IEE - ITALIAN EYEWEAR EXHIBITION arrives in New York
- By Editorial Team
The first edition of IEE – Italian Eyewear Exhibition New York will be held on 4th March, organized by ICE Agency in collaboration with ANFAO – National Association of Optical Goods Manufacturers, confirming its commitment to supporting the internationalization of Italian companies. ‘Reflections’ – the name of the US edition of IEE – will be held on the ground floor of the IAC Building on 4th March from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM and will offer buyers, opticians, press, and industry professionals an exclusive preview of Italian brands during Eyewear Design Week. Designed by Frank Gehry, the IAC Building is one of the architect’s rare glass buildings in New York. Its curved façade, resembling a sail unfurled over the Hudson River, is an icon of the city’s contemporary architecture. Along with its luminous interiors, it reinforces the exhibition’s themes—reflection, transparency, and innovation—by placing eyewear within a broader dialogue encompassing design, architecture, and materials culture. The exhibition design and performances will also reference “reflections”: interplays of mirrors and transparent surfaces will create evocative perspectives, stimulating observation and allowing eyewear to interact with the space in an immersive way, consistent with the initiative’s concept. The US, traditionally the industry’s leading market, is experiencing difficulties related to tariffs and market conditions that have impacted Italian exports. For this reason, IEE New York takes on an additional strategic value: participating directly in the region allows it to strengthen commercial relationships, support local partners, and counteract the impact of tariffs with an active and qualified presence. The event, part of a broader initiative promoted by ICE Agency and ANFAO to strengthen commercial ties between Italian producers and US retailers/buyers, will increase brand visibility and networking in the current context of declining exports, consolidating the positioning of Made in Italy products in the premium segment.
Sixteen participating companies will be present—Aerial Vision International, Aru, Atmosphera, I.o.v.e.s., Italiana Design, L.G.R, La Giardiniera, Lara D, Logoproject Design, Mad in Italy, Manifattura Italiana Occhiali, Marcolin, Nannini Italian Quality, Original Vintage Sunglasses, Stilitaly, and Vanni—and buyers are expected not only from neighbouring areas like New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, but from across the United States, thanks to the incoming programme that will guarantee at least 50 attendees. “In a market saturated by volumes, ‘Reflections’ presents the Italian alternative: the triumph of quality over mass production,” said Erica Di Giovancarlo, Director of ITA New York. “We offer American retailers more than just products: we propose a partnership based on a transparent and vertically integrated supply chain that guarantees superior durability and precision, essential qualities for the most discerning American consumer.” “Italy is the cradle of eyewear, having originated this art form over seven centuries ago,” added Lorraine Berton, President of ANFAO. “While others focus on imitation and large-scale production, Italian manufacturers leverage this historical authority to combine tradition, sustainable innovation, and high technology. For US buyers,” she continued, “Made in Italy represents a strategic investment, capable of differentiating the product range in a market dominated by generic and standardized products. Furthermore, in a context of uncertainty regarding trade policies in the United States, given the very recent updates, consolidating direct relationships based on quality and transparency becomes even more strategic to ensure the competitiveness and reliability of Italian eyewear products.”
Reflections – IEE Italian Eyewear Exhibition New York takes place on 4th March, from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM – with a cocktail reception starting at 6:30 PM. The event will take place at IAC Building, Ground Floor, 555 W 18th St, New York.
Registration: Luma.com
