[May 2022] Business Trip Report from MIDO, the International Eyeglasses/Sunglasses Exhibition (Short Version) I METRONOME

Hello, it's been a while. This is OKD from Metronome Tokyo Online, the official Japanese online store of METRONOME DESIGN INC., the London-based eyewear and sunglasses brand METRONOME®.

This site introduces a wide variety of unique eyewear, focusing on original brand glasses and sunglasses, and delivers them nationwide.

As an eyewear brand that started in London, its stylish designs and highly functional glasses and sunglasses have earned it a reputation both domestically and internationally.

Participated in the overseas exhibition "MIDO"

Recently, our brand METRONOME has been gaining recognition in Japan, and of course, we are also sold overseas, mainly in Europe. In order to expand our overseas distributors, we need to increase our connections with local buyers and shops. International exhibitions, where eyeglass/sunglasses brands and eyeglass manufacturers gather together, provide a valuable opportunity for this.

METRONOME has also exhibited at events around the world, including exhibitions in SILMOPARIS in France, Munich in Germany, and New York.

We will also be participating in MIDO, an international eyeglasses/sunglasses exhibition to be held in Milan, Italy in May 2022. We have exhibited at MIDO several times in the past.

However, due to the recent infectious disease issue, last year's event was held online, and the exhibition that was originally scheduled for February this year was also postponed, so there was no room for distraction.

However, the situation finally began to calm down and we were able to hold and exhibit at MIDO this year.

International travel is returning to normal

Now, the 2022 MIDO will be held in Milan, Italy. From Japan, it is a long distance flight of 10 to 20 hours by direct or connecting flight.

METRONOME had a total of four exhibitors, three from Japan and one from London. According to the London member, Europe seems to be making a significant return to pre-COVID times. While vaccination is still a prerequisite, things are moving quite smoothly back to normal, with mask mandates and restrictions on going out being lifted.

In Japan, the number of people traveling has increased, as evidenced by the boom in domestic travel during Golden Week. This was also evident when traveling from Japan.

First of all, it seemed like the number of seats available on the round-trip flights had dropped significantly. This may be due to the fact that this year's MIDO was held in the middle of Japan's Golden Week holiday, but it was a completely different experience from last year's empty plane.

Furthermore, when entering Italy, there were no special restrictions if you had received three doses of the vaccine, so I was able to enter the country smoothly, just like before COVID-19. Although I had to register my accommodation and whether I had been vaccinated or not using a special form in advance, it was not a particularly difficult task and did not pose any obstacles.

Featured eyewear at MIDO

Well, since this is a simplified version, I would like to move on to talking about glasses and sunglasses. Even at the exhibition where a wide variety of unique glasses and sunglasses were on display, there were frames that impressed discerning buyers. I will introduce each brand individually.

First up is METRONOME's `` Blasphemy .''

This is one of METRONOME's signature products, a problem child that goes head-on against the conventional wisdom of goggle-motif eyeglasses/sunglasses. The uniqueness of its design was evident at the exhibition, with buyers from all over the world stopping to take a closer look.

This is a piece that has been carefully assembled by hand by a craftsman. Click here for more details.

Next up is the `` Fossil-Processed Frame '' from Resonance.

This frame features a fossil-like carving technique, a technique familiar from METRONOME's Distortion Melancholia. This piece was created in response to feedback that METRONOME's price range makes it difficult to afford.

This is also carved by hand by a craftsman, so no two pieces have exactly the same pattern. There are also two types of fossil processing: the normal version and the more deeply carved reinforced stone processing.

These unique surface-treated frames can be used as your own original frames. They can also be ordered in Japan. Click here for details. (*Add the processing method to your cart along with your preferred frame.)

The third one is "Lily" from Trad.

The world is impressed by the quality of the products made in Japan. They have attracted particular attention from Asian buyers. There have also been cases where buyers from Europe have placed orders for products for their own personal use, apart from for their shops.

Round glasses are hugely popular in Japan in 2022. They are a trendy item and can be said to be the face of Trad. Click here for more details.

Well, 2022 was also the year we unveiled our new brand, TYBALT, and we have already received orders from MIDO.

This project brand is led by Hatano, who is in charge of press at METRONOME, as creative director, and Iwamoto as planner. As the brand name suggests, it comes from Tybalt, a character in Romeo and Juliet. The brand concept is "glasses are an eternal supporting role," and the glasses are never intended to make a statement, but rather to play a supporting role when worn by the wearer.

Click here for details on the four frames of the new brand.

In addition, we would like to introduce "Doro" from the brand MonkeyFlip, which is currently on sale in our shop.

MonkeyFlip offers a wide range of cool designs. They also have a wide variety of surface finishes. Some designs are available in limited quantities, so they're first come, first served. Many of the models are designed for Japanese people, and they fit snugly and securely even without nose pads.

Please check out MonkeyFlip's lineup, including "Doro," here .

Conclusion

What did you think? At this exhibition, new products such as processed frames and the new MonkeyFlip model attracted a lot of attention. It was clear to see that experienced buyers want to see new products. Exhibitions both in Japan and overseas are finally starting to regain momentum, but we will continue to work hard and not let our guard down.

Well, that's all for today.

OKD