With around 1,500 professionals and buyers visiting DaTE in Florence from 10 to 12 September, 100 companies and 170 Italian and international brands, the fair was able to confirm its figures from last year at its tenth edition. The MEDD by DaTE event will follow on 17 October.
DaTE 2022 took place in Florence from 10 to 12 September (Photo: Marco Pasquini)
“Before the fair opened, we had hoped to repeat last year’s good result, and we succeeded,” said DaTE President Giovanni Vitaloni. “We are very satisfied with the result and the quality of the professionals – both exhibitors and visitors – who participated. International buyers were also well represented, partly due to our partnership with the ITA (Italian Trade Agency). Once again this year, DaTE delivered the best that our independent eyewear market has to offer and stayed true to its mission as an avant-garde trade fair.” According to official figures, the eyewear industry in Italy has a turnover of more than €4 billion and employs 18,000 people.
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Crowds of visitors as in 2021 at DaTE 2022 (Image: Marco Pasquini)
The interest in the event was also confirmed by the social channels: In total, more than 750,000 users followed the fair, which recorded a total of 2 million views and over 60,000 interactions with the posts published on Facebook and Instagram.
Follow-up event MEDD by DaTE
This year, DaTE will continue in Milan on 17 October with a special non-commercial event open to all. The “MEDD by DaTE – Milano Eyewear Design Day” is aimed not only at industry professionals and the press, but also at enthusiasts, designers and students – a space for creative exchange and reflection on design, with a focus on eyewear.
Eyewear at DaTE 2022 (Image: Marco Pasquini)
Experts have been invited to compare and contrast the different applications of design – from fashion to architecture, accessories and technology. The event is hosted, not coincidentally, by the ADI Design Museum in Milan, historic repository of all the objects that have won the Compasso D’Oro Award, given every year in recognition of outstanding Italian design.
“Interestingly, the Compasso D’Oro has never been awarded to eyewear before. Perhaps MEDD by DaTE is a good sign that eyewear will also be included in the museum’s collection,” Vitaloni reflects.
The MEDD by DaTE calendar of events includes an exhibition organised in collaboration with the Eyewear Museum in Pieve di Cadore, part of a collection of iconic eyewear that has “shaped” the history of the industry. Two prizes will also be awarded: the MEDD by DaTE Award for the most innovative eyewear, selected by a jury of design and lifestyle experts from the models on display in Florence, and a prize for the most visionary optical business, awarded by DaTE exhibitors.
