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LAUNCHES
Shamir’s Autograph III Uses ‘Ergonomic Design’ for Comfort
Quick Take: Shamir Insight rolled out its latest generation freeform lens, Autograph III, at Vision Expo East.
Wearer: Matt Lytle, vice president of marketing for Shamir, said the lens offers “real solutions to address the individual visual issues of hyperopic and myopic presbyopes.”
Specifics: Lytle described Autograph III as “a new balanced progressive lens that is holistically adapted to the patient and ensures a clear and comfortable visual experience for all.” He noted that its ergonomic design concept minimizes postural discomfort and reduces undesirable head movements. The lens has a unique power profile providing clearer intermediate vision for handheld devices, and the lens provides four times greater design stability to frame tilt variations, in any chosen frame, Lytle added.
Selling Points: “It’s been over five years since the release of our groundbreaking lens, Autograph II,” said Lytle. “Since that time, our scientists have turned lens designing upside down and have come out with what we believe is a revolution in lens design. Our new design software, called Eyepoint Technology III is responsible for what will create Shamir’s new generation of freeform lenses, starting with our newest design, Autograph III.”
Price Guide: $$$$
www.shamirlens.com
Raen Launches First Optical Collection
Quick Take: Raen, the independent, handcrafted eyewear company designed in California, has launched a companion ophthalmic collection to their sunwear line which debuted in 2008.
Wearer: Unisex wearers age 18 to 35.
Specifics: There are 11 styles in their debut Rx collection, mostly unisex.
Selling Points: The collection is predominately done handmade acetate, while styles like the Stryder uses plated nickel silver alloy with acetate details and the Convoy is cut from block aluminum with acetate temples. The Stryder features a refined geometry with a wire core reveal on the temple and removable sun clip; while the Convoy, done Japanese gold and available as an Rx or sun, comes with precision spring hinges. Other standouts include the Simmons, available in matte black/brindle, in a masculine rectangular shape with a keyhole bridge and the Saint Malo in crystal, super light also with a keyhole bridge. Raen is supporting the launch with a marketing campaign called “Through the Eyes” that showcases the lifestyles of their brand’s ambassadors. The collection will be distributed to selected independent retailers across the U.S. that appreciate and support well-made product at reasonable price points, the company said.
Price Guide: $$
www.raenoptics.com
Brooklyn Spectacles Presents First Optical Collection
Quick Take: Launched in 2012 and based out of Williamsburg, Brooklyn Spectacles has launched a collection of vintage-inspired, modern and rustic styles that mirror the culture and vibe of Williamsburg Brooklyn.
Wearer: Those to whom the Brooklyn lifestyle appeals.
Specifics: Each style in their initial collection is named after some of the creators’ favorite places and people in Brooklyn.
Selling Points: Brooklyn Spectacles’ first collection is comprised of wood-like acetate frames that are distinctive and bold. The Tilden is a nod to Fort Tilden beach, a popular summer destination for many Williamsburg residents, while the L Train is named for the train line that connects Manhattan to Williamsburg. Brooklyn Spectacles has also expanded its collection to include frames made from polished acetate and other materials to create final product that is super lightweight and hypoallergenic. These new offerings, along with their children’s collection, Little Spectacles, officially launched at last month’s Vision Expo East.
Price Guide: $$$
www.brooklynspectacles.com
SECOND LOOKS
Modo Unveils Eco Born Biobased Collection
Quick Take: Modo has introduced a unique addition to their Eco brand, Eco Born Biobased collection. The collection has been certified by the USDA as being made of 63 percent biobased materials.
Specifics: The Eco Born Biobased collection consists of six styles made from plant-based materials.
Selling Points: Modo and Eco are expanding their sustainable collection and continue to develop stylish, eco-friendly eyewear. The Eco Born Biobased collection continues to support the three main initiatives of Eco 2.0, which are “Look Good, Feel Good, Do Good.” The styles are also lightweight and feature classic colors and vibrant hues; each frame is offered in six different colors. In addition to using biobased materials to create the frames, the collection is packaged in an envelope made of recycled materials that allows customers to donate their unwanted frames to charities helping people with poor vision in developing areas of the world. Inside of the envelope is a brochure that further elaborates Eco’s “Look Good, Feel Good, Do Good” initiatives to the consumer and a case made of recycled soda bottles that folds flat.
Price Guide: $$-$$$
www.modo.com
Charmant Bows New Puma Suns for S/S '13
Quick Take: The new Spring/Summer 2013 Puma Eyewear Sun collection from Charmant reflects the passion for the outdoor active life and the love for style that defines the Puma brand.
Specifics: The design of both the men’s and women’s styles is strongly influenced by the variety of colors and shapes found in nature, mixed with design expertise to deliver top quality and highly-wearable sunglasses. The fresh mix of different materials, trendy color selections and performance details found in all Puma Eyewear makes the new collection stylish and comfortable with slip resistant rubber parts including inlays or unique removable temple tips.
Selling Points: For a more traditional sporty look, the new wrap around and edgy shaped aviator styles feature mirrored lenses and ergonomic design, as well as intriguing material and color mixes. The Starling, style numbers PU15148 and PU15148P, has a retro look re-energized by light, nickel free frame construction in aluminum paired with yellow gold or silver to accentuate the space age feel. The Avocet (PU15150) is a subtly goggle-inspired frame in avant-garde colors with a feminine look. The Pheasant (PU15157) is features a crystal acetate frame front and paw-like rubber tips for a unisex style that is a cool and colorful. Chaser (PU15162) pairs futuristic styling with a sporty wraparound frame and colorful mirrored lenses; while the Pondhawk’s (PU15163) design is athletic and ergonomic with temples and nose pads in anti-slip materials and a shield lens that is neatly curved with an aerodynamic feel.
Price Guide: $$-$$$
www.charmant.com/us
ALSO NEW
Tura Debuts New Styles into the Tura Mosaic Collection
As part of its ongoing celebration of its 75th anniversary, Tura Inc. has introduced new styles to the Tura Brand Mosaic Collection. Bold and brilliant, the Tura Mosaic Collection uses color and graphic elements to create distinctively beautiful temple designs. Free form and geometric details, enamel inlays and textured patterns lend an artful appeal to this group. The Mosaic Collection includes ophthalmic and sunglass styles for women and men in acetate and metal. To complement Tura’s re-branded eyewear collections, the company recently launched a multifaceted marketing campaign that includes a revamped logo and brand colors.
www.tura.com
A&A Releases New Jimmy Crystal Sun Styles
A&A Optical has released four new sun frames from women’s luxury collection, Jimmy Crystal New York. The Jimmy Crystal designer eyewear collection is comprised of limited edition pieces, each style featuring hand set Swarovski elements. Jimmy Crystal sunglasses are available in multiple unique styles, shapes and materials. All styles include CR-39 lenses so all frames are as safe in the sun as they are beautiful and eye-catching. All new styles are prescription-ready. Highlights include the cat eye JCS128 with vintage-inspired design and Swarovski Crystal accents available in black and tortoise and the JCS405, an acetate sun in a wraparound style with shimmering end pieces in black with clear crystals set in silver or tortoise with gold crystals set in gold.
www.aaopticalco.com
Mykita Unveils Latest Collab with Damir Doma
Visual contrasts, the play on materials and colors and the exploration of the round are the defining design features of the Mykita & Damir Doma frames for Autumn/Winter 2013. Doma, is a Croatian-born designer, trained in Munich and Berlin and now settled in Paris, by way Antwerp, who designs clothes for men and women. Styles DD02 and DD03 remain faithful to the concept of contrasting materials - stainless steel and acetate –set forth in the collaboration’s previous collections. The DD02 has circular lenses with stunning color combinations; while in the DD03 the signature rings are linked via an extra bridge that at the same time serves as a styling element. The rings, visible from both sides, are made of acetate and linked by a polished stainless-steel frame. Both models are available as sunglasses or prescription frames, and are fitted with lenses Zeiss.
www.mykita.com
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