(New York) – Loft NYC, the annual independent eyewear show in the Americas will expand to two extra locations this Spring. The event will run from March 21 – March 24 at the current Hudson Mercantile event space at the corner of 10th and West 36th St in New York City as well as Mercantile 37 and Mercantile 38, two adjoining spaces about 500 feet away on the 37th street block.
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Loft Eyewear Shows have set the standard for independent eyewear events in North America since 2000. This year will mark the first time that the Loft NYC event will expand to include more spaces.
Founder Richard Mewha is very buoyant about the expansion: “Since we started this event back in 2000 with just a couple of independent brands, it has evolved each year into something really special. 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.”
Loft NYC already expanded a couple of years ago
Loft NYC already expanded a couple of years ago with the addition of a second floor to house many independent collections. The demand has far outweighed the current space so extra venues were sought out to accommodate even more fiercely independent brands. Luckily Hudson Mercantile had 2 beautiful new spaces available less than a block from the current location.
Mewha continues: “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 difference in our eyewear design to that of the mainstream.”
After the continued success of the New York and Las Vegas events, many independent designers were keen to join the Loft NYC event but space limitations at the existing building have prevented further expansion. This year the overwhelming demand meant that enough independent brands were so keen that the new spaces have been booked immediately.
Many new brands
Many new brands will be making their debut at Loft NYC in 2019, including Mykita who will anchor the new spaces with Salt Optics. Joining them will be exciting new collections from Feb31st, Delirious Eyewear, Philippe V, Res/Rei, John Dalia, AM Eyewear, Dolpi, L.G.R, Vava and many more. Lowercase NYC will debut their handmade in the USA collection which they manufacture in Brooklyn and Emmanuelle Khanh will make a long awaited return. Other new collections include Catherine De Medici, Haffmans & Neumeister, Henau, Xavier Derome and Jean Philippe Joly.
Marketing Director of Loft Eyewear Shows, Louis Fullagar, said: “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. 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.”
The Loft NYC event runs an extra day (Thursday) to accommodate buyers and staff who are tied up with appointments elsewhere over the weekend. The event is catered during breakfast and lunch and beverages are available throughout the day in all locations.
Fullagar continues: “Loft NYC has now become a small village of independent eyewear design. It’s an unmissable event. Having Mykita join us in the new spaces this year is a testament to how much we have grown, and in the right way! We have not given up our core values of quality and innovation. We have just made it a better experience for the discerning eyewear buyer.“
