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NEW YORK—The Galleria was, quite literally, looking good at Vision Expo East. Not only because the venue was abuzz with showgoers checking out cutting-edge frame styles and ultra new lens technology, but additionally the space itself got a bit of a freshening up thanks to sleek white walls, cool bubble gum pink carpeting and signage displaying the new logo treatment.

 The Galleria, located on level four of the Javits, was
quite literally looking good following a bit of a
makeover which set it apart as its own fashion destination.
“We’re pretty busy this morning,” said Ray Khalil of Lafont yesterday. “With the economy, everyone has to make adjustments. But one thing we absolutely don’t want to do is cut people. We are not looking to cut people. We need our staff to provide the level of service our customers have come to expect.”

Eyenovate, a custom magnetic sun clip company that was showing in the expanded Galleria space, has been attracting a lot of traffic for most of the show. “The response has been amazing,” said Dennis Zelazowski, Eyenovate’s inventor, who was demonstrating the technology for attendees. “We’ve made a lot of sales.”

Sutra Eyewear was showing in the Galleria for the second year. “We just got our new ophthalmic styles in from Japan,” said Sutra’s Doug Smith. “We were here last year and got orders and generated interest. We’re hoping for more of the same this year.”

Ic!Berlin was up to its usual zany antics. Their entire booth was built from cardboard boxes including a work station where they were actually making their super light titanium frames for attendees. “It’s a real functioning work bench we made out of the boxes,” noted James Koh.

The cardboard concept was born not only out of ic!Berlin trying to be left of center, but also as a way to reuse materials that would normally be trashed. This kind of “green” innovation was evident in other parts of the Galleria.

“We’re seeing more interest in product made from sustainable materials,” said Amy Sacks of Amy Sacks Eyewear and Accessories, who was showing off frames made from bamboo.

And the Galleria has certainly provided an interesting space to show off a little of optical’s trendier side.—Jackie Micucci

 

 Julie Honeycutt (l) and James Koh, both of IcBerlin, in their “green”
booth constructed completely out of boxes.

 

Dennis Zelazowski of Eyenovate demos sunclip technology in
the Galleria.