NEW YORK—The Italian Trade Commission in collaboration with ANFAO, Italy’s eyewear manufacturers association, is sharing further details about their upcoming "Extraordinary Italian Eyewear" events happening in Seattle on October 10 at The 101 and in Chicago on October 12 in Cafe Brauer at Lincoln Park Zoo. As previously reported by VMAIL,  Extraordinary Italian Eyewear is designed to introduce independent ECPs to Italian brands. The event will feature 14 independent Italian brands, some who are new to the U.S. market.

Participating brands include: Coco Song, Ellegi, IOVES, Jo & Margot, L.G.R., Logoproject Design, Mad In Italy, MIO Group, Movitra, Pier Martino Luxury Eyewear, Private Project, Thema A Family Factory, Ultra Limited and Vanni, organizers said. “We are very excited to bring these Italian brands to the independent ECP communities in both cities,” said Giovanni Mafodda, acting trade commissioner. “The environment that we curated will lend itself to ECPs being able to have unhurried meetings, allowing them to explore the brand stories of each vendor to see how it fits into their businesses.”

In addition to the brands that will be present, The Italian Trade Commission said it has worked very hard to provide an authentic attendee experience that reflects the excellence of Made in Italy. Some aspects of this will include Italian food and wines, and curated content focusing on Italian design and manufacturing. At the event in Seattle on Oct. 10, attendees will have two opportunities (3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) to hear master optician, Phernell Walker lead the discussion titled “Spoil Your Clients In Luxury Eyewear.” Those who attend the discussion will receive 1 hour of ABO Credit for attending each course.

 
 Phernell Walker.
While both events are predicted to attract a large number of local ECPs in each region, current registration has also shown that ECPs from around the country are expected to attend. "Having the ITA bring a show to Seattle is a match made in my heaven,” said Nate Ogura, owner at Eyes on Fremont in Seattle. “I love my city, and I love independent craft eyewear. Intertwining the two, has without a doubt, ignited an exciting level of anticipation both personally and professionally."

Wendy Salle, chief merchandising officer at New Look Vision U.S., who plans to travel to the event in Seattle, added, “Our group is always looking for up and coming eyewear brands. I am thrilled to attend the Italian Trade Agency’s events in the U.S. to discover Italian eyewear brands and learn of their unique stories.”

ECPs may register for both events by visiting the site here.


Since 1926, the Italian Trade Commission, with 79 offices worldwide, has been the Italian government agency entrusted with the mission of promoting trade between Italian companies and foreign markets. The Fashion department, based in New York City, works on increasing the awareness of Italian products in the U.S. by being the point of reference for trade and press and promoting fashion through educational events, informational materials, special events and promotions.

Associazione Nazionale Fabbricanti Articoli Ottici, (ANFAO) the National Association of Optical Goods Manufacturers in Italy, has more than 130 member companies and brings together all the major Italian eyewear companies in the entire production chain. ANFAO is also the organizer of Mido, the world largest international eyewear trade exhibition and conference.