A symbol of elegance and fine craftsmanship, Fendi was founded in Rome in 1925 by Adele and Edoardo Fendi. Today, Silvia Venturini Fendi, Creative Director and granddaughter of the founders, continues the brand’s commitment to quality, tradition, experimentation and creativity. This butterfly-shaped pair of sunglasses from Fendi’s Diamonds collection dazzles with its elegance.
May 2025
With its unique design line and color choices, Face à Face, the France-based eyewear brand, continues to attract attention with every new collection. With this chic pair of sunglasses named Halos, specially designed for women, the brand showcases a confident attitude. You should definitely examine this design closely that emphasizes self-confidence in every detail and line.
May 2025
Rick Owens pushes the boundaries of fashion with his avant-garde designs. Its eyewear collections, combining functionality and elegance with his unique aesthetic, reflect modern luxury. This rectangular-shaped sunglasses model, a retro-inspired futuristic piece from the California-based fashion brand, is set to captivate especially Generation Z, regardless of gender.
May 2025
World-renowned independent Spanish eyewear brand Etnia Barcelona once again merges eyewear with art in its newest collection for the Spring/Summer 2025 season. The Spanish brand’s green-toned sunglasses, named Ritmo, truly dazzle with black and white details on the frame edges that contrast beautifully with the green and elevate the overall aesthetic of the design.
May 2025
While Silmo Istanbul significantly contributes to the global recognition of the Turkish optical industry, it also facilitates the establishment of business connections.
Hello Mr. Burak. Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and share how you were first introduced to the optical industry?
I was introduced to the optical sector thanks to my father. Öztürk Optik, the first optical store in Bakırköy, was founded by my father in 1968. I started working in the eyewear business by spending my school holidays with him. Having started at a young age, I decided to continue my father’s profession by opening my own store in 2021.
You’ve been in the industry for quite a long time. What led you to open B&B Optik? Are you planning to expand with new branches?
I received a lot of support and positive feedback from my surroundings about opening a store. People told me I was born for this job and that it suited me perfectly. Frankly, I embraced this idea myself and took my first entrepreneurial step in the industry by founding B&B Optik. Even before opening the store, my initial goals included branching out. I still feel the same and believe I will achieve this in the future. As you know, the pandemic entered our lives in 2020. Despite the challenges of that period, I decided to open the store within a year. I was fully aware of the risks involved in starting a business during such an economically turbulent time. However, I wanted to turn this risk into an opportunity with my determination and enthusiasm-and I did. I firmly believe in the philosophy, “Life always favors the brave.”
With current trends, we’re seeing a growing interest in designer brands in Türkiye. Which brands are particularly popular in your store?
Our store primarily offers high-end product groups and luxury brands. As branding continues to accelerate globally, the eyewear industry has also become an integral part of this process. Consumer habits and expectations are now shaped accordingly. In line with this, we are committed to presenting globally established and trendsetting brands to our customers. In our collection, we include prestigious and globally recognized brands like Cartier, Balmain, and Dita, aiming to offer our customers both quality and fashion at once.
B&B Optik is a street store. Could you tell us why you preferred a street location over a shopping mall?
The main reason we chose street retail over a mall was our desire for a more independent work environment. For us, customer relations should not be solely sales and trade-oriented, but also based on sincere and sustainable connections. Operating as a local business on the street allows us to build more natural and close relationships with the people around us. Being in direct contact with our customers enables us to better understand their needs and provide them with the most appropriate service. For this reason, street retail is not just a sales point for us-it’s also a space where we form strong bonds with our customers.
Competition among optical stores is growing every day. Could you tell us about your pricing approach for B&B Optik products?
Yes, unfortunately, our sector faces increasing competition, and it’s becoming harder to compete with online prices. However, what we do is not just about selling a fashion accessory-it involves one of the most sensitive aspects of health: eye care. So, our customers don’t just come to buy world-famous sunglasses brands; they also seek essential optical support and information for their eye health. At B&B Optik, we prioritize and value their eye health to the highest degree. Our main goal is to address their needs through the most accurate and sincere communication. Therefore, we continue to uphold our right product, right pricing principle without compromise.
What are your priorities in customer satisfaction? What are your after-sales services that you offer to customers?
For B&B Optik, ‘Your trust is our happiness’ is much more than a slogan. Our top priority is the trust our patients place in us. At B&B Optik, we are aware that our work doesn’t end with a sale. We always have a backup plan (Plan B) in place for possible scenarios after a sale. It is our mission to offer the most accurate and realistic solutions to our patients and customers, both during and after the sales process.
Do you think the training and sales briefings about industry trends, developments, and innovative technologies are sufficient? What are your thoughts?
With the rapid development of the world, our industry-like all others-is experiencing significant changes and innovations in parallel. While technology, design, and production are progressing rapidly, I can’t say the same about sales briefings. Yes, many training programs, presentations, and briefing meetings are organized to provide new information to industry professionals. However, unfortunately, our colleagues often fall short in effectively conveying this information to patients or customers, or they lack proper communication techniques. This naturally reflects on the quality of service.
How do you evaluate the dealer meetings organized by manufacturers and wholesalers? How much do they contribute to business development and motivation?
I find dealer meetings organized by manufacturers and wholesalers to be very beneficial. Such events contribute to the industry’s development while offering a great advantage for us dealers. Especially when the next season’s products are introduced, these meetings help us make more effective decisions about how to shape our product range and which models to offer to our customers. I believe such events are crucial, as they help with business planning and also boost our motivation.
Do you visit international fairs? How important is it to follow them, in your opinion?
Yes, we follow international fairs. These events are especially important for staying updated on innovations and technological changes in optical eyewear, as well as the conveniences they bring to our profession. They significantly contribute to our vision by providing in-depth information on both the latest collections from fashion brands and emerging product trends-especially in the sunglasses segment.
The 11th Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair was held last November. What would you like to share about its development and contribution to the industry?
As the B&B Optik family, we visited the 11th Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, just as we do every year. Since its early years, I have believed that it provides a valuable platform for our sector. Even after a major pandemic like Covid-19, I’m pleased to observe that the fair has continued to improve each year. With Silmo Istanbul’s development, its contributions and support for our industry have also increased. Its growing strength and ever-improving atmosphere have had a highly positive impact on our industry. Silmo Istanbul significantly enhances the global recognition of the Turkish optical industry and makes it easier for us to establish business connections.
Thank you for this valuable interview. Lastly, what would you like to share about our magazine, 4 your eyes?
We follow your magazine regularly every month. We highly value the insightful content and up-to-date information you provide for the industry. On behalf of B&B Optik, I’d like to thank you for featuring us in 4 your eyes. We wish you continued success with your work, which keeps a pulse on the sector and serves as a guide for all of us.
May 2025
Caroline Abram, who offers women elegant and joyful styles, wins hearts with her distinctive approach that makes eyewear an essential part of the look.
After studying law and economics, Caroline Abram decided to pursue a career in fashion and design. She began her career in the fashion industry, working for credible fashion houses such as Balmain, Celine and Chloé before transitioning to eyewear design. In 2008, Caroline Abram launched her eponymous eyewear line, focusing on creating high-quality, fashion-forward frames that could be worn for years. With a background in fashion and a passion for eyewear, Caroline Abram has created a signature style that combines classic elegance with a modern flair. Caroline Abram Eyewear collection stems from the French eyewear designer known for her sophisticated and timeless designs. We present an interview with French Designer Caroline Abram about how she met the world of eyewear, her passion for design and what inspires her collections.
You were born and raised in the world of eyewear. Was following in your family’s footsteps inevitable for you?
Not really. In fact, in my early teenage years, eyewear didn’t mean much to me. My true passion was drawing. But my mother insisted I earn a diploma, and I was very good at math, physics, and technical drawing. So, I thought I would get my diploma and then move on to a different field. But everything unfolded naturally. I started working at my mother’s optical store, while also attending ceramic workshops in the evenings. I knew how time-consuming this business was and wasn’t sure if it was something I’d want to do for the rest of my life.
What led you to focus on design?
I felt the need to create. Honestly, everything happened quite by chance. When I was 18, I spent a year in Senegal with my father and fell in love with someone there. I had to find a way not to feel stuck in Paris. At the time, there were amazing shops in Senegal selling handcrafted beads – silver beads, Mauritius beads, wooden ones… I had the idea of creating chains to sell in my mother’s store using these beautiful beads. When I went to the beach to see my boyfriend, I would make these chains while he was working. Back in Paris, I displayed them at the store. Until I founded my own eyewear brand, I kept creating collections simply because people loved them and I enjoyed the process – it felt like play. But over time, I realized I had a passion I couldn’t quite explain. I loved drawing, painting, working with color. So, finding myself in the world of design felt completely natural.
Your first eyewear collection received widespread acclaim. How did you prepare for it?
At first, I was planning to pair my feminine chains with ready-made reading glasses. I designed a collection that only matched butterfly-shaped frames. I knew there was a market for this. But I actually saw them as “women’s glasses.” I quickly realized that when the frames sit right at brow level, they visually lift the face – almost like a mini facelift. That’s when I decided to design joyful, feminine eyewear that lifts the facial features. Even young people embraced this style right away, and I knew I was on the right path.
Why is it important for you to appeal to women? Who wears Caroline Abram glasses?
Because my glasses are a reflection of my world. To me, eyewear is jewelry, makeup, and a mini facelift all in one. I always felt that women wore rather “melancholic” glasses. I wanted them to wear eyewear like they would apply blush or eyeliner. I wanted to help them achieve a chic but understated, beautiful but not bizarre look. Any woman who enjoys playing with her appearance, her individuality, or simply her femininity can wear Caroline Abram. I work a lot with structure. My frames are usually very refined. They’re not invisible, but they adapt well to different faces. I focus on how the glasses integrate with the person and subtly enhance her beauty – even if you can’t quite explain why. Just like makeup. I don’t like makeup that looks “too much.” The same applies to eyewear. You shouldn’t see the glasses – you should see the woman behind them. That’s my entire goal.
Why is your desire to empower women so strong?
It’s purely passion – it’s part of who I am. Since I was little, I’ve always sought harmony and wholeness. I never followed trends just because they were in fashion. Like everyone else, I’ve been unconsciously influenced by visuals around me, but my style has always been my own. I wear Stan Smiths and elegant dresses; I like tight fits and loose ones – I simply enjoy being a woman. That’s why I’ve always admired the 60s. Women looked like living dolls – carefully styled hair, dresses in vibrant colors… so full of life.
Where do you draw inspiration when designing your collections?
Inspiration always comes from the material or the shape. Take nylon, for example – the moment I saw this material, I wanted to design a collection around it. I “warmed” the material with my color palette, added soft, wavy curves to the temples to bring in femininity, and used titanium to preserve its lightness. I usually design in a way that honors the material. In a talk I gave in Australia, I used a first date analogy: You work out, wear your best dress, carefully pick your bag and shoes. But once you’re at the table, the man across from you sees only your glasses all evening! Everyone laughed – but it’s true. That’s what inspires me. Every time I see a woman put on my glasses, look in the mirror, and like what she sees – that’s when I say, “This is what I’m meant to do.”
What inspired you to create a collection for children?
Just as I hoped women would feel better wearing my glasses, I wanted the same for children. Wearing glasses often affects kids emotionally, especially since they’re frequently teased at school – it’s a cliché by now. That’s exactly why I designed a children’s collection that closely mirrors my adult line. The aim was to enhance their appearance while preserving their childlike essence. I once met a little girl who got a pair of Caroline Abram glasses and was absolutely over the moon. When she went to school, everyone loved her glasses and wanted to go to the eye doctor too. She was as happy as if I had sold her high heels. That’s exactly the kind of effect I want to create. Little girls who wear glasses shouldn’t be teased – they’re already beautiful.
As the founder of a globally recognized design brand, what’s your next goal
Growth is exciting for most people, but I don’t have a specific plan for what comes next – and I’m fine with that. For years, I worked outside of my comfort zone; I had to learn the business and take each step carefully. Now, I just want to keep creating things that people love. I feel a sense of responsibility to those who connect with the brand. I want to preserve my human and family-oriented side. I have no intention of growing any bigger.
Source: Pret a Voir & Lunettes Originales
May 2025
Cazal, a name etched in gold in the world of eyewear, marks half a century with its iconic designs that challenge symmetry and break conventions.
Combining elegance and grandeur, Cazal celebrates its 50th anniversary as one of the most iconic eyewear brands, reflecting the distinctive creativity and mastery of one of the most talented eyewear designers of all time. This legendary brand, etched in gold in the history of eyewear, draws its inspiration from the lifelong passion for design of its founder, and today it appears before us with a bold identity that delivers the most powerful forms of fashion expression. Through its innovative collections, it continues to appeal to those with character, attitude, and style. As it marks its 50th anniversary with a special campaign, Cazal brings its timeless aesthetic and creative roots back into the spotlight. That’s why, in this article, we’re taking a closer look at Cazal’s bold and passionate design journey spanning half a century.
A Lifelong Passion for Design
The name “Cazal” is derived from the combination of the first two letters of the brand’s co-founder and creative director Cari Zalloni’s first and last name. Born in Athens, Greece, in 1937 to a Greek-Italian father and an Austrian mother, Cari spent his childhood roaming the lively streets of ancient Athens. After the death of his father in 1947, the family moved to Austria to be closer to his mother’s relatives. At the time, Vienna served as a cultural bridge between Eastern and Western Europe. Growing up in a design-infused environment, Cari graduated from the University of Applied Arts Vienna in 1960. After graduation, he briefly worked for an Italian furniture company, designing lighting fixtures. But in 1962, he moved to Germany and entered the eyewear industry, which would ultimately introduce him to the world. He began working for Carrera Optyl, one of the most influential eyewear brands of the time, where he contributed to many collections. However, it was the Saphira collection that truly drew attention, offering a preview of the legendary designs he would later create. In 1975, as his success and reputation in eyewear design grew, Cari Zalloni decided to launch his own brand. With the support of entrepreneur Günter Böttcher, Cazal Eyewear was born. From the very beginning, Cari and his partner were clear in their design philosophy: to create distinctive, attention-grabbing frames. Though Cazal’s first collections didn’t appeal to the masses, a devoted fan base quickly emerged-drawn to the brand’s originality and rule-breaking design language. Over time, Cazal glasses became the perfect choice for this growing audience. Cazal has always delivered designs that spark conversation, attract attention, and ignite debate. Under Zalloni’s leadership, the design team worked meticulously to redefine the form of eyewear. They pushed the boundaries of symmetry and created groundbreaking models that set Cazal apart from other brands. In 1970s Germany, this unique Cazal design culture was about to intersect with another rising cultural movement: hip-hop, emerging in the United States.
Cazal and Hip-Hop Connection
While Cazal was becoming a favorite among street style enthusiasts in Europe, hip-hop was being born in the U.S. In late-1970s New York, DJ Kool Herc and Grandmaster Theodore laid the foundations of hip-hop at block parties on the East Coast. The bold and defiant style of artists like LL Cool J and Run-DMC perfectly aligned with Cazal designs. When Run-D.M.C.’s Darryl McDaniels wore the 607 model, the now-iconic frame gained massive popularity and Cazal Eyewear’s U.S. sales skyrocketed. Cazal’s American distributor, Palm-Ultra, grew alongside the brand’s popularity and began producing its own striking models. The 858 worn by MC Hammer and the 616 worn by Spike Lee were both born during this period. Today, pristine originals of these iconic models can fetch up to $1,000. Reinterpreting material, function, and form in a uniquely distinctive way, Cari Zalloni left behind a global luxury brand that broke sales records in over 60 countries upon his passing in 2012. The design team, who remain passionately committed to the values of this charismatic revolutionary, immortalize Zalloni’s signature while creating collections that carry the Cazal identity forward and set new standards.
Breaking the Design Code
Cazal Celebrates 50 Years
For half a century, Cazal has redefined eyewear with its bold and pioneering designs. At this milestone moment, the brand pays homage to its rich heritage while embracing the limitless possibilities of the future. With a design philosophy often described as “radical maximalism,” Cazal continues to push boundaries. Its 50th anniversary campaign features surreal landscapes, floating structures, reflective monuments, and imaginative forms-boldly showcasing the brand’s extraordinary spirit. At 50, Cazal reaffirms its mission to keep redefining eyewear with courageous, visionary, and character-rich creations.
Source: Ed&Sarna
May 2025
Eyelid twitching, something that many people experience in the hustle and bustle of daily life, is usually considered harmless, but in some cases, it may be an important signal from the body.
Sometimes we feel a small area twitching lightly-sometimes on our eyelid, sometimes on our leg. In such moments, we often say to someone next to us, “My eye is twitching, look, it’s pulsing-can you see it?” to have the movement confirmed. These kinds of visible, small contractions are known as fasciculations. Fasciculations are movements that occur when bundles of muscle fibers under the skin, called fascicles, randomly contract and relax, causing a slight movement in the skin of the affected area.
The involuntary movement of muscle fibers occurs as a result of sudden irritation of a lower motor neuron in the spinal cord. Since these nerve cells control an entire group of muscle fibers, all the fibers contract at once. Because fasciculations do not pose any danger, there is no detailed scientific research on the subject. However, experts suggest that insufficient sleep, magnesium deficiency, excessive exercise, and high caffeine consumption can trigger such muscle twitches.
When Is Eye Twitching A Sign Of Danger?
While experts emphasize that eyelid twitching is mostly harmless, they point out that an eye doctor should be consulted in the following cases:
May 2025
With the arrival of spring, the increase in pollen and changes in weather conditions trigger allergic reactions that affect millions of people. Individuals with allergies struggle with symptoms such as itching, nasal congestion, watery eyes, and redness.
Patients dealing with spring allergies tend to constantly rub their eyes. Although rubbing the eyes may seem like a simple habit, it can lead to permanent vision loss, especially due to the damage it causes on the cornea. It has been found that changes occurring particularly in the cornea-the transparent front layer of the eye-can lead to vision loss to the extent of blindness. Rubbing the eyes disrupts the natural structure of the cornea and can cause serious conditions like keratoconus, which result in loss of vision.
Spring allergies are the result of the immune system in the eye overreacting. Due to the itching and watering of the eyes, many patients instinctively start to rub their eyes. However, this action causes thinning and protrusion in the corneal tissue on the eye’s surface, leading to progressive deformity. In a condition known as keratoconus, patients initially complain of blurred vision caused by astigmatism, and if not diagnosed and treated in time, it can progress to serious visual problems, including the inability to see clearly even with glasses, and eventually vision loss. Experts who offer advice on how to protect against the risks of rubbing the eyes emphasize that proper treatment methods should be applied before rubbing the eyes in order to alleviate allergic reactions. Allergy symptoms can be managed correctly with treatments such as medication, eye drops, and cold compresses. Instead of rubbing the eyes, these alternative treatment options are preferred.
Precautions to Protect Eye Health:
In order to protect eye health and prevent serious vision problems, individuals with spring allergies should be careful not to harm their eyes. Avoiding the habit of rubbing the eyes during the spring season can help reduce the risk of vision loss.
May 2025
Under-eye bags caused by the skin’s prolonged exposure to gravity due to aging can make a person look tired. Fortunately, it is possible to eliminate these bags, which can develop for various reasons.
Aging, lack of sleep, prolonged screen time, stress, consumption of salty foods, fluid retention in the body, genetic predisposition, kidney and thyroid diseases, and allergies are all among the factors that contribute to the formation of under-eye bags. The eye area is known to be one of the most prominent regions where signs of aging appear. Sometimes due to facial structure, and other times due to age or systemic conditions, puffiness, bags, and excess skin around the eyes can create a fatigued and aged appearance. A surgical method called transconjunctival blepharoplasty can effectively resolve these concerns, offering a scar-free and swift recovery. Op. Dr. Burak Akbay from the Ophthalmology Department at Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital shared insights into lower eyelid surgery using this minimally invasive approach.
Natural Results Without Visible Scars
Transconjunctival blepharoplasty is a surgical technique used to remove or reposition excess fat in the lower eyelid. The procedure is performed through a small incision made inside the lower eyelid, in a mucosal layer called the conjunctiva. This allows for aesthetic results without any visible scarring. If there is also excess skin, laser or surgical skin tightening can be performed in the same session.
Lower Risk of Complications: Since there is no incision on the skin’s surface, the risk of complications such as muscle damage, eyelid drooping, infection, or scarring is significantly reduced.
May 2025
