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LAUNCHES
Thomas Wylde Launches Couture Collection by Sama
Quick Take: Designer Sheila Vance, founder of Sama Eyewear, has developed a new eye couture collection of optical and sun styles for L.A.-based design house, Thomas Wylde set to launch this summer.
Wearer: Known for its rock 'n' roll edge, Thomas Wylde is a leading luxury fashion and accessories brand that has never been afraid of breaking the rules, the company said. Therefore, by combining precision, passion, technology and creativity, the Thomas Wylde Eyewear collection will be no exception.
Specifics: Designed for an international market, Vance has incorporated new silhouettes, architectural elements and innovative materials to create a luxury eyewear collection parallel to the Thomas Wylde brand. A neutral color palette featuring opaque marbleized Japanese zyl reinforces the brand’s mysteriously sexy and androgynous aesthetic. Lastly, over-sized shapes emphasized with geometric configurations and interesting angles have been created using custom molds and tooling in Japan.
Selling Points: “We were looking to expand the brand in the best categories, but not compromise the integrity of design,” said John Hanna, CEO of Thomas Wylde. “We needed a designer in optical who is known for creating truly extraordinary product in their marketplace and we found that with Sama,” added Jene Park, creative director of Thomas Wylde.
Price Guide: $$$$$
www.samaeyewearshop.com
Digital Eye Lab Debuts Claris bluDefense AR Coating
Quick Take: Digital Eye Lab, a division of ABB Optical Group, is launching bluDefense, a new anti-reflective coating under the lab's propriety Claris brand.
Wearer: "Many patients aren't aware of the possible hazards of digital eye strain, especially considering the number of hours they spend on smartphones, tablets and computers," said Scott Pearl, managing director of Digital Eye Lab. "All patients would benefit from our exclusive bluDefense technology."
Specifics: Digital Eye Lab reports that bluDefense allows only beneficial blue light to pass through the lens, while harmful blue light and UV light are reflected away from the eye. The coating further protects the eyes from harmful HEV light by reducing backside reflection. Other benefits include the decrease of scatter and glare for better vision and clarity, and the relief from digital eye strain, eye fatigue and headaches for comfort while maintaining a transparent lens.
Selling Points: According to the Vision Council's 2015 Digital Eye Strain Report, nearly one-third of adults spend more than half of their waking hours using a digital device, and more than 70 percent of adults are unaware of the potential dangers of blue light to the eyes. Exposure to blue light has been associated with dry and irritated eyes, blurred vision, headaches, difficulty focusing and pain to the neck and shoulders.
Price Guide: $$$
www.digitaleyelab.com
SECOND LOOKS
Silhouette Bows Titan Accent Collection
Quick Take: Silhouette has launched the Titan Accent collection of new refined styles with an energizing mix of sharp lines accented by intricate print patterns, the company said.
Specifics: Eight models in eight lens shapes and eight unique colors, four for women and four for men.
Selling Points: Designed for the dynamic lifestyle of professional-savvy individuals, the Titan Accent collection offers a modern design with maximum comfort and integrated hinge technology. The temples of each rimless style feature a refined, intricate print in a variety of opulent hues. The collection also features a high-quality mix of Titan and SPX materials. Inspired by the colors on the S/S 2016 runway, the collection offers soft shades of pastels, including mint green and lavender, for women and an array of contemporary masculine colors, such as grey and navy blue, for men.
Price Guide: $$$$$
www.silhouette.com
ImageWear Presents Lightweight Stepper Styles
Quick Take: ImageWear, a division of Walman, has released new lightweight styles into the Stepper eyewear collections.
Specifics: Four new styles for men and women.
Selling Points: Due to the lightweight design of Steppers, wearing them goes almost unnoticed, the company said. The Stepper 10071 combines a colorful front made from TX5 grilamid with durable stainless steel temples. While the Stepper 30040 for women pairs a TX5 grilamid fronts and hypoallergenic metal temples, the frame also features ornate styling in various color combinations. The Stepper 400552 is a traditional semi-rimless frame with stainless steel flex temples. Rounding out the collection is the Stepper 60037, a men’s titanium design, featuring carbon-fiber temples for a classic, yet updated look. “The exceptional quality, comfort and fit of each Stepper frame has resulted in enormous popularity for the brand in today’s optical marketplace,” said Belinda Bellows, director of product design for ImageWear.
Price Guide: $$-$$$
www.imagewear.com
Mondottica Unveils New Christian Lacroix Collection
Quick Take: Inspired by Christian Lacroix’s heritage of unparalleled richness, Mondottica has created the Christian Lacroix AW 15/16 optical collection of new opulent, colorful and baroque styles, the company said.
Specifics: New optical styles for women.
Selling Points: Crafted from Mazzuchelli acetate, the Christian Lacroix collection features signature prints and four bespoke patterns. The soft, rounded shape of style CL1061 and feminine cat-eye shape of CL1060 feature the exclusive Caribe botanical print of overlapping exotic butterflies and plants. To enhance the vibrant colors of Caribe, the pattern is printed on a crystal layer of acetate. Likewise, acetate laminations, pattern interplays and color blocking are pivotal elements on the fronts and temples of style CL1063. Elegant laminations continue on style CL1062 and in metal “frame in frame” style CL3046. Final accents include the Lacroix’s signature baroque monogram and hidden hinge trim on the temple tips.
Price Guide: $$$$$
www.mondottica.com
ALSO NEW
Marc Stone by Swiss Eyewear Group Spring ‘16 Line
On the heels of the successful launch of Marc Stone’s first sunglass collection, the internationally awarded designer is ready to launch his latest styles from Swiss Eyewear Group. Marc Stone has created distinctively masculine, minimalistic styles that feature signature design elements from Marc Stone’s apparel collection. The sunglasses are handcrafted using premium acetate materials with some styles featuring stunning wood and horn finishes. All Marc Stone sunglasses use Swiss Eyewear Group’s ultra-polarized lens technology, offering the perfect fusion of designer fashion and state-of-the-art performance. www.swisseyeweargroup.com
Revolution Adds Robert Graham Styles
Robert Graham eyewear from Revolution offers high quality craftsmanship and sophisticated silhouettes, along with infusing iconic fabric and trim designs to reflect the essential characteristics of the brand’s American eclectic spirit, the company said. Robert Graham and Revolution have created a collection of eyewear that will resonate globally by bringing different creative ideas into the optical marketplace. Revolution has released six new sun styles, a standout being the Halifax in Cola; other colors include matte black, brown fade and blue. www.revolutioneyewear.com
Woodzee Releases Latest Wood Sun Styles
Woodzee, makers of sustainably sourced and repurposed sunglasses, eyewear and home goods, have released their new Classic American Oak sunglasses, marking the brand’s second style of American-made products. Woodzee designs, manufactures and ships these sunglasses from their hometown of Chico, Calif. using non-toxic materials, recycled woods, polycarbonate lenses and patent-pending IsoShok technology. The style features a classic wayfarer shape, black polycarbonate lenses and improved stainless steel hinges made in the U.S. Currently, the only other style from Woodzee’s American-made collection is their Maker’s Mark x Woodzee sunglasses made from recycled oak whisky barrels. www.woodzee.com
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