The arrival of 2001 signals a refinement of the concepts that have appeared in the summer - autumn 2000 collections. Designers will pay more and more attention to materials and finishing, to produce elegant frames, which are in tune with the latest fashions, color trend and accessories.
Color remains a major theme.
The exotic shades of summer 2000 will be joined by more subtle, toned down pastels and pale smoky hues. Flashy gold and silvers will make a strong showing, appearing together or mixed with bright colors, traditional neutrals and tortoise effects. Designers will focus on shades of orange, violet and lilas, inspired by everyday items, from sweets and fizzy drinks, to hi-tech consumer products such as computers and cars. Clothes collections and fabric trends inspire original color concepts in eyewear while string the pattern for new forms and shapes. Synthetic metallic fabrics and primitives leathers such as ostrich and python have been snapped up off the catwalk and incorporated into frame designs.