The eyewear-specific designers within the Council of Fashion Designers of America are known collectively as the edCFDA. This sub-group of the membership aims to inspire, empower and promote awareness of eyewear design and the vitality of the optical industry through promotion, education, mentoring and collaborative initiatives.

In January, the edCFDA will support Vison Expo’s first-ever talent search – aimed to identify and support emerging designers and foster their talent during the symbolic year for the eyewear industry – 2020.

Vision Expo 2020 Talent Search winners will be determined by the following (7) members of the edCFDA:

• Christian Roth, co-Founder/Designer of Christian Roth Eyewear
• Jeff Press, Chief Creative Officer of Morgenthal Frederics & Robert Marc NYC
• Gai Gherardi, co-Founder/Designer of l.a.Eyeworks
• Patty Perreira, co-Founder and Designer of Barton Perreira
• Selima Salaun, Owner/Designer of Selima Optique
• Shane Baum, Founder/Designer of Leisure Society
• Blake Kuwahara, Founder/Creative Director of Blake Kuwahara Eyewear

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must demonstrate that their eyewear design business was established after January 1, 2016; has annual sales less than $1M; has press and social media support; and is headquartered in the United States.

“We are thrilled to support this unique initiative dedicated to the search of new talent and applaud the generous patronage of Vision Expo.  Our combined knowledge of the industry will serve to discover tomorrow’s success stories,” said Christian Roth.

If you know any talented, young eyewear designers/brands, please share this opportunity with them.  Candidates need to submit their application online before January 10, 2020. Two (2) Winners will be announced and introduced to the creative eyewear community during a celebratory event in New York City on Thursday, March 26 and will receive a complimentary booth at VISION EXPO in new Exhibit Hall incubator destination, The Springs.