Eyewear trade show Vision Expo – put on halt due to the COVID-19 situation – revealed these two winners of the inaugural Vision Expo 2020 Talent Search, supported by the eyewear designers of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (edCFDA). The award
aims to identify and support emerging designers and foster their talent throughout 2020 – a symbolic year for the eyewear industry.
Both recipients champion a signature style that is such to make waves in the eyewear industry.
New York-based SpiltMilk is inspired by the conjunction between fashion and culture. With each frame meticulously handcrafted in Japan, SpiltMilk evokes humor, luxury and sensuality. Using a combination of titanium and metal, the frames can be adjusted to fit every face like a glove and range from oversized high arch brows to the exceptionally thin cat-eye frame, playing on the concept of extremes.
“SpiltMilk has focused on creating easily adjustable and malleable frames so our customer can wear what fits comfortably and defines their unique style,” said Judge Khanna, Creative Director and Cofounder of SpiltMilk. “Each frame evokes a thread of humor with their dramatic features and enhanced silhouettes. The idea is to open the discussion on freedom of thought. We have created an inclusive and diverse platform that allows changes-makers and innovators the chance to bring their missions to the public eye.”
Designed in Los Angeles by painter and graphic designer Morganne Leigh, Tyche + Iset Eyewear features bold colors, patterns, and shapes in statement-making eyewear inspired by music, art, history, film, architecture and nature. The label was also a finalist in the 2019 CFDA & Accessories Council program Elaine Gold Launch Pad.
“I have been on an intuitive path, guided by my dedication to design and to continuous education. It has not been easy, but I am fulfilled by my passion,” said Morganne Leigh, founder of Tyche + Iset Eyewear. “It is incredibly rewarding being acknowledged by the industry. Thank you to the edCFDA and Vision Expo for recognizing my effort and time, while affirming that I am taking steps in the right direction.”
To be eligible for consideration, businesses had to be legally headquartered in the United States and established after Jan. 1, 2016 with annual sales equal to one million or less, as well as press and social media support.
Applicants were judged by seven eyewear designers of the edCFDA: Shane Baum, founder and designer of Leisure Society; Gai Gherardi, co-founder and designer of l.a.Eyeworks; Blake Kuwahara, founder and creative director of Blake Kuwahara Eyewear; Patty Perreira, co-founder/designer of Barton Perreira; Jeff Press, chief creative officer of Morgenthal Frederics & Robert Marc NYC; Christian Roth, co-founder and designer of Christian Roth Eyewear, and Selima Salaun, owner and designer of Selima Optique.
