Berlin marked the start of the global fashion weeks with this week’s Fashion Week Berlin. The hottest designers are now finally presenting their new collections and thus laying the foundation for this year’s trends. Even accessories such as glasses are oriented on the trends presented there.

The Aim of the Survey

As part of the Berlin Fashion Week, we conducted a European survey. The aim of the survey was to find out whether eyewear still retains such a high value as an accessory or whether it is regarded again as an unpopular visual aid, as it was a few years ago. The survey was also to determine which eyeglasses, in the opinion of the surveyed fashion experts, are in line with the current trend. They were not only asked about the most popular shape, but also about material and colour.

The results of the survey in terms of the importance of eyeglasses were more than positive. 77 percent of the respondents indicated that eyeglasses have retained their current high status in fashion, or have becomes even more important. Only four per cent regarded them as a mere visual aid. The German designer Marcel Ostertag confirmed that: “Eyewear as a statement will remain on the market. It is an accessory that has no age or style limitation.”

When asked about the trends for 2017, 23 percent of the respondents indicated oversize glasses. This was followed by round eyeglasses and minimalist eyewear without any ornamentation. According to the test persons, cat eye glasses are also really starting to roll and took 4th place together with the familiar conspicuous nerd glasses.

Another popular model, which has already been seen more often since last year, are filigree eyeglasses made of metal. This trend was also confirmed at the Fashion Week. The eyewear brand, Framers, presented its new eyeglasses on the catwalk, in collaboration with the fashion label Maisonnée. The founder, Matthias Busch, also wears wire-framed glasses. Well-known shapes such as square and panto are listed in the survey among the top 10 eyeglass trends for 2017 and people will continue to like wearing them.

The new materials for eyeglass frames are innovative. According to the interviewed fashion experts, eyeglass frames made of wood are particularly popular. 36 percent indicated that this material will experience its comeback in 2017. A mix of materials also seems to be the trend: 26 per cent of spectacle lovers opted for glasses of this type, for example a plastic frame around the lenses in combination with temples made of fine metal, closely followed by eyeglasses with a pure metal frame.

“Black is a sure bet” applies just as much to colour trends in eyewear 2017, as it does to fashion. Around 38 per cent of the test persons answered the question about the trend colour of eyewear in 2017 with “All Black”. With 28 per cent, a colour mix in eyewear took second place, closely followed by subdued earthy shades. But reds and greens are also becoming increasingly popular.

Conclusion

Well-known models such as panto eyewear or the eye-catching nerd glasses will continue to be worn on the nose this year. There are also new trends such as fine wire- frames or frames made of natural products such as wood. The colours also remain simple; black and brown and subdued red and green set the tone.