NEW YORK—The Italian Trade Agency concluded their independent eyewear roadshow held in Seattle and Chicago last month. Under the theme "Extraordinary Italian Eyewear," the events underscored elegance and innovation in eyewear, bringing together creative forces in the independent eyewear retail segment, showcasing Italy's rich legacy of craftsmanship and design. The event featured an array of eyewear collections from 14 Italian vendors. Participating brands included: 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.

“The Extraordinary Italian Eyewear Event was not just a showcase of products but a celebration of the people and stories behind the craftsmanship,” said Alessio Nanni, head of the fashion team at ITA New York. “It was an opportunity to expose Italian brands to clients in cities that may have been new to them. At these events artisans and designers shared their journeys, inspirations and the meticulous processes that go into creating each piece, offering a rare glimpse into the passion and dedication that define Italian eyewear excellence.”

The event attracted a diverse audience of local buyers and buyers from around the country. “The event was very refreshing and enlightening," said Eddye Harris, owner of Raise Your Glasses Eyewear located in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago. “We just concluded our first year in business so to attend this intimate event that ITA has put on has excited me to see how eyewear is continuing to evolve and encourages me to also keep evolving in my business.”

Dr. Arian Fartash, owner of Corona Vision Center in Orange County, added, “I am so glad that I traveled in for this event. I took on two new lines for my practice and I look forward to translating the brand’s stories to my staff and my patients.”




(L to R) Desean Mills, EYECONS Agency; Paul Williams, senior marketing manager, ITA-NYC; Monia Innocent, communications manager, Mido; Tarrence Lackran, founder at EYECONS Agency; Alessio Nanni, head of fashion and beauty, ITA-NYC; Danila Alfano, deputy trade commissioner,  ITA Chicago; Elsa Fonte, ITA Rome; and Giorgio Isabella, ITA Rome.





(L to R, back row) Adam Ramsey OD, owner, Socialite Vision; Adam Young, OD, co-owner, First Class Eyecare; Tarrence Lackran, founder, EYECONS Agency; and Christina Phan, co-owner, First Class Eyecare. (L to R, front row) Jennifer Chinn, OD, Dr. Chinn’s Vision Care; Diana Canto-Simms, OD, owner, Buena Vista Eyecare; Tommasina Sideris, OD, owner, Litchfield Eyecare; and Lannard Atkins, co-owner, Timeless Eyedentity.
In addition to the eyewear exhibits, the Extraordinary Italian Eyewear Event played host to insightful CE lectures delivered by master optician Phernell Walker. The lectures provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the current and future landscape of the luxury independent eyewear industry.

More extraordinary Italian eyewear will be on exhibit in the upcoming Italian pavilion at Vision Expo East.

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.

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's largest eyewear trade show.