SCENE + HEARD: Meetings Meet Me in Munich: Opti 2019 Hosts 28,000 Visitors By Jamie Wilson Monday, March 11, 2019 12:30 AM MUNICH, Germany—From Jan. 25 to 27 Vision Monday headed to the heart of Bavaria for opti 2019. Walking through show felt a little different this time around as the eyewear exhibition was featured among six halls of the Fairground Munich for the first time. However, the expansive show floor was no less packed as each section from hall C1 all the way to C6 was buzzing with foot traffic as it hosted around 28,000 visitors and 631 exhibitors. The opti show succeed at capturing the distinct style of its exhibitors with each hall projecting its own unique vibe. Large, established brands coexisted with optical’s newcomers in an authentic way. A glimpse around opti showcased innovation, distinct style, bold colors, interesting displays and a strong emphasis on new, independent brands as well as a continued interest in the blogger/influencer scene. Another highlight at the Forum was the award for Blogger Spectacle Award 2019. The brands that were up for the Blogger Spectacle Award were part of the exhibitors in the 16 opti Boxes. Each brand had the opportunity to present its company to the influencers at its booth the morning of Jan. 26 in a “speed dating” format. The opti freshman Rounder Rounder from Hong Kong was awarded with the prize by fashion, lifestyle, and eyewear bloggers from all over Europe. Along with these attractions at the show, the frame style and product offerings reigned supreme. Bright colors, unique materials and constructions as well as distinct silhouettes that challenged the norm took center stage at opti 2019. Take a look at these eye catching style highlights. Bold construction and diverse displays were highlighted during the three-day optical trade show. Nina Mûr eyewear based in Spain and the winner of the 2018 Blogger Spectacle award, featured brightly colored frames with pops of prints coupled with distinct silhouettes crafted from wood. You Mawo 3D printed eyewear showcased striking eyeglass designs while Light Bird’s styles highlighted cool yet trendy silhouettes, and Metronome Eyewear showed off an innovative eye catching underwater display that matched the company’s equally interesting frame offering. Eye catching uses of bright, bold colors were also apparent at the show and could be seen with brands such as Theo Eyewear who didn’t disappoint with its classic frame shapes coupled with its striking use of vibrant colors. WOOW Eyewear also channeled bold use of color in its frame selections coupled with trendy color-blocking techniques. The opti 2020 will take place from Jan. 10 to 12. Prost to another year of eyewear, bier und pretzels!