Sales Point

Anda Optik

Posted on by Burcu Yıldız

ANDA OPTİK
Young and Innovative

Silmo Istanbul is valuable in bringing together international exhibitors to introduce new products, share sectoral innovations and strengthen business relationships.

Hello Mrs. Dilhun. Could you introduce yourself a little bit and tell us about how your path crossed with the optical sector?

Hello, I started my education at Işık University in 2013. After two years of education, although I am from Izmir, I stayed in Istanbul and continued my business life here. I first started working at Etiler Optik in Etiler. With the support of Mr. Ufuk and Mrs. Seda, I gained 5 years of experience. Then I returned to Izmir, my hometown. Here, of course, I continued in the sector and started working at Atölye Gözlük Optik in Alsancak. I spent about another 5 years at Atölye Gözlük with the support of Mr. Esen and Mr. Kaan. Now, with more than 10 years of experience, my husband Aykut and I decided to open Anda, our dream.

Could you tell us about the establishment phase of Anda Optik?

Before establishing our optical store, we paid attention to researching the market and understanding the needs and preferences of potential customers. Analyzing the competition and examining the competitors in the local market helped us to make strategic decisions. We also took care to create a business plan, setting out our business goals, strategies, operational plans and financial forecasts. We had to provide a roadmap for the long-term success of our business, and we had to choose a suitable location for our store, taking into account factors such as accessibility, traffic density, demographic factors and even rental costs.

So what did you pay attention to while determining the location of Anda Optik?

We considered the target audience of our store and the segments of our potential customers. It was important that the store was easily accessible and located in a high-traffic area. For this reason, we also considered factors such as its proximity to main roads and public transportation. We had to make a strategic location choice by considering the locations of competing stores. Being far away from competitors or choosing a special location that would provide a competitive advantage was important at this stage. Demographic data in the region also played an important role in determining the target audience’s interest in the store. Visibility and visual appeal of the store were important. We believe that being located on the main streets will provide advantages in terms of reaching potential customers more easily and strengthening the brand’s image.

What are the most popular brands of optical and sunglasses sold in your store?

It is important to offer high quality products to customers. We consider factors such as the quality of acetate and metal frames used in optical and sunglasses. Our customers’ loyalty and perception of certain brands certainly influences the store’s brand choices. It is important for us to follow fashion trends and choose products that are in line with current fashion trends. While the majority prefers world-famous fashion brands, there is a segment that is now turning towards special designs with more boutique and different features. For this reason, in order to appeal to both sides, we have both fashion brands and boutique design brands in our store and obviously boutique products are more demanded.

Do you have products from every segment in your store?

Having different product segments increases the chance to appeal to different customer groups. Creating a broad customer base plays an important role in increasing potential sales. In addition, having different product segments allows us to meet the different needs of customers and often generates additional sales. Especially if competition is intense in a certain product segment, we believe that diversifying into different segments can provide a competitive advantage. I think we are a store that offers quality and diverse products, which can create a reliable image in the eyes of customers and increase the brand value of the store.

Designer brands are very popular in recent years. Do you also receive demand from your customers in this direction?

There is definitely a demand. The demand for designer, boutique brands has been increasing in recent years. Designer brands are generally known for their quality materials, original designs and brand prestige and therefore become a priority for many customers. In line with these demands, we are turning more towards designer brands and we sell them with pleasure. Our customers are usually looking for quality, prestige and uniqueness when they prefer designer brands and they can find them all in these products.

Street stores or being located in a shopping mall? What is your preference and what are the reasons?

Frankly speaking, I have always liked the high street stores more. For this reason, every process of my business life has been in street stores. This is also why I preferred a high street store for Anda Optik. Because high street stores are usually located on main roads or busy streets, they are open to more pedestrian traffic and potential customers. The street can have more visibility compared to shopping centers. The use of shop windows, signage and outdoor advertising can help the store stand out. The feeling of discovering and exploring a random store on the street is a more pleasant option for some customers.

What do you think about the necessity of in-sector sales and training briefings?

In-sector trainings can of course increase the product knowledge of store employees. It can help them learn about new trends and technologies and help us provide better service to the customer. These trainings can strengthen the brand image of our store and increase customer loyalty. It is of course important that store employees are regularly trained and informed, but I think that these trainings have decreased compared to the past. Organizing regular training programs on the introduction of new products, current sales techniques and customer relations can ensure the continuous development of employees. Nowadays, thanks to technology, we can find many useful training opportunities.

What do you think about the rate and awareness of eyeglass use in our country? What can be done to increase eyeglass use and who has a role to play?

It is important to increase the level of knowledge about the importance of eyeglass use and eye health in society. Eye health campaigns, seminars and communication channels, especially social media, can certainly be used to raise public awareness about the use of glasses. Regular eye examinations are important for early detection of visual impairments and prescription of appropriate glasses.

We should also consider measures such as health insurance covering the cost of eyeglasses. Finally, I would like to add that educational programs on eye health (diagnosis) control and the use of glasses should be organized in schools.

How would you evaluate the 10th Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, which was held for the 10th time with a new and larger service area?

The developments in Turkey’s optical sector are ideally showcased at Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair. Silmo Istanbul brings together international exhibitors in the optical industry and provides an important platform for introducing new products, sharing sectoral innovations and strengthening business relationships.

Thank you very much for this valuable interview. Could you tell us your comments on the transition of our magazine 4 your eyes to digital publishing?

Honestly, I find digital publishing more practical. It gives us the opportunity to interact with your magazine and get feedback, even if we are far away. It would be very enjoyable for us to be able to share our thoughts on the content, make comments and even share the content via social media. We wish you continued success.

 July 2024

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Wholesaler Interview

Potential Optical

Posted on by Burcu Yıldız

Discover Your Potential

Silmo Istanbul enables companies to carry out both marketing and promotional activities together. For this reason, I believe that the fair creates a valuable advantage.

Hello Mr. Halil, after briefly introducing yourself to our readers, could you share your story of entering the optical sector?

Hello, I am Halil İbrahim Akşehirli.  I come from a family that has been serving the optical sector for three generations. In addition to wholesaling, I continue our activities in the retail chain with ten stores under the name of Güven Optik, which I took from my father and which I continue and which is currently managed by my son Hasan Basri Akşehirli. Our path is the imagination that we need for glasses and that will express our identity, and advanced ideas that will bring imagination to life. After knowing and understanding these, it is to apply them, to turn them into life. A positive outlook, a healthy body, knowing your interlocutor yourself are indispensable elements of my philosophy of life.

Could you tell us about the establishment, development and sectoral vision of Potential Optical?

For Potential Optical, we can say that it is basically an innovative professional breakthrough of the family, which has been working as an optician since 1959, in accordance with the present day. Our goal is to deliver a wide and high quality product range to customers with the best price and service. In our offices in Üsküdar, Istanbul and Bornova, Izmir, all optical store owners can examine our products at any time by appointment. Our collections offer the best comfort while maximizing the health and elegance of its users in a fast-paced lifestyle. We continue our activities uninterruptedly with our unique and sustainable patented models.

How many brands do you have within the company? What would you like to say about their main features, interaction groups and their position in the sector?

As Potential Optical, we have our own valuable brands that we have been distributing in Turkey and other countries since 2018. Motivum, which gives life motivation to all its users, Freemood, which is highly compatible with free-spirited individuals, and Eyewear1959 are currently among our brands. We are also excited to introduce a very high quality eyewear group to the sector next month. I would also like to mention that Potential Optical is expanding our distributorship network with new countries to be added. Our priority in all our brands is always to make you feel our current spirit and logic in the best way. The lightness of the materials used in our brands and models prevents the weight that may occur during use with the flexibility of the frame. It has managed to attract the attention of free-spirited characters with minimalist designs and an ingenious fashion sense. Our collections, which have a stylistic appeal, have been able to appeal to many styles with their color range.

With what factors do you determine the collections of your brands?

The technology accumulated over time in various production areas and the experience of devoted efforts have permeated innovative products and created the timeless identity of our brands.  The compliance of the materials used with health standards, their quality and their suitability for opticianry are among the indispensable qualities of the collections offered by our company. In addition, we attach great importance to the fact that our collections contain free-spirited, free models and that they are compatible with every season and every fashion. At Potential Optical, we appreciate the value of every moment and strive to continue the history of our brands only in the pursuit of eternal value.

Do you plan to add new brands to Potential Optical?

We have accumulated experience, skill and dedication over the years. Our priority when adding new brands has always been to understand and communicate the spirit of the brand. Thus, at Potential Optical, our selfless effort to find answers has become our innovation. For this reason, the priority is always to take our brands to a higher level. While we are focused on giving our existing brands timeless identities, as a company that is developing, growing and evolving in a good way, we of course have an open mind to consider new, potential brands.

What is your strategy for expanding your distribution and sales network?

As Potential Optical, we serve every region of Turkey with three separate distribution and sales teams. Our dynamic and well-equipped team provides information to our colleagues who love and appreciate our product by explaining the difference and benefits of our products one-on-one, completely, without disturbing them. Undoubtedly, our distribution and sales network development efforts are gaining momentum every day and we continue to reach a wider audience in this sense. Our presence in the fair led by Silmo Istanbul, the advertisements we place in 4 your eyes Optik Magazin magazine, as well as our current presence in digital channels play an important role in strengthening our sales network.

Could you tell us about your services for your customers during and after sales?

As Potential Optical, we have an in-house experience center. While determining our marketing strategies, we carefully consider the after-sales process as well as the sales. Since we give optimum importance to after-sales support, I think that we make the users and the opticianry establishment smile.

Which communication tools do you find more effective for promoting your brands? How do you inform your customers about campaigns and innovations?

Understanding and recognizing the target audience is the first and most important step in brand promotion. I believe that the most effective information about the difference and benefits of our products is one-to-one, face-to-face. When you get to know the sector, that is, your target audience, it is very important to be able to analyze the insights you will get from them and the data you observe to understand our sector in the best way. I always think that the findings we reach as a result of the analysis will help us make effective decisions about how and when to present our brands. In line with all this, Potential Optical prefers to interact with our target audience on digital platforms and on our website.

Do you follow international fairs and what are your thoughts on this subject?

Of course we follow international fairs. We will continue to be a participant as Potential Optical in the following years. I think that these global events create valuable opportunities for the development of our industry. We can say that fairs are the common meeting point for the latest technologies and trendy brands and countless collections.

As an exhibitor, how would you evaluate the 10th Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair with its new and larger service area since its inception?

The developments in our sector and the new formations in the market have created an environment where competition is intense. Today, I no longer consider it sufficient to produce and market only quality goods in order to achieve success and make sales. Because in today’s conditions, consumers can encounter different prices, quality and forms of the same goods and have the chance to choose the goods or services they need among different alternatives. In such a market environment, participation in Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair offers significant advantages to companies. The fair enables companies to carry out both marketing and promotional activities together. For this reason, I find Silmo Istanbul’s sincere support activities for the sector and us important. The fair, which is organized with remarkable intelligence; well-trained employees, active and successful pre-fair and during the fair promotion activities, design and carefully carried out post-fair activities have been improving over the years. We would like to thank the entire Silmo Istanbul team.

Thank you very much for this valuable interview. Finally, what do you think about the transition of our magazine 4 your eyes to digital publication?

I think your magazine is a successful factor in keeping up with the current news. I find it very successful that it provides information about the development and innovations of many companies that are well-known or well-known in the sector. I also appreciate your adaptation to the digital age and wish you continued success. Thank you.

July 2024

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Interview

Mazzucchelli 1849

Posted on by Burcu Yıldız

Mazzucchelli 1849

175 Years of Legacy

Mazzucchelli 1849 has focused sustainability. No longer satisfied with only high quality and aesthetics, the company is expanding its eco-friendly activities with a new production facility.

Starting as a small factory in 1849, Mazzucchelli 1849’s acetates have become world-renowned. 175 years have passed since Santino Mazzucchelli opened a tiny factory to manufacture combs and buttons made from animal horn, bone and tortoiseshell. During these 175 years that small factory grew and, thanks to the foresight and ideas of the members of the Mazzucchelli family, who understood its potential, generation after generation, it became what it is today: an international company with a highly sophisticated know-how, world leader in production and distribution of cellulose acetate granules and sheets, mainly used in the eyewear market. Mazzucchelli 1849 has evolved into an international leader in the cellulose acetate production industry, celebrated for its craftsmanship and innovation. As the company celebrates its 175th anniversary, we present the interview of Group Product Development Manager Elena Orsi Mazzucchelli about the development of sustainable materials and its vision for strategic expansion.

Mazzucchelli 1849’s legacy spans six generations. How does the company balance the preservation of tradition and craftsmanship with its drive for innovation in a rapidly evolving market?

This question deserves serious consideration. Sometimes a mindset and an approach to work that come naturally are not easy to explain. Mazzucchelli preserves the tradition of modernity, it’s the way of being of the family conveyed to the company. Mazzucchelli’s activities have changed over time, but the focus on the quality of what we produce has not changed and, above all, the same as always is the driving force that leads us to look beyond. It is not only necessary to decipher and understand the market, but, mainly, to be one step ahead. You have to weigh up and make strict choices but then believe in what you do and carry it out with determination. Changes may be very violent, quick and impacting nowadays. It becomes essential to work with a cohesive team. I believe in the key role of the human figure, the quality of the people involved in the company certainly makes the difference. The centrality of the person and craftsmanship must be preserved addressing aspects related to all-round sustainability.

We understand that Mazzucchelli 1849 is opening a new production facility this year. Could you provide details on the motivation behind this expansion, the technologies or capabilities it will introduce, and how it aligns with the company’s vision for the future?

In particular, opening our new plant means that we have redesigned our processes to use energy from renewable sources and have much lower energy consumption, lower water consumption, lower process waste and higher production efficiency. This specifically means that we have redesigned our processes in order to use energy from renewable sources and to have much lower energy consumption, lower water consumption, lower process waste and higher production efficiency. This is thanks to new, entirely re-designed machinery, a high level of automation and an innovative production process control system.

Talking about sustainability also means finding solutions with a lower environmental impact: for this reason, we planned the construction of a Waste Recovery Centre, which will be able to treat the cellulose acetate waste generated by our processes and transform it into End of Waste, to be recovered in the chemical recycling plant of our supplier Eastman. This circular process of acetate waste recovery can also be offered to our customers, helping to reduce the global quantities of waste that are currently sent to landfill.

How does the company incorporate sustainability into its corporate direction, and can you elaborate on its efforts, particularly in developing sustainable materials like M49 bioplastic?

Most of the investments carried out in recent years have been directed towards improvements in processes, materials and technologies so as to have a better impact on the environment. One of them is M49, Mazzucchelli bioplastic, whose formula combines the physical mechanical characteristics of the classical formulation with a characteristic of strong eco-sustainability. Traditional plasticizer has been replaced by a plasticizing solution of vegetable origin, thus making M49 a bioplastic with a remarkable bio-based content. A far more recent example of Mazzucchelli commitment to sustainability is the collaboration with the US company Eastman started in 2020. Following this collaboration, Mazzucchelli has decided to add to its production the manufacturing of sheets made with Acetate Renew™, an innovative flake generated through a process, called Carbon Renewal Technology, that transforms plastic waste into primary molecules in order to obtain the raw material again.

Mazzucchelli 1849 is known for collaborating with some of the best companies globally. Could you share examples of successful collaborations and how these partnerships have contributed to the company’s success?

We collaborate with all our customers trying to share innovation and improvement programs and projects, ranging from system integration to the development of new products. We are very proud of the collaboration with our main raw material supplier, Eastman Chemical, one of the most important companies in the world in the production of plastic materials and at the forefront of chemical recycling processes. The collaboration with Eastman will allow us to create a circular waste and waste recovery process that goes in the direction of increasing the sustainability of our businesses.

How does Mazzucchelli 1849 envision its role in the future of the cellulose acetate production industry, and what steps is the company taking to adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities?

Mazzucchelli wants to continue to play an important role in the world of cellulose acetate. Mazzucchelli is and wants to continue to be the most important reference for those who work in the eyewear market, especially, but not only, high-end eyewear. This is why it is important to guarantee innovation not only in design and color variations, but in materials and processes, as far as production and supply chain integration are concerned. Today it is no longer enough to be able to make a product that is aesthetically and technically up to par; it is necessary to develop solutions that respond to the needs of material sustainability, increasingly high quality and increasingly flexible and fast service. Mazzucchelli is investing resources and energy to respond to new emerging needs, and the investments in the new factory and the waste recovery center are just some of the new steps we are taking.

Source: 20/20 Europe

July 2024

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Interview

Rolf Spectacles

Posted on by Burcu Yıldız

Rolf Spectacles

Beyond the Eco-Friendly

The premium eyewear brand Rolf has reinvented its brand identity – a rather bold step for a brand that is known above all for its consistency.

Rolf Spectacles stands out in the eyewear industry for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Founded in the heart of the Tyrolean Alps, Rolf Spectacles has been pioneering the use of natural materials in eyewear since its inception. The brand is renowned for creating handcrafted frames that are not only lightweight and comfortable but also embody the beauty and resilience of the natural world. The premium eyewear brand Rolf has reinvented its brand identity – a rather bold step for a brand that is known above all for its consistency and sustainability. We present the the interview of Christian Wolf, Marketing Manager and Co-Founder about the rebranding and #planetrolf project.

Hello Christian, how have the last few years been for Rolf? What innovations have you made?

The last few years have been challenging for any brand, but in difficult times you have to rethink and that’s what we did. Thanks to our regional production, we have always had the great advantage of being able to deliver, which has made these years very successful. We expanded our portfolio with the Substance collection and were able to reach a large number of customers. The product impresses with its quality, design, innovation, sustainability and price. As we have been producing in our factory for 15 years and are largely independent of suppliers, we didn’t have to change in this area and were always able to deliver.

You have launched your rebranding project. What is new or different about you?

Rolf was launched in 2009. After more than a decade, we felt the need to renew ourselves in order to preserve our youth, generate new enthusiasm and sharpen our focus. The key was a deep examination of our brand. This “reboot” led to the definition of our core values and now gives us more room for creativity again.

We have successfully introduced a new logo, a fresh corporate identity and a simplified website. We are proud and happy with the result. We enjoy working with our new brand identity every day.

How did the rebranding process develop, how much role did your corporate culture play in this process?

The entire rebranding process was a far-reaching and well-considered decision that we implemented with the help of external professionals. You need fresh perspectives and expertise for a process like this. We chose the Rabensteiner agency from Innsbruck. Their experience, creativity and patience were exactly what we were looking for. Together with Ulrike Hirtzberger, we developed a comprehensive brand strategy that included positioning, competitive analysis and other key elements. We then worked on the details on this basis. The end result was more than just a new logo – it was the birth of #planetrolf – “Rolf. Naturally handmade”, a brand identity that fully reflects our values and vision. Our design approach combines high-tech with traditional craftsmanship and underlines our passion for aesthetics and functionality. The rebranding process was an opportunity to bring these elements even more to the fore. A love of technology, craftsmanship, nature and design – these are all key elements of our Dna that we are expressing in our new brand identity.

Are there any particular designs or design elements that you want to emphasize as part of the rebranding?

Rolf focuses on timeless design, characterized by clarity and understatement. Our design is characterized by a harmonious design language. We believe that good design starts in the gut, goes through the head and touches the heart. Aesthetics and technology are equally important. Rolf transforms complexity into simplicity.

How does understatement in design manifest itself?

In the functionality and beauty of our products. At Rolf, you don’t recognize a pair of glasses by their eye-catching logo, but by their balanced shape and subtle, functional elegance. Our eyewear proves that functional design can also be beautiful. Each frame contains innovative know-how and natural simplicity. Giving these aspects more space and strengthening the Rolf brand as a framework for our products was the core of our rebrandings.

Does the rebranding also involve adapting or expanding the collections?

Absolutely. In addition to maintaining our existing collections, we will continuously introduce new products and collections. For example, we presented the Fusion collection lately. This collection combines our technical expertise with natural materials – a real milestone for us. To this end, we have invested in the modernization of our machinery. This investment underlines our commitment to high-tech, innovation and independence.

So #planetrolf stands for?

Innovation, for constantly questioning the status quo and for our commitment to producing high-quality and durable eyewear from renewable raw materials. We communicate openly and transparently and leave it up to our partners and customers to decide what they consider to be sustainable and honest products. Our approach to sustainability is based on our own standards and beliefs and not on external organic or eco-labels. Everyone who can identify with our products meets at #planetrolf.

 

Source: Spectr

June 2024

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Sales Point

City Optik

Posted on by Burcu Yıldız

CITY OPTİK
Sincere Shopping

Silmo Istanbul stands out with its development, the number of exhibitors increasing every year and the innovations prepared by the exhibitors for the visitors.

Hello Mr. Faruk. Could you introduce yourself a little bit and tell us about how you entered the optical sector?
Hello, first of all, I would like to thank 4 your eyes team for this precious interview. I am Faruk Tepe, born in 1980 in Istanbul. Before 2007, I had the opportunity to get to know the optical sector while working in pharmacy – optics. I aimed to be a part of this sector and then decided to start my own business. This is how I opened the first City Optik store.

Could you tell us about your journey with City Optik and your branches?
About 20 years ago, I literally entered the optical sector by opening our first store in Esenyurt. From those early days when I did not have much knowledge about the sector and the work done; I have come to these days by improving myself. During this time, growing and branching was a goal I always desired. We are currently serving the sector and our customers with a total of 7 stores, 6 in Istanbul and 1 in Tekirdağ.

What do you pay attention to when determining the location of your stores? We know that you host your customers with pleasure with the cafe-bar in your store. Let’s talk about this idea.
We determine the location of our stores according to the population in the region and the shopping density of the neighborhood. We have been managing the cafe-bar catering project with pleasure since the opening. We serve our customers like guests coming to our home and ensure that they spend more quality and sincere time during their shopping experience. This has attracted the attention of our customers in all our stores and made us stand out with this stance that enables us to offer our customers a quality and warm shopping experience.

Street stores or being located in a shopping mall? What is your preference and what are the reasons?
Since we started the sector with street stores, it has always seemed warmer to me to do business with the logic of artisans. For this reason, in the past, I would have answered this question directly as a street store. However, our orientation towards shopping mall stores has been completely customer demand. The fact that the store is open 7 days a week makes it easier for us to reach our customers. I think we serve more customers in a longer time period in the shopping mall. Nevertheless, we plan to continue growing the City Optik brand with our street stores.

What are the most popular brands of optical and sunglasses sold in your store?
We have all kinds of products in our stores, from the most economical to the most expensive. In our best-selling category, of course, products such as Burberry, Tom Ford, Rayban, Silhouette, Lindberg, especially Prada, have been preferred for several years.

Do you include products from every segment in your store? How do you think having different product segments reflects on your sales?
Having products from every segment causes customer diversity. This means great comfort and convenience for the seller. Since our customers can find products of every price and brand in the aisles, they can get the service of the most suitable product for their budget and style.

Designer brands are very popular in recent years. Do you also receive requests from your customers in this direction?
Yes, there used to be a distinction between boutique and commercial products. Now, the effect of social media and the use of eyewear as a style completion product has eliminated this distinction. For this reason, we now receive requests from our customers in this direction.

What are your after sales services?
We conduct customer satisfaction surveys after sales, measuring the service quality of our customers increases our sales quality. The technical service department, where we deal with all products, is an important element for us. We pay special attention to reduce the waiting time of our customers by finding a solution to defective products from a single source in a short time.

How do you inform your customers about changes and campaigns in your store?
We usually prefer to inform our customers verbally when they come to the store. We announce the campaigns with visuals on the exterior showcases, including informative advertising texts such as in-store brochures and posters.

Are in-sector sales and training briefings sufficient? Do you organize training programs for your store employees?
We provide continuous training with our management staff during our store visits. We plan training programs for our employees in the digital environment in order to constantly benefit from innovations and changing technology. I do not think that there is no limit to any educational information. I believe that the more knowledge all sector employees have, the more efficiency will be obtained.

Do you follow international optical fairs and sectoral developments?
I participate in all international fairs, which is a great benefit in terms of informing the employees in our stores and renewing the product collection. I believe that all sector professionals should follow these fairs as intensively as possible. I think that fairs are ideal platforms to move in sync with trends and to be informed about the latest technologies.

How would you evaluate the 10th Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, which was held for the 10th time with its new and larger service area?
Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair is a panorama of the last 10 years of the optical industry. Its contribution to the development of the sector is indisputable. I congratulate Silmo Istanbul for reflecting the growth and revitalization of the sector to us in an ideal way while growing and developing in the last 10 years. While the increasing number of exhibitors attracts attention every year, the innovations prepared by the exhibitors for us, the visitors, stand out more and more every year. In this sense, I believe that Silmo Istanbul has succeeded in achieving its goal when compared to the fairs of other sectors.

Thank you very much for this valuable interview. Finally, can we learn your comments on the transition of our magazine 4 your eyes to digital publishing?
Until two years ago, both our employees and customers were very satisfied with the new issue that reached our store every month. However, by keeping up with the new digital age and being online without compromising its innovative, up-to-date and solid stance, we can now easily access it from anywhere at any time. Thank you very much.

 May 2024

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Wholesaler Interview

Armati Gözlük

Posted on by Burcu Yıldız

Sectoral Passion

The 10th year of Silmo Istanbul was both productive and enthusiastic for us. Both the new location of the fair and the award night at Çırağan Palace were magnificent.

Hello Mr. Suat & Mr. Cem… First of all, could you tell us a little bit about yourselves and your story of entering the sector?

Suat Şen: Hello, I was born in Trabzon in 1963. I have been operating in the optical sector since 1980. Since 2019, we have been managing Armati Gözlük company, which we have partnered with my colleague and friend Cem Üner.

Cem Üner: Hello to everyone who is devoted to the sector. I am Cem Üner and I was born in Istanbul in 1971. After graduating from Yıldız Technical University Mathematical Engineering, I started my professional life in the optical sector, which is my father’s profession. I worked in the retail sector under the Ozan Optik brand, which has been in the sector for 38 years. After a ten-year break, since 2019, we are in the wholesaler network of the optical sector with Armati Gözlük company together with Mr. Suat, my friend and partner of 30 years.

You are the distributor of important brands in Turkey. What could you tell our readers about your brands?

We are the distributor of Korean brands Vycoz, Frank Custom and Dr. Gram in Turkey. Vycoz independently produces functional eyewear inspired by core values and practicality. Frank Custom is an eyewear brand that focuses on timeless designs and technical excellence. It creates eyewear in aerodynamic materials that emphasize comfort, variety and quality at an affordable price. Dr. Gram stands out for its extremely lightweight, beta-titanium frames. Their products weigh only 3 grams and have a unique fabric woven hinge structure for easy assembly. We also offer our house brand Jeemm to all eyewear lovers. Our goal is to offer the operators of optical stores an advantage away from competition with high added value and profitable products. We are happy to bring our strong technological product range to our customers through our fast and dynamic team in competition and profitability.

Let’s talk a little bit about your house brand Jeemm. Could you share with us its basic features, interaction groups and its position in the sector?

One of our biggest goals since 2019, when we joined the wholesale part of the optical industry, which we love, was to create a top-quality optical brand. Our aim in this brand was to capture the product range and price performance at the right rate. At this point, the Jeemm brand was born in accordance with our purpose. We believe that we have taken the first steps of our goal with our Jeemm brand, which we created with high Korean technology. While creating the Jeemm brand, the suggestions and requests from optical stores were very valuable to us. In this way, we believe that we have filled the missing and sought-after gaps in the sector.

As Armati Gözlük, are there any new brands you plan to add to your company?

As Armati Gözlük, of course, we have a goal to grow, develop and reach a wider audience. Although it was established with an experienced team, our company is a fairly new organization. Of course, even though we are only in our fifth year, it is a fact that we have achieved success in our growth graph by coming to very important points. We attribute this success to our broad perspective that is open to development and innovation, contemporary and compatible with trends. The fact that we prefer to participate as exhibitors and visitors in very valuable international fairs for the sector, especially in Turkey and Europe, clearly reflects our point of view. We constantly follow the pulse and dynamics of the sector through these fairs and continue our negotiations with brands to make Armati Gözlük the most sought-after company in the sector.

What is your strategy for expanding your distribution and sales network?

We prefer to position Armati Gözlük at a point that is committed to professional ethics, ethical values and to protect these values. I can say that just doing business is against Armati Gözlük’s philosophy. For this reason, we care about working with every element we do business with and of course with sales points by establishing ethical and correct strategies. We can say that we adopt a win-win system that takes care of the interests of both sides in our trade. As you can imagine, we take care to choose optical stores that we can work together for a long time instead of short-term business relationships.

In the light of your experience in the sector, how would you evaluate the current state, development and near future of the Turkish optical sector?

Turkey is a very active and young market with a growing trend. I can say that our country is a shining star for the new players in the market and those who will shape the sector. However, as Armati Gözlük, I have to say that the sector needs to develop a little more in terms of professional ethics, which we prioritize in all our commercial activities. We think that we should contribute to the growth of the market in a more ethical way by giving more effort and setting an example through publishers like you and of course associations.

Do you follow international fairs and what are your thoughts on this subject?

We participate in all international fairs. We think that these big organizations offer very valuable opportunities to keep the pulse of our industry. We can say that international optical fairs are the meeting arena for new technologies and trendy brands. As we have mentioned before, as Armati Gözlük, we attach great importance to participating in these fairs and we experience an enthusiasm as if we are participating for the first time in every participation. As our colleagues who experience similar feelings can easily understand, we are excited to continue our work with this passion for our profession and our industry.

As an exhibitor, how would you evaluate the 10th Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair with its new and larger service area?

The 10th year of Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair was both productive and enthusiastic for everyone like us. Both the new location of the fair and the award night at Çırağan Palace were magnificent. It was unforgettable to be together with our colleagues who shape the industry in this magnificent 10th anniversary celebration where Silmo Awards Istanbul were given for the first time. This year’s Silmo Istanbul was a harbinger that the fair will reach a wider audience, be more productive and provide more enthusiasm every year. We would like to congratulate the Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair team once again for bringing us together with our colleagues in this valuable organization and offering business opportunities.

Thank you very much for this precious interview. Finally, what would you like to say about the transition of our magazine 4 your eyes to digital publishing?

First of all, thank you for including us in your magazine, 4 your eyes. Digital publishing means the future. The future means 4 your eyes. Thanks to the digital magazine, you are reaching a wider audience and leaving a more sustainable world to future generations with online publishing, which is more environmentally friendly.

May 2024

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Interview

Oliver Peoples & Roger Federer

Posted on by Burcu Yıldız

Strong Alignment

Oliver Peoples and Roger Federer presented their first joint eyewear collection. The designs in the series stand out with special details honoring the legendary tennis player.

A heritage brand born in the heart of West Hollywood, on Sunset Boulevard, Oliver Peoples was founded in 1987 with the opening of its first boutique.  The unique culture of Los Angeles – elements of fashion, film, art, music – continues to inspire the product and vibe of the brand. From the beginning, Oliver Peoples had a passion for superior product, a distinctive culture rooted in California, and an obsession with service. These core values have remained at the heart of the brand and endure today. Through an authentic and consistent voice, Oliver Peoples has never relied on a logo but instead on fostering relationships with like-minded consumers who appreciate and respect our approach. Roger Federer is one of the most beloved and decorated tennis players in the history of the sport. Federer was ranked world No. 1 in singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) for 310 weeks, including a record 237 consecutive weeks, and finished as the year-end No. 1 five times. He holds the men’s record for most Wimbledon titles with 8 and has won 20 Grand Slam titles in his illustrious career. The Roger Federer Foundation has created educational opportunities for over 2.5 million children in Africa and his home country of Switzerland over the past 20 years. Oliver Peoples and Roger Federer teamed up for their first eyewear collection and presented this exclusive line with the Spring 2024 season. The four-collection partnership under the Roger Federer and Oliver Peoples brands begins with six new styles, including four sunglasses and two shield frames. We present you the interview with legendary Roger Federer about this unique eyewear collection, which he co-design with Oliver Peoples brand.

How did your story with Oliver Peoples begin, and how was the collaboration for your first eyewear collection born?
It’s been over twenty years since I purchased my first Oliver Peoples frame and I feel this is a very special full-circle moment to come together for a collaboration with such a storied and elegant brand. I wanted to work with Oliver Peoples because I appreciate the integrity of their product and it felt very natural to expand my RF brand with them. There was also a strong alignment on what we wanted performance eyewear brand to be, something very functional, yet also a luxury piece.

How important were the little details for you when designing the collection? Which detail is your personal favorite?
I’m a big fan of details and we focused very closely on making every angle and function of the frame special, whether it’s the lightweight design, high optical quality lenses and dedicated details, including a custom corewire and temple tips inspired by a tennis racquet and the usage of number 8, aligning with the amount of career wins I had at Wimbledon. If I had to choose one, my personal favorite is the custom corewire pattern inspired by vintage tennis racquets. It’s a special, subtle reference to my sport.

Every pair from the collection is designed for comfort and ease. Tell us more about how you achieved that each pair fits consistently throughout the performance, whether uphill biking or being in the midst of a tennis match?
Fit was a big focus for me when working with the development team. I wanted to make sure our sunglasses especially did not slide on the face in any activity, whether sport or everyday life. The end result is rubber grip details on the nosepads and temple tips that help prevent sliding. The lightweight design also helps the frame balance on the face.

The collection has a lot of exclusive details that honor you and your legacy. How did you decide on including particularly number 8, the custom corewire pattern and the octagonal RF metal logo piece?
These elements are such nice hidden details in each frame. The number 8, like previously mentioned, is a reference to my career titles at Wimbledon, as well as my birthday, which is 8.8.81. The custom corewire pattern and octagonal temple tips are a subtle reference to tennis, with the corewire inspired by vintage strings and the temple tips being octagonal like the shape of a tennis racquet end piece.

What would you like to say about the properties of the lenses you used in the collection?
The RF x Oliver Peoples collection introduces lenses that redefine visual clarity, incorporating Colour Enhancement technology to amplify the hues of outdoor environments, from the sea to the forest and city. Polarised lenses slice through glare effortlessly, while mirrored surfaces add mystique and sleekness.

One of the most recognizable pieces of the collection is the Mr. Federer frame. What makes it so recognizable and how did you come up with the name?
The shape of Mr. Federer is inspired by the Oliver Peoples sunglass that I wore to the Met Gala. I’ve always been a fan of that timeless square lens shape, but for our collaboration, I wanted to incorporate this look in a sportier way. This resulted with a timeless, sophisticated style, yet still having all the same performance details as the other frames in the collection, including the high optical quality lenses, rubber grip features and custom details.

May 2024

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Sales Point

Kuzguncuk Optik

Posted on by Burcu Yıldız

KUZGUNCUK OPTİK
Boutique Chiciness

“We are so happy that Silmo İstanbul is evolving, developing and growing more and more over the years.”

Hello Mr Süleyman, could you tell us about yourself and how you met the optical sector?
Hello, I started my business life with the textile sector, which is a family business. After graduating from Yeditepe University International Trade and Business Administration department, I continued our wholesale textile business by establishing a retail network. Later, I entered the optical sector through a friend of mine. I started our first store by taking over an existing optician in Maltepe district of Istanbul. I was very excited, it was difficult to enter a new sector, but since I was a tradesman before, my adaptation process was very short. I went to Kuzguncuk neighbourhood with my wife for breakfast on a Sunday. The first time I saw Kuzguncuk, I was very excited. The name of the neighbourhood also impressed me a lot. The desire to open a store in Kuzguncuk appeared in my head at that moment. I already had 2 stores, but since the name of this neighbourhood impressed me, I determined the name of the store I would open here as Kuzguncuk Optik. As Kuzguncuk Optik, we have opened our first store in Kuzguncuk, our second store in Bağdat Street and our third store in Çengelköy.
What are the most sold optical and sunglasses brands in your store?
We generally enjoy selling more boutique products. When our customers enter our stores, they see colourful, differently designed glasses and they say that we have a different style from most places. This makes us very happy. The brands we sell the most are Oxibis, Dutz, Alexander Wintsch, Vanni, Tom ford, Vycoz as optics. As sunglasses, Isabel Marant, Papary, Franco Vital, Killian, Etnia Barcelona, Serengeti, Prada.
Do you include products from every segment in your store?
Every customer is important for us. For this reason, we have products that appeal to every segment in our stores. I think it is critical for customer satisfaction that customers find what they are looking for and see products from different segments. This satisfaction has brought us many referenced customers, which of course positively affects sales.

Designer brands are very popular in recent years. Do you also receive requests from your customers in this direction?
Well-known designer brands are highly demanded by every segment, but we have a fixed customer base that demands more boutique, more original brands and models in our stores instead of designer brands. Since our vision is to bring original and different designs together with the customer, we are very pleased with this trend.
What are your after sales services?
I think this is the most important issue in the sector. We always put the customer at the centre, we look at the problem they experience through their eyes. We guarantee our customers to solve the problems that occur in the product or lens after sales in the fastest way possible and we do this. For example, we can go to the homes of customers who cannot come to our stores to solve their problems. Being solution-oriented is one of our basic principles and we shape our after-sales services accordingly.
All three of your stores are located on the high street. Would you consider opening a store in a shopping centre and why?
Until now, I have opened my stores in locations where human traffic is intense. Because I think that human circulation has a positive effect on sales. As a matter of fact, I would like to be a member of shopping mall retailing as well as on-street retailing. For this reason, we want to open our fourth store in a shopping centre.
As one of the retailers, what are your views on the price competition between you and your colleagues?
Price competition is very prominent in our sector. Regardless of the city and neighbourhood, you can find a pair of glasses you are looking for with different prices in optical stores. The rapid passage of the Dollar and Euro exchange rate affects this price competition very much.

All three of your stores are located on the high street. Would you consider opening a store in a shopping centre and why?
Until now, I have opened my stores in locations where human traffic is intense. Because I think that human circulation has a positive effect on sales. As a matter of fact, I would like to be a member of shopping mall retailing as well as on-street retailing. For this reason, we want to open our fourth store in a shopping centre.
As one of the retailers, what are your views on the price competition between you and your colleagues?
Price competition is very prominent in our sector. Regardless of the city and neighbourhood, you can find a pair of glasses you are looking for with different prices in optical stores. The rapid passage of the Dollar and Euro exchange rate affects this price competition very much.

Is the sales and training information provided within the sector sufficient? Do you organise training programmes for your store employees?
Yes, I think it is pretty enough. Especially at this year’s Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, the training organised by the companies was very efficient. We attend the trainings given by the suppliers together with all our colleagues. We review our sales policies in monthly meetings with our colleagues.
What do you think about the rate and awareness of eyewear use in our country? What can be done to increase the use of eyewear and who has a duty?
I think that the use and awareness of eyewear has increased compared to previous years. We can also observe this situation from our customers. I think the biggest task in increasing the use of glasses in a conscious way falls first to our ophthalmologists and then to the employees working in stores. Conscious employees can direct people more accurately. Public service announcements are made in every field. The eye is also a very critical health issue, perhaps public service announcements can be prepared to raise public awareness in this field.

Do you follow international optical fairs and sectoral developments abroad?
Yes, I definitely follow it. I attended the Mido 2024 fair in Milan in February. I think international optical fairs are very important and I want to bring the most trendy models and different, new brands to our customers through these fairs.
How would you evaluate the Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, which has been held for the 10th time with its new and larger service area?
Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair was much more magnificent this year compared to the previous years with its expanding service area, and thus many more companies exhibited their products. I believe that the guests coming from abroad were more than last years. We are so happy that Silmo İstanbul is evolving, developing and growing more and more over the years.
Thank you very much for this valuable interview. Finally, could we learn your comments about the transition of our magazine 4 your eyes to digital publishing?
First of all, I would like to thank the 4 your eyes team for this interview opportunity.  The importance of digital publications is increasing day by day. I think the 4 your eyes team has reached a larger audience with the transition to digital publishing. Your publications enable people to discover new brands and learn more about this sector.

 April 2024

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Wholesaler Interview

Sarpa Optik

Posted on by Burcu Yıldız

SARPA OPTİK

The Honest Trade

“Silmo Istanbul, where we exhibited for the first time, was marvellous in its 10th year. It was amazing to meet our business partners, meet new customers and experience that atmosphere.”

Hello Mr Tuncay, could you tell us a little bit about yourself and how your path crossed with the optical sector?
Hello, I was born in 1982 in Muş. I started my working life in 1999 in an valuable company serving in every field of the sector. Two years later, when I was only 18 years old, I founded my own company and I had contract manufacturing done by the company I used to work for under the Solingen brand ,and started sales and marketing in Istanbul with my brothers. Later, we started had contract manufacturing done by other factories and expanded to Anatolia. In 2003, we started importing to obtain better and more competitive products. When I look back from today, I am happy that I have been in the optical sector for 25 years, starting from the core of this profession and I am still doing my job with great enthusiasm. In the past, I worked in some non-governmental organisations such as Müsiad and Tobb. Currently, I am the Vice President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce No. 73 Opticians and Watchmaking Committee. There, together with my committee member colleagues, we are trying to solve many problems of our sector and contribute to the development of our sector.
Could you tell us about the basic values and sectoral vision of Sarpa Optik?
Sarpa Optik was established in September 2001 in Sirkeci, Istanbul, the centre of the eyewear trade. When the 11 September attacks took place and the world economy entered a depressed period, it emerged as a brave example of entrepreneurship and took its place in the optical sector. Since the day it was founded, it continues its activities by growing steadily with the principle of honest trade. Working with its business partners with the principle of Win-Win based on trust, Sarpa Optik has always cared about the opinions, demands and suggestions of its business partners and has taken steps in this direction. Sarpa Optik is fully registered in the ÜTS system implemented by the Ministry of Health and is a domestic and national company and with its own capital, it has the success of launching its new collection steadily every 2 months. Sarpa Optik will continue its successful work in line with its sales strategy and growth targets with determination and determination.

How many brands do you have within the company? Could you share with us the basic features of your brands, interaction groups and their position in the sector?
We are actively in the market with our 6 brands as United Colors Of Benetton, Hemme Paris, Geoffrey Beene, which we distribute,  and Grey Flannel, Flannel, Solingen, whose rights belong to Sarpa Optik. United Colors of Benetton is arguably one of the most iconic brands of our time. Its optical and sunglasses collection offers classic and fashionable eyewear for men, women and children, blended with a variety of colour tones that set it apart from its competitors. It offers designs that mix and match bright hues and pastel frames, carefully designed to ensure comfort, fit and attention to detail that is unrivalled by other brands in its category, but never overdone, and that stand out for their own personal identity. Hemme Paris houses optical and sunglasses products made entirely from design and quality materials. The most striking, even timeless designs in our portfolio are found in this brand. Geoffrey Beene offers a range of high end optical products made from quality materials for adult men and women. Grey Flannel consists of top quality optical models that appeal to all age groups and has the widest range of models in our product groups. We have both optical and sunglasses models in our Flannel brand. This brand is positioned below our Grey Flannel brand in terms of price and contains alternative models that appeal to all age groups except children. In addition, the brand stands out with the quality mineral lenses used in the sunglasses models of this brand and classic men’s models. Solingen, on the other hand, has the most economically priced upper group quality optical and sunglasses models in our product groups.
Are there any new brands you plan to add to your portfolio?
As Sarpa Optik, we started with our Solingen brand in 2001, in 2003 we added our Flannel brand, then our Grey Flannel brand to our portfolio. Then we took the distributorship of our Geoffrey Beene brand. Then we took the distributorship of our Hemme Paris brand. In 2023, we collaborated with the UK-based Mondottica company and took the distributorship of our United Colors Of Benetton brand. We will not hold back from adding new brands to our portfolio that we believe will contribute to the sales, marketing and growth strategy of both us and our business partners and at the same time have a story and arouse excitement.

As Sarpa Optik, what kind of management strategy do you prefer in order to accelerate your growth?
First of all, I would like to say that our company has been growing steadily every year since its establishment. In fact, we ranked 169th in the list of tax record holders in 2019 in Istanbul Avcılar Tax Office, where we are affiliated. We have been on the list of tax record holders in other years. This is an indicator of Sarpa Optik’s success and contribution to the country’s economy. For this success, together with all my teammates, we always strive for the development and growth of the company. It is important for the success of the company that all employees in the company work comfortably and happily and their motivation is high. And we provide all kinds of support and contribution necessary for this. Sarpa Optik will continue on its way as a transparently managed family company with a solid infrastructure and strong capital structure.

How does your sales and distribution network function? What do you do to improve these networks?
As Sarpa Optik, we see our customers as our business partners and our only sales channel is our business partners. We care that our products are sold to the final consumer only through eyewear stores and we take every precaution in this regard. We apply the traditional marketing method with our marketing network spread all over Turkey. We have six marketing teams actively working in the field. Each team continues to work in its own region. Our teams go on regular tours every 2 months. When we prepare our collections beforehand, we make the planning accordingly. In each tour, we present to our business partners the new models of both the brands we distribute and our own brands, which we carefully design and contract manufacture in quality factories with the best material selection. We have a commercial relationship based on trust with our business partners and we provide the necessary support in terms of payment, service and spare parts after sales.
How would you evaluate the Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, which was held for the 10th time with its new and larger service area, from the beginning to today as an exhibitor company?
Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair has become the meeting point of the Turkish optical sector by raising the bar of success since the year it was organised and has managed to be among the top 5 optical fairs in the world. This is really a great success. I sincerely congratulate the entire Silmo Istanbul family who contributed to this success. In 2023, we, as Sarpa Optik, took our place as an exhibitor company in Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair for the first time when it was held for the 10th time in new and larger halls. The fair was great for us. It was amazing to meet our business partners, meet new customers and experience that atmosphere. I wish the success of Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair will continue to increase and I would like to express that we will be happy to be a part of it.

Thank you very much for this great interview. Finally, could we learn your views on the evolution of our magazine 4 your eyes to digital publishing?
Obviously, as in every sector, it is very important to have a magazine or even multiple magazines in our sector in order to learn information from the real source. Before, we used to follow every edition of the magazine and learn a lot of information from there, but now the world is digitalising and many magazines have been digitalised both in the world and in our country. Therefore, we now enjoy every time 4 your eyes is published and we get a lot of information. I congratulate you for this beautiful work you have done and I believe that you will continue to do it in the best way. On behalf of myself and my company, I would like to thank you very much for including me and my company in this interview.

April 2024

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Interview

Alexander Wintsch

Posted on by Burcu Yıldız

Retro Charm

Our presence at Silmo İstanbul provides us with valuable opportunities to connect with professionals, while gaining insights into the evolving trends and preferences of the Turkish market.

Alexander Wintsch, was born in Barcelona in 1958. He spent most of his childhood living in the Swiss Alps, where his mother, Mireya Wintsch, was originally from. She was a pillar and a fundamental figure in his life. She taught him the value of discipline, effort, perseverance, and above all, her passion for the mountains and skiing. He started, with the help of his father, with whom he opened his first eyewear company in Madrid. From his father, he inherited his innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, which helped him create his first collections. Mireya Wintsch used to tell him stories of her travels, as she worked as a flight attendant, which allowed her to meet various cultures and people who inspired her. With each trip, a new collection was born in honor of his mother’s memories. Hence, each model was named after a different imposing mountain. Now, it is none other than Alexander Wintsch’s daughter who preserves this special heritage and carries it into the future. We present our exclusive interview with Marta Llopis, International Director and Creative Director of Alexander Wintsch, one of the important players in the global optical industry.

You became the Director and Creative Director of this well-established brand by embracing the legacy of your designer father Alexander Wintsch. Could you tell us about how your career was shaped? How did your interest in design begin?
I attended IE University in Madrid, where I pursued a degree in Business Administration. While my focus was on business studies, IE is widely recognized for its emphasis on technology and innovation. It was during my time there that I developed a keen interest in the intersection of innovation, design, and business. My father is the most creative person I know. With over 40 years of experience designing for numerous brands, he introduced me to the world of eyewear design. His influence on me has been profound; from a very young age, I accompanied him to his office, where I would play with colorful acetates and witness the creative process firsthand. Upon completing my degree, I fully immersed myself in his career. One of the most valuable lessons I learned from him is the importance of discovering and collaborating with new suppliers. We frequently travel to different countries to source the finest materials, ensuring that our creations are truly unique. The impact of my father’s guidance and mentorship on my life cannot be overstated. He has not only shared his passion for design with me but also encouraged me to explore my own creativity and voice.
What would you like to say about Alexander Wintsch’s design language? How does it differ from other brands at this point?
Alexander Wintsch’s design language is a unique blend of tradition and innovation, standing out for its elegant and timeless style. Rooted in family heritage, Wintsch’s creations capture enduring elegance while incorporating fresh, innovative elements. This balance resonates with authenticity and excellence, appealing to clients who value both tradition and modernity. Wintsch’s attention to detail and commitment to sharing family tradition ensure each piece is a tribute to the past and a glimpse into the future, creating a lasting connection with discerning clientele.

What are your sources of inspiration for your collections? Do your inspirations differ in each new collection?
There are two main sources of inspiration that accompany our brand: the family legacy and market trends. The value that underpins our brand is rooted in our family legacy, particularly inspired by my grandmother and my father’s childhood. My grandmother was a remarkable woman, ahead of her time and remarkably courageous. All these elements are imbued within the collections we design. We strive to infuse our collections with meaning through Swiss values and culture. To achieve this, whenever we travel to Switzerland, we seek inspiration, as seen in our latest Davos collection. Another clear source of inspiration is international trade fairs, where our team of designers regularly attends to capture new trends, colors, and materials. Additionally, visiting the factories we collaborate with is fundamental. What is offered to you versus what you see can often be two different things.
Could you tell us about the characteristic structure of the brand’s famous Icon collection? Will this exclusive series expand with new models?
The idea behind the Icon collection is to maintain the best-selling models over time or to create unique and retro models that do not follow market trends but rather serve as a symbol of our brand. Yes, we will definitely expand it over time with new special models that have a strong brand identity.
Your latest Davos collection has striking details that stand out. Could you tell us about the characteristics of Davos?
Our latest Davos collection is a testament to our commitment to introducing capsule collections that maintain the essence of our Swiss inspiration. This year, we’re excited to debut two capsule collections: Davos and Arosa. Davos, named after the picturesque ski town in Switzerland where winter sports competitions are highly popular, embodies a retro aesthetic with unique hinge details and bamboo temples. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this capsule collection draws inspiration from the exhilarating world of winter sports, including slalom, snowboarding, and ski jumping. Each frame features special touches such as pin terminals, intricately engraved temples, and subtle embellishments on the front, all crafted from eco-acetate materials. In September, we’ll be launching the Arosa collection, inspired by another charming Swiss ski village where we often spend our holidays. This exclusive collection will feature frames crafted from titanium, offering a luxurious and durable option for eyewear enthusiasts.
Which are the most special designs for you at Alexander Wintsch and why?
The most special designs for us at Alexander Wintsch undoubtedly reside in the Icon collection. The most iconic ones are the AW6145 Sulegg and AW6144 Grunhorn. We’re constantly working to develop more lines inspired by these two models. However, our designer Alexander’s personal favorite is the women’s model, AW20155 Bernnina.
You are represented in Turkey through your distributorship. What could you say about the contributions of this co-operation to the Alexander Wintsch brand?
We are very pleased to have Optiser as our exclusive distributor in Turkey. It was during my first visit to the Silmo Paris fair when curious individuals approached our stand. They were seeking a retro brand that stood out from others in the market and were drawn to us, even with a small, tucked-away booth. Thanks to them, the brand has not only grown in Turkey but also internationally. They instilled confidence in me that the brand could become significant. Today, we are represented in more than 15 countries, but undoubtedly, the best representation is in Turkey. They share our values of tradition, family, and fashion. Additionally, in Turkey, they have exclusive models tailored for the market and always stay ahead with the latest trends.
As one of the brands represented at the Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair in Turkey, how would you evaluate the fair and your presence in the geography reached by the fair?
We are honored to be part of such a significant event, like Silmo İstanbul Optical Fair, for our brand. Having personally attended the fair, I’ve witnessed its effectiveness in representing our brand and showcasing our latest collections. The fair’s management team does an excellent job in this regard. Our presence at the fair provides us with valuable opportunities to connect with industry leaders and potential customers, while also gaining insights into the evolving trends and preferences of the Turkish market. Given Turkey’s status as a rapidly expanding market, participating in this fair allows us to capitalize on growth opportunities and strengthen our brand presence in this region.

April 2024

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