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LAUNCHES
Luxottica Debuts Stella McCartney Optical Line
Quick Take: Luxottica has unveiled the first Stella McCartney collection of optical eyewear.
Wearer: Fans of the designer’s signature balance of masculine and feminine and the eco-friendly philosophy of the brand.
Specifics: The line features five styles in key shapes referencing a warm color palette of burgundy, taupe, black, teal and light and spotty versions of tortoise. The subtle, yet recognizable step temple, a signature from the brand’s sun collection, is amped up with gold, silver and tonal accents fusing the new optical styles with the existing range of conventional sunglasses, which launched in 2003.
Selling Points: The sustainable optical collection features the same bio-acetate used in the eco-friendly sunglasses range, which are made of 54 percent natural sources, and launched in 2011. The product’s formula combines cellulose, which is renewable and biodegradable, together with natural plasticizers, which differ from DEP (Diethyl Phthalate), and is derived from citric acid, a natural substance obtained through fermentation. “We decided to do optical now because more and more it has become part of the world of eyewear and I don’t see them as so separated anymore. They have become more of one language,” added McCartney. “I think that more and more you are allowed to have a vision of optical that is a bit more standout. I think for me it’s about finding the balance between the classic pieces and giving them a twist; and also, trying to work with more interesting materials and creating our own color ways and language there.”
Price Guide: $$$
www.luxottica.com
L’Amy America Launches Balmain Eyewear
Quick Take: L’Amy America, a division of global eyewear group TWCL’Amy, has announced the North American launch of Balmain Eyewear.
Wearer: Fans of the brand’s strong and specific design aesthetic that exemplifies architectural detail with glamour and elegance, as well as a rock-n-roll edge.
Specifics: The eyewear collections reflect these quintessential Balmain design elements by use of mixed materials like acetate, titanium, leather and lacquered metals. With details like rivets, chains, contemporary frame shapes and gloss and matte colorations, L’Amy and Balmain have created a complete sunglass and ophthalmic collection for both men and women.
Selling Points: Beginning in 1945, with the creation of Couture House Balmain, Pierre Balmain, clothed Hollywood stars like Ava Gardner, Katherine Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich and Brigitte Bardot. Today, Balmain is under the artistic direction of Olivier Rousteing. A full range of visual merchandising materials are available with a purchases of 12 pieces or more, such as logo plaques, counter cards, window banners, shopping bags and a 3-piece window display.
Price Guide: $$$$-$$$$$
www.lamyamerica.com
SECOND LOOKS
Ogi Reveals Natural Instinct Collection
Quick Take: Ogi Eyewear has released the Natural Instinct Collection designed to emulate the timeless beauty, multi-tonal color and tactile textures that one can find in the natural world.
Specifics: Each frame exudes a unique essence of personality driven by colorful, organic hues in combination with handcrafted details and patterns. Colorful earth tones, in combination with tactile, wooden textures, create an unprecedented display of character driven eyewear.
Selling Points: “The Natural Instinct Collection was inspired by the worldly traveler, one who sets out to find beauty in the smallest details of all that the world has to offer. The soft, organic shapes, along with the intriguing textural details of each style coalesce beautifully to create a look full of originality and distinction,” said Karly Anderson, marketing and design for Ogi. A featured style includes the 3112, which features soft, organic curves that revitalize the classic P3 shape with larger lenses and a classic keyhole bridge. Each frame features an emphasized brow, texturized with an innovative “wooden” brushed acetate effect. Another standout is the 3113, a semi-rectangular acetate design done in camouflage color combinations with a distinctive “wooden” appearance. Ogi Eyewear counter cards, postcards, large window banners and logo plaques are available for purchase.
Price Guide: $$$
www.ogieyewear.com
McGee Introduces New XOXO Eyewear Group
Quick Take: The McGee Group offers new runway inspired styles from XOXO perfect for a day at the office or a night on the town; the Indie Chic, Wild Side and It Girl.
Specifics: Three distinct optical looks to fit any women’s wardrobe.
Selling Points: The Indie Chic is a full rim acetate frame with a thin rectangular eyeshape in double laminate acetate featuring a contrasting translucent color for a bold pop. The Wild Side is a combination frame with a flat metal front and HD-printed acetate temples in a pattern exclusive to XOXO. The temples mix traditional animal prints and bold colors for a custom look. Adjustable nose pads and spring hinges ensure Wild Side provides a comfortable fit. The It Girl is a handmade acetate frame with a fashion-forward oversized square eyeshape for a modern retro look. The beveled front and dimensional logo treatment give way to contrasting temple colors.
Price Guide: $$
www.mcgeegroup.com
REM Releases John Varvatos Spring 2013 Styles
Quick Take: REM Eyewear is keeping with the tradition of reaching back to look forward with the John Varvatos Spring 2013 Eyewear Collection. Dedicated to handcrafted opulence with a rock and roll edge, the new styles are influenced by the hard lines of the New York City skyline and the intoxicating vibe of Detroit’s motor city neighborhoods.
Specifics: Four ophthalmic styles and five sun.
Selling Points: In optical, the V145 is a classic rectangle shape in vintage style with a fleur de lis detail at the hinge and coining along the rim wire. The V146 features a full titanium front and deep B measurement with Varvatos branded metal end caps and a monoblock hinge. The V354 is a timeless round shape with metal coining around the handmade acetate and ornamental art in the monoblock hinge and temples; while the V355, a retro shape with keyhole bridge, features a Torx pattern along the temple for modern dimension. Each new sunwear style from John Varvatos features CR39 lenses with a back-side anti-reflection coating. The V783 is a modern aviator in classic teardrop shape and temples that feature inlaid metal detailing. The V784, a handmade acetate in a wayfarer shape, features the Varvatos signature guitar stock hinge detail; while the crisp, clean lines of the V785, a flattop aviator in acetate, also features the guitar stock hinge. Last up are the V786, an aviator with a bold top bar and fleur de lis detailing, and the V789, featuring delicate coining along the classic rectangle shape in handmade acetate frame.
Price Guide: $$$$
www.remeyewear.com
Oliver Peoples Offers 2013 Pre-Collection Styles
Quick Take: Oliver Peoples has released new styles into their pre-collection for Spring 2013.
Specifics: Six new styles, two optical, three sun and one versatile optical or sun option.
Selling Points: The Bradford is a masculine-inspired optical design handcrafted of substantial acetate that features real pins on the frame front and temple. A timeless, classic frame that is suitable for both men and women, the Bradford is offered in two sizes. The Afton is a bold unisex optical design handcrafted of substantial acetate and featuring retro pin detailing. The deeper lens shape is complemented by a slightly exaggerated end piece also offered in two sizes. In sun, the Sofee is a retro-inspired feminine sunglass with a slightly upswept shape; while the Jacey is an oversized feminine sunglass handcrafted of substantial acetate in a bold design complimented by thick temples. The is an ultra-feminine handcrafted acetate sunglass in an oversized rounded shape featuring stepped plastic that showcases the two-tone color blocking. Lastly, the M-4 was one of the original styles introduced by Oliver Peoples circa 1987. Like the original, the re-release is handcrafted in Japan and features a scroll filigree detail on the metal eye wire plated with antique colors and is offered as both an optical and a sunglass with vintage glass lenses.
Price Guide: $$$$$
www.oliverpeoples.com
ALSO NEW
Marchon Bows Chloe Spring/Summer 2013 Sun Collection
The recently launched Chloe Eyewear collection debuts a sunwear collection that embodies the iconic elements seen throughout the fashion label’s ready-to-wear collections. Soft shapes and classic colorations complement the line’s feminine silhouettes. Graceful details like the metal zipper, the “petal” cut and mirrored treatments adorn select frame fronts and temples. Modern and sophisticated the SS13 Chloe Eyewear collection is playful and timeless.
www.marchon.com
Spy Expands Ken Block Signature Collection for 2013
SPY has released its bold and bright 2013 Ken Block Signature Collection inspired by the Day-Glo days of the '80s and '90s. The collection offers another round of a fully loaded, fully customizable shades that could only come from the mind of world-class rally car racer Ken Block. Continuing with his signature Helm frame as the canvas, the 2013 Ken Block Signature Collection features four new colors with Spectra mirrored lenses and temples emblazoned with stripes, splatter and concrete crackle patterns. Each pair also includes a bonus set of temples allowing the wearer to create custom looks with a single pair of shades. Built from Grilamid, the 2013 Ken Block Signature Collection offers 100 percent UV protection through optically correct ARC lenses.
www.spyoptic.com
Nanofilm Unveils New Ultra Clarity Lens Care Collection
Nanofilm has launched four new Ultra Clarity Spring Lens Care kits. The four designs are Blossom, a sunny floral; The Links, a pastel argyle; Tweet-Tweet, a chipper bird pattern; and Eyes Love Clean Glasses is a colorful graphic print. All four designs are available in a 1-ounce spray that can be imprinted with customer information. There is also a 4-ounce The Links refill bottle and organza giftbag kits of any 1-ounce design and a refill bottle. Nanofilm’s Ultra Clarity lens care formulas exceed every industry standard for effectiveness and safety on all lenses and coatings, including anti-reflective coatings. Dirt, oily fingerprints, and everyday grime wipe away easily, without smears or smudges.
www.nanofilmproducts.com
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