"A BOLD COLOR PALETTE AND TEXTURED JAPANESE ACETATES that we custom design are what make Bevel Spectacles hits."
Richard Mewha, president, Incite International; chief eyewear designer, Bevel Spectacles

"I LOVE THE CREATIONS AND CREATIVITY THAT CAN BE EXPRESSED THROUGH ACETATE. Acetate is very, very hot in the marketplace right now (it has always been hot at Alain Mikli). It appears our target consumers as well as consumers in general are looking for new focuses in eyewear and are growing tired of the minimal look. We have been able to develop many exclusive designs, colors and patterns. Currently unusual textures and patterns are very important. Textures are becoming more subtle with slight touches of metallic, small, very discrete patterns and innovative color blends. Acetate is strong. And we at Mikli are passionate about acetate."
Alain Mikli, founder and eyewear designer, Alain Mikli International

"OVER THE PAST FEW SEASONS, I'VE BEEN LAYERING ZYL IN CONTRASTING COLORS. In addition, I have used colorful prints to add texture and depth to my designs. Because the Fall 2006 and Spring 2007 runway shows have displayed a lot of clothing in neutral tones, accessories such as zyl eyewear in rich colors and patterns are in high demand."
Robert Marc, eyewear designer, Robert Marc Eyewear; owner, Robert Marc Opticians

"COLOR AND LAMINATION USED from Avalon Eyewear in creative new ways brings excitement to today’s eyewear. Finding the right shape and color makes customers look younger and hipper. Women love colored acetate. It works like make up."
Cyril Dray, president, L’Unique Optique

"AFTER SEASON UPON SEASON of multi laminates, block material is finally back in the forefront of zyl. Designs are more complicated and mimic natural materials such as rattans, authentic tortoise shell and mother-of-pearl. I love using materials that have these subtle but complex patterns since they give the frames so much more depth and dimension. We are enhancing these rich block materials by using fine laser techniques, epoxy and natural materials such as real mother-of-pearl to achieve an artisanal touch. It’s all about the juxtaposition of different but complementary tones and finishes. There are also wonderful new horns and havanas in natural tones such as tobacco, olive, malt and even shades of black that we’re using to complement the more sophisticated styling we’ve seen on the runways."
Blake Kuwahara, creative director, Base Curve/Division of Rem Eyewear

"THE CURRENT TREND IN ZYLS IS SHIFTING TOWARD MORE TONED-DOWN colors such as brown and black, and away from pastels. More unusual zyl color combinations have also shown up in our eyewear market."
Lars Toftdahl, creative director, ProDesign Denmark

"CURRENT TRENDS OF BI-LEVEL AND INTRICATELY TEXTURED PLASTICS add a lightweight and playful alternative to metal styles. Unusual colors and combination laminates infuse ophthalmic frames with a dose of fashion, allowing the wearer to take eyewear a little more lightly."
Kristen Aronsson, design director, Kata/Legacie Eyewear, A Luxury House of B Robinson Optical