A lot can happen in 50 years, and as you thumb through the pages of this keepsake issue of 20/20, or any of our issues this year, you will have just a glimpse into how eyewear and the optical industry have evolved over the course of the past half century.
How fun it is to take a trip down memory lane with this month’s cover, and reminisce over the groovy designs of the 1970s or the big, bold looks of the 1980s, catch another glimpse of our iconic issues with the ever-stunning Sophia Loren or fashion icons Donna Karan or Ralph Lauren, or see athletes in action with close-up shots of Mets slugger David Wright or PGA Tour golfer Dylan Frittelli. Those who attended Vision Expo East this year had the chance to enjoy this experience on a grander scale, with our life-sized, up-close exhibition of 20/20 through the years (this will also be available at Vision Expo West), showcasing hallmark covers and industry events from the past 50 years.
It’s safe to say that decade after decade, 20/20 has been showcasing fashion and eyewear trends, reporting on lenses and technology, or flaunting fabulous, celebrity-studded covers. Our team has been there to capture it all and share it with you, our readers. And of course, in this time, our beloved 20/20 magazine, which has faithfully chronicled the comings and goings of the optical industry over five decades, has evolved itself and grown before our eyes, transforming from its roots as a print publication with newsy covers against a white background, to the multifaceted, multimedia bellwether publication it has become today, with gorgeous glossy covers, on-trend coverage through and through, and an unparalleled print, digital and social media presence. Our newsletters, web content and print issues reach thousands upon thousands of readers each month, helping not just to report on the latest in the fashion, eyewear and optical industry, but to be a part of it as well.
With all of that said, it has really taken a few very special groups of people to get us here: our amazing Jobson team, our dedicated readers and our industry partners. As I am sure is true for most creative pursuits, what it truly takes to evolve a work from conceptualization, to design, to finished product can at times feel Herculean, and yet it is accomplished with grace and ease by an orchestra of talented players. Such is the case with each issue of 20/20, and, as someone who joined the team just about six months ago, I am still in awe of the creativity, careful planning and teamwork that gets us from point A to point B.
Finally, where would we be without you, our readers and industry partners? You drive us, inspire us and hold us accountable. We are grateful to each of you for your readership and support, and for the valuable relationships that keep us energized and feeling welcomed and at home in this tight-knit industry. Here’s to the next 50 years! Exciting things are just around the corner.
—Anne Cooper
Editorial Director, 20/20 and Vision Monday
[email protected]
