Page 15 - Envision-03-2023

Cover Story

SUNGL A S SE S DE SIGNER S

[ mod. Kala ]

“ As one of the online

[ mod. Kirby ]

optical retailers at the

lower end of the price

scale, their niche is

Brian Dombrowski, director of ECP sales and marketing at Modo, says that affordability.

one of the company’s long-standing core principles is innovation. “We’re “

always working on new concepts, whether they’re materials, hinges, proportions

or design,” he states.

Modo’s demographic ties into their design philosophy. While they remain

aware of current eyewear trends, they pay close attention to quality and

function as well. “We feel that we really do offer a frame for any face, from [ mod. PET ]

tweens to adults and geriatric patients,” says Dombrowski. “There isn’t just one

trend but many. It’s all about switching it up. Top frames and styles that will be

at the forefront this season are sculptural and retro shapes, complex colours

and graphic designs in metal and acetate.”

For the past couple of years women’s fashion has featured slouchy, oversized

looks which are being mirrored in the sunglasses sector with oversized,

colourful frames this summer. Dombrowski sees a clear synergy between

fashionable clothing and optical styles.

“Our customers appreciate contemporary lifestyle fashion. We’ve had

successful releases with both our Modo and Eco brands,” states Dombrowski.

“With Modo, it’s been exciting to see a nod to our past as well as a view toward

the future. Our top sellers come from our titanium and Brooklyn Made

collections, respectively. We continue to see rapid growth of Eco, our fully

stainable brand.”

According to Dombrowski, selling sunglasses online is an excellent opportunity

to help raise Modo’s brand profile beyond the eyewear industry. “We’re

fortunate to have had our sunglasses placed in such publications as Vanity Fair,

Teen Vogue, In Style, WWD, and O, The Oprah Magazine among others over

the years.

“Most recently we’ve been trending among influencers. Having a direct

purchasing channel is a great opportunity for us, while not conflicting with

the core ophthalmic business partnerships we have with our amazing ECP

partners!”

Dombrowski adds, “In addition to the product itself, we’re proud of maintaining

our independence. But our greatest accomplishment is providing vision care

for over 1.3 million children as part of our Buy a Frame, Help a Child See

effort.” The program supports vision screenings in schools, optometric

examinations, and treatment and education initiatives for children lacking

access to proper vision care.

/ www.ENVISIONMAGAZINE.ca / MARCH - APRIL 2023 / 13