NEW YORK—LOFT Eyewear Shows will be expanded to two extra locations in the spring. The annual independent eyewear show will run from March 21 to 24 at the current Hudson Mercantile event space as well as Mercantile 37 and Mercantile 38, the two adjoining spaces approximately 500 feet away. This year will mark the first time that the LOFT NYC event will expand to include separate locations. “Since we started this event back in 2000 with just a couple of independent brands, it has evolved each year into something really special,” Richard Mewha, founder said. “As we grew, the independent eyewear movement also grew and we have been at the forefront of showcasing the most cutting edge eyewear designers from across the globe.”

A couple of years ago, LOFT NYC expanded with the addition of a second floor to house many independent collections.

Mewha continued, “We were very interested in expanding the event only if we could attract designers that are using different methods and implementing new ideas and technology into their collections. We want our event to highlight the points of different in our eyewear design to that of the mainstream.”

Many new brands will be making their debut this year at LOFT NYC including MYKITA who will anchor the new spaces with SALT OPTICS. New collections will be exhibited by FEB31ST, Delirious Eyewear, Philippe V, RES/REI, John Dalia, AM Eyewear, Dolphi, L.G.R, VAVA to name few. Lowercase NYC will also debut its handmade in the U.S.A collection and Emmanuelle Khanh will be returning. Other new collections that will be showcased include Catherine De Medici, Haffmans & Neumeister, Henau, Xavier Derome and Jean Philippe Joly.

“We are very confident that we have the right mix of innovation, fashion, style and design in the group of independent companies showing this year,” Louis Fullagar, marketing director of LOFT Eyewear Shows said. “Visitors will have the unique opportunity to meet their favorite eyewear designers and gather in-depth knowledge of the eyewear they sell in their stores every day.”

A full designer list is available at lofteyewearshow.com.