Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | RSS
Welcome to a world where eyewear transcends mere fashion and functionality, merging seamlessly with the realms of art and technology. In this episode with Dr. Darryl Glover, we delve into the innovative vision of Charlene Nichols, a trailblazer in the eyewear industry. Nichols, known for her impactful work with Vision Show and Optical Near Me, takes us on a fascinating journey through the conception and evolution of the Eyewear Art Walk. This unique event, birthed from the collaborative genius of Stephen Fournier and Roberto Camelli, is reshaping how we perceive eyewear, integrating it with diverse cultural elements from music to fashion and beyond. Join us as we explore the groundbreaking lens technology enhancing gaming and sports performance, the inclusivity and affordability of these industry-altering events, and how the Eyewear Art Walk is setting a new standard in the optical world.
Key Topics :
Elevating Fashion with Eyewear : A New Level of Artistic Dialogue
Dr. Darryl Glover:
Are you ready to elevate your fashion sense to the next level? Imagine eyewear that doesn’t just complement your look but actually engages in a dialogue with art. Are you prepared to be a game-changer? To uplift not just your practice but also your apparel and mindset?
Dr. Darryl Glover:
I’m curious to hear more about your journey. What’s new since our last meeting?
Charlene Nichols: Pioneering Change in the Eyewear Industry
Charlene Nichols:
Thank you, Dr. Glover. That’s quite a question! Let me start here: we’ve engaged with nearly every key player in the industry – CEOs, VPs, marketing heads of various brands. Most people know me through my work with Vision Show and Optical Near Me, and some from my earlier days at OptiSource. As part of Essilor, I gained unique insights into the industry, interacting with groups like VisionSource and Perk. Talking to hundreds of industry leaders and founders has given me a multifaceted view of our field, looking through various lenses, you might say.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
That’s fantastic – bridging the gap in such a dynamic industry. And speaking of bridging gaps, tell us about the exciting event you’re organizing: Eyewear Art Talk. The name itself is incredibly impactful. Could you delve into the concept behind it? What inspired this initiative? Let’s explore this in more detail.
Blending Fashion, Art, and Culture
Charlene Nichols: Absolutely, it’s vital for people to grasp the essence of Eyewear Art Walk. This concept was originally conceived by Stephen Fournier, the founder of Casanova Eyewear. Alongside him, Roberto Camelli, a revered figure in the Italian eyewear industry, plays a key advisory role, leveraging his extensive experience and financial acumen. Casanova Eyewear, a brand synonymous with exclusivity and luxury, has even graced the likes of celebrities like Lady Gaga. It’s designed by Kingdom Eyewear, known for their innovative frames.
Eyewear Art Walk, in its inception, was a physical extension of our virtual events during the pandemic. Even before the easing of social distancing, we initiated this unique concept. Collaborating with the Certified Opticians Association of Texas, we organized a tour across Texas, where opticians-turned-artists displayed their art in hotel hallways, transforming these spaces into vibrant shopping venues.
This initiative was a response to the demand for physical interactions amidst the virtual shift. Post-pandemic, as the world returned to normalcy and trade shows resumed, we recognized the need to evolve. The rebirth of Eyewear Art Walk integrates our learnings about new consumer preferences, especially from the Gen Z and millennial demographic. Our approach is to blend eyewear with broader cultural elements like music, fashion, and art, opening up collaborative opportunities across industries.
Our brand’s renaissance coincides with major events like Coachella and Art Basel, positioning us at the forefront of innovation and coolness in the optical industry. It’s more than just a festival; it’s a movement reshaping perceptions and celebrating the confluence of eyewear, art, and culture.
Innovative Lens Technology: Enhancing Gaming and Sports Performance
Dr. Darryl Glover:
This is a remarkable opportunity. Could you delve a bit deeper into the brand itself, particularly the lens technology that you’ve been emphasizing? I’m eager to hear more about this aspect.
Charlene Nichols:
To elaborate on the lens technology, it’s provided by Color Boost, which has collaborated with several industry leaders. In March last year, I hosted an event highlighting the need for specialized vision solutions for children and gamers. This event revealed a significant opportunity in the gaming sector, which was previously overlooked.
The lenses, designed by Hue Lens, utilize advanced color resolution technology, optimized through artificial intelligence. This technology is truly groundbreaking and has applications across various sectors, including the military and sports. Despite its widespread use, gaming was an untapped area for them. Currently, they are successfully addressing the needs of pickleball players with lenses specifically designed to enhance the visibility of the pink ball used in the game, which is crucial for players with diminishing contrast sensitivity and peripheral vision.
Similarly, this color resolution technology has been adapted for gaming lenses, particularly for games like League of Legends and Fortnite. While these lenses do include blue light filtration, their primary function is not protection but performance enhancement. The goal is to boost gamers’ performance by optimizing visual clarity and color distinction in the gaming environment.
Regarding our expansion into different sectors, Danny has been spearheading the business development for our ‘Vampires’ project. Working with YDB, we initially considered designing a single frame and lens under the ‘Vampires’ brand. However, recognizing the diversity in consumer tastes and styles, we opted for a more flexible licensing model. This approach draws on our understanding of branding in the music industry, where an artist can be promoted through various channels and products. This strategy allows us to collaborate more effectively with opticians, optometrists, and leverage the YDB brand, thereby creating a broader range of opportunities in the eyewear industry.
Accessibility and Affordability of Eyewear Art Walk Events
Dr. Darryl Glover:
With such an impressive lineup of events and the array of artists, doctors, opticians, entertainers, and even everyday people who will be attending, many might wonder about the cost. How affordable are these events for the general public and professionals alike?
Charlene Nichols:
We’ve been very conscious about making these events accessible to everyone. Considering these are regional events, the cost is kept surprisingly low. For instance, attending a local event in New York can easily cost a few thousand dollars, not including airfare. However, for our festival, the tickets are priced at only one dollar. This pricing strategy encourages attendees to invest more in the products and experiences offered at the festival.
We’ve also differentiated the experience for the general public and industry professionals. For our colleagues in the eyewear industry, there’s a private expo experience which includes continuing education (CE) and COPE sessions. Notable educators like Trevor, Trudy Turay, Dr. Panterio, Dr. Mena, Dr. Alleman, and Lynn Lawrence, among others, will be contributing to these sessions. The ticket for this exclusive professional experience is priced at $350. Additionally, we are offering group discounts through various organizations, providing a 15% savings.
On the festival side, there are various ticket options including a concert ticket for $250 and a Visionaries ticket, which includes a pair of Vampires glasses. Overall, the event is designed to be financially accessible to a wide range of attendees.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
That’s excellent! For those interested, what’s the best way to sign up or get more information about these events?
Charlene Nichols:
Thank you for asking, Dr. Glover. Signing up is straightforward. Simply visit eyewearartwalk.com (E.Y.E.W.E.A.R. A.R.T. W.A.L.K. dot com). Our team is incredibly responsive – one of the most common compliments we receive is about the quick follow-up, often within five minutes of an inquiry. This level of responsiveness applies to both brands and individuals seeking more information.
