VANNI Head of Design Irene Chinaglia Discusses Balancing Trends and Identity at OPTI 2026

During OPTI 2026, VANNI Head of Design Irene Chinaglia participated in a round-table discussion with trend analyst Niels Holger Wien regarding the evolution of eyewear design. Chinaglia emphasized that designers must selectively interpret fast-paced global trends rather than ignore them, focusing on value, craftsmanship, and brand consistency. She highlighted the tension between standardized production and consumer desire for uniqueness, noting that glasses significantly influence personal identity. The discussion addressed sustainability concerns arising from rapid fashion cycles and the importance of adapting shapes to diverse facial features. Chinaglia described inspiration as a layering of experiences and noted that while shapes change slowly, colors follow seasonal rhythms. For VANNI, color research is a cornerstone, aiming to create recognizable identities through structural details rather than added decoration.