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NEW YORK—Now in its sixth year, The Underground at Vision Expo East was originally conceived as a way to bring high-end, couture designers together in an elegant environment, under one roof for the convenience of show attendees. “This concept continues to work for participants and buyers alike,” said Valerie Scott, vice president, strategic accounts, Reed Exhibitions. “This year we have added three exhibitors to The Underground: Fred, l.a. Eyeworks and Linda Farrow,” she said.

Underground participants agreed with Scott. “My accounts are delighted that I am showing again this year in The Underground. They find it to be a very convenient and pleasant environment for their viewing appointments,” said Robert Marc of Robi. “More than ever, my accounts are looking for unique products with authenticity and value to offer to their customers, which is why I'm very excited to show them my new Limited Edition Raffia Collection, featuring a layer of hand-woven raffia in my custom-made temple material. The Underground is the perfect setting for this presentation,” Marc said.

Lori Robinson Blas, co-president of Legacie, concured: "Once again, Legacie is happy to be a part of The Underground. We believe this environment is the right atmosphere to showcase our brands and products. In The Underground, our account representatives as well as our company's executives are able to work one-on-one with our customers and give them the personal service and attention they require and deserve. This season, our customers continue to look for unique and elegant offerings with quality, value and service also being important factors.”

  

New this year to The Underground, l.a. Eyeworks is “thrilled to be participating in The Underground and supporting Vision Expo East,” according to Brent Zerger, l.a. Eyeworks director of communications. “We had to add a table the first day because we had more business than anticipated. We’ve observed trade shows are a rapidly changing platform and we are evolving our own presentation formats and strategies along with them. This year our customers are clamoring for acetates, and given our passion for unique and unexpected color ways, we are offering collections vibrating with exciting new textures—from matte surfaces scored with a wood-grain texture to transparent bright jewel tones.”

A six-year veteran of The Underground, Sheila Vance, founder of Sama Eyewear, also feels The Underground is the perfect fit for Sama. “Luxury is a way of life—equal parts fashion, quality and exclusivity and luxury goods are what give content to the luxury lifestyle. The Underground is a powerful backdrop, housing fine luxury eyewear collections created by fine designers. It’s the place to see the evolution of technology and creativity,” she concluded.

—Gloria Nicola