Visionary Creations Win Top Awards at Eyewear Design Competition

Results Announced Ahead of Next Week’s HKTDC Optical Fair

1 November 2012 – Innovative and winsome creations are in the spotlight as the winners of the 14th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition were announced today. Under the theme “Timeless,” the competition, organised by the Hong Kong Travel Development Council (HKTDC) and the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association, saw more than 200 entries this year. Eleven prizes were awarded to nine local designers, whose creations will go on display at the region’s leading HKTDC Hong Kong Optical Fair, opening next week.

The results of the eyewear design competition were released at a media conference this afternoon with the OKIA Optical Company sweeping the champion, first runner-up and second runner-up prizes in the Professional Group section. The champion piece, “Mag Type” by Lee Tsun Hung, borrows from the appearance of a vintage typewriter and its distinctive sound. Infusing modern elements into the classic typewriter, the spectacles use no screws, are interchangeable and feature a spring-hinge function.

Viola Pak’s creation “Chang’er,” based on the legendary Chinese goddess of the moon, took top prize in the Open Group category. The vintage-style eyewear features a rounded shape reminiscent of the moon, with patterns representing auspicious clouds. The right temple stem is made out of jade with a jade ornament adorning it.

The winning design in the Student Group category also took the Creativity and the Made-to-Sell awards. “Look Back,” by Pang Horng from the Hong Kong Design Institute, uses contrasting colours, as well as a mixture of plastic and metal, to make the spectacles resemble the classic toy robot.

All winning and finalist pieces will go on display at the Wine Cellar, Hall 1B, during the Hong Kong Optical Fair, 7-9 November, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Buyers can vote onsite to choose the winner for the “The Latest Look Award.”

New Product Zones
The 20th edition of the fair will feature more than 620 exhibitors from 22 countries and regions, a new record, including first-time exhibitor Turkey. France will also set up its first country pavilion at the fair. Three new product zones: Eyewear Accessories, Sporting & Professional Eyewear, and Diagnostic Instruments, will showcase the latest cutting-edge products in those sectors.

The fair’s Brand Name Gallery will showcase 166 brands from 20 countries and regions, the largest to date. Major brands that will be exhibiting include Guy Laroche, Hummer, ic! berlin, Issey Miyake, Karen Millen, TD Tom Davies, Vera Wang. Several catwalk-style eyewear parades will be held throughout the three-day event.

Focus on Electronic Eyewear
The 10th Hong Kong Optometric Conference will take place on the second day of the fair under the theme “New Frontiers in Ophthalmic Dispensing,” which will discuss the latest trends and technology available in the field of prescription eyewear. Among the featured speakers from Germany, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and the United States will be Dr Richard Clompus, Vice President, Global Professional Affairs, PixelOptics, US, who will introduce the company’s innovative electronically focusing eyewear.

Industry experts from Austria, France and Italy will also be featured at several seminars, including from renowned market research company GfK Italy, spotlighting the latest trends in eyewear and fashion design.

The Hong Kong Optical Fair is organised by the HKTDC, with the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association as co-organiser. We cordially invite you or your representative to cover the fair and related events. Details as follows:

Date/Time: 7 November (Wednesday) 10am-6:30pm
8 November (Thursday) 9:30am-6:30pm
9 November (Friday) 9:30am-5pm

Venue: Hall 1 and 3B, HKCEC, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai

Press Registration: Please register at the Media Centre, located at Expo Drive, HKCEC, or the Registration Counter at the Harbour Road Entrance, HKCEC.

Fair Website:　www.hkopticalfair.com/en

Major Fair Events:

Photo Download: The 14th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition

Fair Website
HKTDC Hong Kong Optical Fair:　www.hktdc.com/hkopticalfair

Media Enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC's Corporate Communication Department:

Joe Kainz
Tel: (852) 2584 4216
Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org

Eyewear products from Brand Name Gallery, one of the highlights of next week’s Optical Fair, were on display at today’s press conference