This is the issue that started it all: The 20/20 thematically devoted to Millennials dubbed GenEYE and now in a decade of tradition acknowledged as the most important tribe in eyewear. We at 20/20 remain keen on this very special generation of young Americans intent on rewriting the rules of engagement in a unique and positive way in all scenarios from politics to health to media to humanity and, in a slightly smaller but no less significant way… to eyewear. It takes a special understanding of trending and selling when it comes to staying in the critical eye of GenEYE. Here’s hoping we can help.

—James J. Spina

Photographed by NED MATURA


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From left: AIRMAG AP6440 from Clariti Eyewear; TWO BY FOUR from l.a.Eyeworks; CARRERA 5023/S from Sàfilo

From left: XOXO 2337 from The McGee Group; SCHENLEY from Norman Childs Eyewear; DEREK LAM Bowery from Modo; VANNI 1955 from Design Gallery/A Division of Match Eyewear

From top: CAFE LUNETTES 3209 from Silver Dollar Optical; SEVENTY ONE Bryant from A&A Optical

From left: ALEX from Kirk & Kirk; VINCE CAMUTO 0412 from Colors in Optics; BEBE Miss-Understood 5090 from Altair Eyewear; CONVERSE Q048 UF from Rem Eyewear

From top: PARADOX 5008 from Aspex Eyewear; ESPRIT 17477 from Charmant Group; YOU’S AMSTERDAM 1056 from Ultra Palm Optical; VAVOOM 8047 from Avalon Eyewear; BCBGMAXAZRIA Ileana from ClearVision Optical

 

Left from top: CHRISTIAN ROTH F10 from Christian Roth;
G-STAR RAW Double Ackoy from Marchon Eyewear

Right from top: PERRY ELLIS 357 from Eyewear Designs;
SCOTT HARRIS VINTAGE 32 from Europa International

 

From top: AVEN RAY from Gotti Switzerland; BIGGU 762 from Menizzi Eyewearl

 

Left from top: TED BAKER 874 from Tura; MARNI from i-dealoptics;
VAN HEUSEN STUDIO S346 from Nouveau Eyewear

Right from top: BEVEL 8672 from Bevel Specs;
INNOTEC Shaw from Ogi Eyewear; CHARLES STONE
NEW YORK 85 from Classique Eyewear

 

Eye want the world and Eye want it on GenEYE terms:

  1. How perfect that a generation bidding by truthful transparency also seems so attuned to that lucidity with lightly-colored crystals, especially pink, yellow, blue and… totally clear.
  2. In virtually an instant, the taste in frames romps from thick to thin (and light!) in a significant way. (Watch as well as those beards disappear!)
  3. Insular to an extreme… no wonder they love those combo CLUBman styles.
  4. The go-to P3 is getting closer to round every second.
  5. Don’t discount those oversized frames when it comes to the women in this generation. It’s all about making a BIG statement.
  6. And… the guys truly believe the REAL HERO is Clark Kent and not superman.