LAUNCHES
Zyloware Introduces Shaquille O’Neal Eyewear
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Wearer: Geared toward males 18 to 50, who desire a more fashionable, sports-inspired frame that is high quality at an attainable price.
Specifics: The collection features masculine shapes such as full rim and semi-rimless. It comes in a range of color accents with stainless steel fronts, handcrafted zyl, spring hinges, rubberized temples and sleeves for a secure fit and bowed temples for added comfort.
Selling Points: Shaquille O’Neal Eyewear has elements such as contrasting pops of color highlighted on the frame, sporty temple tips, adjustable library temples and extended fit sizing. “Shaquille O’Neal is a perfect addition to the Zyloware family and now is an exciting time to launch eyewear as the Shaq phenomenon is impacting so many new fashion categories,” stated Zyloware co-CEO and president, Christopher Shyer. “Shaq is a mega personality with a global appeal that we see consistently engages and resonates with millions of fans around the world,” said Jamie Salter, chairman and CEO of Authentic Brands Group. “The addition of eyewear to his growing roster of lifestyle offerings creates a new way for consumers to connect to the superstar.”
Price Guide: $$$
www.wearezyloware.com
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l.a.Eyeworks Collabs With Blake Kuwahara For Capsule Collection
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Wearer: Fans of l.a.Eyeworks and Blake Kuwahara.
Specifics: Each model of this eight-piece collection is handcrafted in Japan in four distinct acetate combinations. Highlights from the collection include the Two Noons and Two Rays style.
Selling Points: According to the company, the collaboration combines Kuwahara's extensive knowledge of luxury eyewear design and production with l.a.Eyeworks' expanding legacy of iconic, imaginative frame shapes and passion for color. "We set out to distill and combine the essence of both of our brands as an adventure in optical alchemy," said Gai Gherardi, who co-founded and co-designs l.a.Eyeworks with Barbara McReynolds. In doing so, the frame designs feature an iconic l.a.Eyeworks silhouette set within the contours of a complementary outer form, employing the advanced production techniques created by Kuwahara for his breakthrough 2015 namesake collection. "We wanted the frames to exhibit harmony and tension between opposing shapes and ideas…" said Kuwahara, "By blending the newness of my 'frame within frame' construction techniques and the history of l.a.Eyeworks' timeless shapes and expressive colors." The set will be sold exclusively as a complete capsule collection by l.a.Eyeworks and Blake Kuwahara Eyewear, with a limited edition of 100 kits made available worldwide.
Price Guide: $$$$$
www.laeyeworks.com
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SECOND LOOKS
Cutler and Gross Launch New Eyewear Collection
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Specifics: Handmade in Italy, the 40-piece collection for men and women includes five optical styles and five sun styles.
Selling Points: Highlights from the collection include the Cadore Story 1223, a quirky unisex optical style that combines Italian acetate brows and temples with Palladium or Ruthenium metal lower rims. The Knightsbridge Dancer 1224 offers a large, slender figure in acetate accented by silver pins and the brand’s signature keyhole bridge. In sun, the Italian Quarter 1215 sunglass features a modern aviator shape with a keyhole bridge, while the Persian Queen 1216 sunglass boasts a rounded shape with a flowing browline accentuated by vintage pins on the endpiece. Strong in body and soft in texture, the Lady Mercer 1218 and Captain Melrose 1217 metal styles embody the equestrian world as the bridges are designed to resemble a snaffle bit or bridle, the company said. Likewise, both styles feature a rounded shape with colored water snakeskin or lambskin leather outlining the rims. Rounding out the collection, the Humble Glory 1220 is an oversized, lightweight metal aviator fit with acetate rims and tips for a bold, feminine style. Sun styles are equipped with Intercast or Zeiss lenses.
Price Guide: $$$$$
www.cutlerandgross.com
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Croakies Announces ARC Retainer Line Expansion
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Specifics: Made in the U.S., Croakies’ patented ARC technology provides an innovative, technically advanced solution for performance activities, the company said.
Selling Points: According to the company, ARC products offer superior quality and advanced adjustability. The patented ARC System and ARC Endless sport retainers feature a unique articulating joint that keeps the cable off your neck and collar. All Arc Endless models are also coupled with Croakies’ Endless Length Adjustable technology for a customizable retainer that delivers a more precise fit. Available in five coated cable colors, each ARC retainer comes packaged with a combo pack of two pairs of different sized, interchangeable, molded ends providing broader sunglass compatibility. For water sport enthusiasts, Croakies’ compatible Float Kit includes four floating buoys designed to easily thread onto the ARC’s cable providing floating security for valuable eyewear, the company said.
Price Guide: $
www.croakies.com
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Mondottica Presents Zoobug Children’s Collections
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Specifics: Designed for all ages from 0 to 12 years old, the three new optical collections feature colorful, practical and fashion-focused frames with a precise attention on fit, comfort and resistance to wear and tear, the company said.
Selling Points: Designed for children 5 to 12 years old, Zoobug’s “Fashion” collection presents four new silhouettes in four eye-catching colorways. All Fashion frames are fitted with OBE Flex-Uno hinges, and supplied with a plug-in silicone nose pad for Asian and small nose fittings when needed. For 0 to 3 year olds, the TR90 Ultralight “Everyday” collection features two new shapes that are easy to wear, lightweight and colorful. A built-up silicone nose pads act as support for infant’s undeveloped bridge. While the length of the temples can be cut to fit, the soft curled rubber tips are fully adjustable. The line also extends for children 4 to 12 years old with seven new shapes in three colorways. The silicone nose pads for this age group can be bent and adjusted to fit Caucasian and Asian noses without using any metal inserts. According to Zoobug, the One-Piece Rubber Flex “Active” collection of four ophthalmic styles, made from a versatile modern rubber material, is flexible and virtually indestructible. Free from joints and metal parts with an adjustable ultra-flexible hinge, these frames are available in sizes ranging from 41 to 45mm and benefit from a detachable headband with earlock to prevent the frame from slipping forward.
Price Guide: $$$
www.mondottica.com, www.zoobug.com
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ALSO NEW
Sama Debuts New 2016 Collections for Women
Sama Eyewear has introduced new summer 2016 styles to their deCode, Loree Rodkin Eye Couture, Sama and Thomas Wylde collections. Sama’s Lace Collection with laser cut temples now offers fully flat facing lenses, gel and matte finished Japanese zyl and futuristic forms in a range of antique metals. New modifications, including new geometric shapes, laser imprinted metal temples, driving bars and new combinations of gold and custom colored acetates, add a fresh perspective to the aviator styles throughout the deCode, Sama and Loree Rodkin collections. New pale summer tones and a range of soft crystallized colors are juxtaposed against the metallic aviator range. To round out the season, the new Sama Rimless line features oversized round lenses in custom colors with unique temples as well as a range of new dramatic shapes. www.samaeyewear.net
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Modern Optical Releases New Geneviéve Styles
Modern Optical International has introduced 17 new optical styles to their Geneviéve Boutique Collection of fashionable, yet affordable eyewear for women. According to the company, the eclectic collection combines unique detailing, rich colorations and feminine eye shapes to create flattering frames that captures today’s top eyewear trends. Highlights from the collection include the Abstract, a wearable stainless steel frame featuring a rounded rectangular front with a two-toned coloration and matte finish. Also in stainless steel, the temples of Divinity boast an intricate whimsical pattern in soft hues accented by multifaceted gemstones. In handmade zyl, the Monarch juxtaposes a bold silhouette with a butterfly accent adjoined on each hinge, while the Alibi and the Havoc bring striking colorations to the collection. This ultra-feminine collection features spring hinges, and silicone pads on stainless steel styles. www.modernoptical.com
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Pen Inc. Announces Clarity Free Lens Cleaner
Pen Inc. has announced Clarity Free, a new alcohol-free lens cleaner developed and sold by Pen’s subsidiary Nanofilm, Ltd. Designed specifically for consumers who prefer alcohol-free lens cleaners, Clarity Free is safe for all lenses and coatings. According to the company, the cleaner is just as effective as the company’s flagship Ultra Clarity and Clarity AR eyeglass cleaners, breaking down skin oils and dirt on contact offering a streak-free finish. “Our new alcohol-free product was created in direct response to a customer request,” said Dr. Krish Rao, president of Nanofilm. “Drawing on our know-how and process experience to make an effective cleaner, we are proud to offer Clarity Free less than a year later.” Clarity Free is available in 6-ounce and 2-ounce bottles this May. www.penc.us, www.nanofilmusa.com
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