories but also have protective features that contribute to eye health. We are certain that customer satisfaction, trust and respect can only be achieved under these conditions. We also believe that the greatest indicator of satisfaction is returning customers. Thanks to the customers who visit our store again with their satisfaction and positive feedback, we see that we are on the right path and we take rightful pride in this.
How do you evaluate the development of the Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair and its contribution to the sector?
Every year optical stores, manufacturers and distributors meet at the Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair. I believe Silmo Istanbul is also a guiding light for opticianry students and for our young colleagues who are planning and shaping their future in the sector. At the fair we have the opportunity to meet companies and colleagues who come from abroad. We are able to follow all technologies, trends and innovations related to the sector and its future. We believe that Silmo Istanbul, which brings our colleagues together, is a very important organization for our sector and creates a sincere environment of business partnership without overlooking any business whether small or large.
Thank you for your valuable interview. Finally, we would like to hear your thoughts about 4 your eyes.
Thank you for giving us a place in this issue. I should mention that my partner Enes has been a reader of 4 your eyes since 2014 and being featured in your magazine carries a special value especially for him. 4 your eyes is an important publication that keeps our sectoral knowledge and ideas up to date with its strong content. We thank the entire team for your contribution and effort for the sector and wish you continued success in your work.
March 2026
Danish eyewear brand Lindberg is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a special publication. Published by Rizzoli, the book Lindberg: Visionary By Design takes a comprehensive look at the brand’s design heritage, innovative approach, and craftsmanship tradition. With its rich visual content and powerful narrative, the book examines Lindberg’s internationally recognized minimalist aesthetic, engineering precision, and high-quality standards from different perspectives. Edited by Curator and Design Consultant Federica Sala, the book also features contributions from Art Curator Caroline Corbetta and Designmuseum Denmark Director Anne Louise Sommer. Designed for design enthusiasts, creative professionals, and collectors, the work focuses not only on the brand’s past but also on its vision of continuous development in the design world. Lindberg: Visionary By Design chronicles the brand’s evolution from its founding to its current global position through a visual and narrative journey. The book, which explores the relationship between Danish design tradition, craft culture, technology, and art, also reveals the brand’s innovative ideas, production processes, and creative dialogues developed over the past 40 years.
March 2026
Matsuda has announced the expansion of its iconic Étude De Style collection with a new model that reflects its ongoing dialogue between heritage and modernity. The new M3169, featuring an oval shape and crafted from ultra-lightweight titanium, has been meticulously shaped with the brand’s architectural precision. The brand’s signature embossed M+N engravings on the frame, along with fine details and hand-finished surfaces, showcase the depth of the brand’s heritage techniques and its commitment to craftsmanship. Hand-painted side shields stand out in the design. Available in vibrant orange, blue, or red, these shields create a sophisticated balance between protection and decoration, function and aesthetics. The flowing lines reminiscent of the organic codes of the Art Nouveau movement in the M3169’s design shape Matsuda’s identity as evidence of the long-standing dialogue between East and West. Reinterpreting vintage influences with a contemporary perspective and balancing historical references with modern Japanese engineering, the M3169 perfectly showcases the latest evolution of the Étude De Style collection. Matsuda once again presents its fashion-focused, craft-driven, and detail-oriented design philosophy to the eyewear industry.
March 2026
Nike Vision has announced innovations in its Max Optics lens technology, developed to support athletes’ visual performance in its sunglasses collections. Aiming to make it easier for athletes to focus by enabling sharper perception of details and displaying colours more vividly with Max Optics lens technology, Nike Vision now offers this technology with Max Optics Pro lenses optimised for different sporting environments. With four special colour options, the Pro series heralds a new era in meeting athletes’ training, competition and everyday use needs. The Road Tint option enhances red and green tones, helping you track ground movements and surface changes more clearly. Field Tint offers a structure that emphasises strong colours such as blue, orange and white to increase visibility, particularly in outdoor sports. Terrain Tint increases contrast by suppressing tones other than red, making it easier to spot changes in rocks and terrain in off-road sports such as trail running or mountain biking. Course Tint is designed for golf courses, enhancing red and green tones to help details appear more clearly.
March 2026
Silmo Academy, the professional development programme of Silmo Paris, will bring together the global optical sector for the first time in Bali on April 6–8 with its International Congress. The three day event is structured around five major themes shaping contemporary optometry and optics practice. Patient centred care and evolving professional roles will be addressed under the theme Putting People First. Healthy Ageing & Presbyopia will focus on World Health Organization initiatives, demographic change and the visual needs of ageing populations. Another key theme will explore clinical innovation and differentiation strategies in practice. The influence of light on refractive development and myopia management, along with advances in artificial intelligence, smart eyewear and medical technology, will also be discussed within the framework of the congress. International speakers include World Council of Optometry President Dr. Cindy Tromans, European Council of Optometry and Optics President Gabrielle Janssen, Professor Rupert Bourne, Professor David Elliott, Professor Eric Papas and Professor Weizhong Lan. Silmo Academy positions the event as a global scientific platform designed to foster knowledge exchange and professional development across the optical sector.
March 2026
