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LAUNCHES
PM International Re-launches Matsuda Eyewear
Quick Take: New eyewear distribution company, PM International, has officially re-launched
Matsuda Eyewear in North America. A legendary Japanese eyewear brand, Matsuda was known for its exquisite craftsmanship and impeccable attention to detail, design and materials.
Wearer: Longtime fans of Matsuda, luxury eyewear aficionados and those yet to discover the brand.
Specifics: Handcrafted in Japan, the 24 styles fall into three distinct collections: the Precious Collection which makes use of hand engraved sterling silver and 18k solid gold; the Essential Collection which features new designs drawing upon classic Matsuda details made of pure titanium, stainless steel and premium Japanese acetate; and the Heritage Collection, launching later in 2011 consists of limited production re-issues of best selling original styles.
Selling Points: A top selling brand through the late 1980s and 1990s, the 2011 Matsuda eyewear collection puts a fresh spin on the iconic frames of the past. The luxury eyeglasses and sunglasses from the late fashion designer Mitsuhiro Matsuda, considered to be one of the most influential eyewear designers in history, have not been distributed in the U.S. since the early 2000s. Sleek, elegant and timeless, Matsuda fulfills this decade’s need for understated luxury. Each frame is handmade one at a time and the collection will be exclusively distributed in the top eyewear retailers in North America. “We are privileged to have been given the opportunity to carry on the Matsuda legacy. It is our challenge to breathe new life into this legendary brand while paying homage to its past," said James Kisgen, CEO of PM International. PM will roll out a soft launch later this fall in France, Italy and Germany before making our strong push in Europe in 2012.
Price Guide: $$$$$
www.matsuda-eyewear.com
L’Amy Introduces Columbia Extended Sizing Collection
Quick Take: New for fall 2011, Columbia Eyewear has created a collection designed exclusively for the extra-large male outdoor enthusiast.
Specifics: The collection consists of three models in three colors each, for a total of nine skus. All models are progressive friendly and feature a stainless steel frame front with two-tone temples made of Columbia’s proprietary “H90” Hyper-Lite material with a unique extended-size cranial fit. Eye sizes range from 57-18-150 to 59-18-150.
Selling Points: All these features together provide a flexible, durable, featherweight and custom-fitting frame for the larger-than-average head shape; style names include Big Bend, Big Cypress and Big Horn. Columbia’s bi-injected molding process creates a hard, durable yet flexible outer sleeve with a soft, rubberized inner temple for softness and extreme comfort against the face. An unusual forward-opening end piece and bowed, sculptural temple design provide architectural interest. “2011 has been the year of technological advancement for Columbia Eyewear,” said Connie Reiss, the Columbia worldwide brand manager for L’Amy. “A void in the current casual-sport market for large fitting ophthalmics with definite aggressive sport style has been filled with these new superior fitting designs.”
Price Guide: $$$
www.lamyamerica.com
SECOND LOOKS
Safilo Celebrates 30 Years of Emporio Armani Eyewear
Quick Take: Emporio Armani was founded in 1981, in 2011 Safilo celebrates the 30th anniversary of the brand with a capsule collection of eyewear.
Specifics: Two models in iconic silhouettes and a myriad of colors.
Selling Points: For him, an ultra-flat teardrop shielded model (EA 9838/S) and for her, an oversized rounded model (EA 9837/S). The ‘30° EMPORIO ARMANI’ logo is stamped on the front of the frame and the metal signature eagle on the temples. The color options include pink, red, purple or green; while alternatively softer shades of brown, shiny grey and smoke grey are available to round off the selection. Also in mid-October, a mini website will be launched offering a web experience where visitors can create personalized versions of their own Emporio Armani 30° Anniversary styles by choosing individual mixes of temples, lenses and logos from a large selection of possible combinations, 1,030 different customized looks in all. More information is available at
www.armani.com.
Price Guide: $$$
www.safilo.com
Kirk Originals Debuts Sunbeam and Beam Collections
Quick Take: After 12 years of development, Kirk Originals has announced the launch of Sunbeam and Beam, two entirely new collections of eyewear made entirely from acrylic.
Specifics: The shapes are oversized with soft lines and curves to emphasize the color combinations. A new process of color marriage allows bright hues to merge and separate in tones of fluorescent orange, yellow, pink and aqua. The colors play together to form a unique print so that each frame has its own color identity and is a personalized, tailored piece.
Selling Points: Handmade in France, this unique collection uses specially enhanced materials to create frames unlike anything ever seen before. Kirk Originals have been using acrylic temples since the late 1990s but Beam and Sunbeam, also benefit acrylic fronts in an incredible range of colors not traditionally found in eyewear. The acrylic is polished to shine like glass and the frames are extremely light and comfortable to wear. Additionally, once adjusted they keep their shape to remain fitted and comfortable and there are no need for re-enforcing wires in the temples. "To celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2012, we wanted to launch something really special," said Jason Kirk. "Beam is unique, combining technical advancement with aesthetic beauty. I have done a lot of travelling this year, listening to opticians and the eyewear buying public. Consumers, like opticians, are so bored with black and tortoise shell. People are seeking out color and vivacity in their eyewear to brighten up their stores and their lives."
Price Guide: $$$$$
www.kirkoriginals.com
Legacie Bows Judith Leiber Arabesque
Quick Take: Legacie, the luxury division of B. Robinson, has introduced the Arabesque grouping into their Judith Leiber Eyewear collection.
Specifics: One sunglass and two optical frames.
Selling Points: The Arabesque group is based on the exotic architecture of the Persian Empire. Sweeping lines and curving motifs are skived out and embellished with fine gold and silver leafing, delicate etching, artisan filigree detailing and an array of genuine Austrian crystals. Crafted from handmade custom Italian acetate, the JL 1637SG, an oversized glam sunglass, JL 1638, a cat-eye optical style, and JL 1639, an international fit frame, are the epitome of luxurious eyewear. New acetate color introductions in this group include topaz marble and amethyst marble while new stone colors include crystal bronze shade, dark indigo and Indian pink.
Price Guide: $$$$$
www.legacie.com
ALSO NEW
Wescan Adds New Styles to Fysh UK
Wescan has introduced seven new models to their Fysh UK collection for fall 2011 featuring a variety of shapes in rich autumnal colors reflecting the fall trends seen on the runway. The new Fysh collection adds character and style with innovative and abstract designs with a modern edge in eye sizes that range from 51 to 54.
www.fyshuk.com
Scheyden Precision Eyewear Debuts Latest Models
Scheyden Precision Eyewear, co-designed by founder Jeff Herold and industry veteran Patrick Hussey, adds the aviator-like Albatross, ideal for nearly every face type, and the navigator-style Mustang which is better suited to a medium to large fit. Constructed from titanium and strategically-placed acetate, lens options include CR-39, mineral glass and optional polarization.
www.scheyden.com
Cinzia Designs Unveils the Ombre Collection
Cinzia Designs has introduced the Ombre Collection, three new female reader styles available in three dip-dyed color ways. All three looks boast bold, flat metal frames with thick rimmed eye shapes offering a retro appeal. Each frame is available in three “ombre” color combinations and comes with a custom designed, two-toned color coordinating case.
www.cinziadesigns.com
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