Spring in Paris

Lafont's Spring Collection features an array of new styles and colors

Lafont is known for its experimentation with color, and this season, the Paris-based company lives up to its image with a new plastic camouflage collection. The frames, which feature both the green and brown army colors, have a three-dimensional look. Also found within Lafont's new plastics collection are two-tone gradient colored frames that feature pairings such as navy/sky blue, maroon/caramel, and midnight blue/taupe. The plastics wholesale from $65 to $84. Lafont's new sunglass collection will also feature the new camouflage colors. Large, rectangular, wraparound shapes are targeted to men in this collection, which wholesales from $70 to $80.

Lafont's new titanium collection boasts a new technology that features cut-out titanium fronts and temples. These frames which come in colors such as chocolate brown, grey, and deep purple, are handmade in France. The titanium frames wholesale from $129 to $140.

The company's metal collection is thin and light, yet durable. New color variations will look similar to laminated plastic and will give the wearer a plethora of color choices. These metal frames wholesale from $73 to $106.

Merchandising materials include Plexiglas and wooden displays, posters, and countercards. Each frame also comes with a specialty monogrammed hard case.

For more information, call 800-832-8233.

Two Worlds Collide

Maui Jim and Marchon marry respective technologies

Maui Jim's patented polarized lenses and Marchon's patented Flexon technology and trademark merge in the Maui Jim with Flexon sunglass collection, which will be introduced at Vision Expo East.

The Flexon brand memory metal is used in the bridge, crossbar, and temples of the frame, so the frame keeps its shape longer. According to Marchon, Flexon material improves fit, comfort, and durability for the wearer. The titanium nickel alloy material is 10 times springier than spring steel, the company reports. The frames also feature slip-resistant silicone nose pads and tarnish resistant properties.

There are five styles in this collection, which features two colors: Gunmetal and metallic copper gloss. The Maui Jim PolarizedPlus lenses, designed to reduce glare and block ultraviolet rays, are available in two hues--neutral grey and HCL (high contrast lens) bronze.

The wholesale price range is $150 to $175. Merchandising materials include a logo plaque, a two-sided counter card display, a motion card, cases, and a five-piece under-counter display.

For more information, call 888-628-4546.

Safe Eyes

Lancer's Wolverine Safety Eyewear is tough and trendy

More than 365,000 work-related eye injuries occur each year, according to Prevent Blindness America, a leading eye health and safety organization. Nearly 100,000 of those injuries will result in temporary or permanent vision loss, and the estimated cost of those injuries is nearly $1 billion annually.

Given these figures, there is an obvious need for safety eyewear in both the work place and the home, where more than 198,000 eye injuries occur each year. Lancer International, a division of Kenmark Optical, has stepped in with Wolverine Safety Eyewear, a rugged yet attractive line of safety frames. Wolverine is the number-one name in safety boots and shoes, according to the company. Wolverine also owns the Hush Puppies brand, and Lancer distributes Hush Puppies eyewear lines.

The first six styles in the Wolverine collection--three men's and three unisex--incorporate light metal alloys and new polymers that make the frames durable and fashionable. These metal frames are available in colors such as: shiny gold, matte black, demi grey, pewter, antique gold, and brown. Side shields are available for every size and style. All of the frames feature double action spring hinges and are backed by a one-year warranty. Additionally, all of the frames have undergone independent testing to determine that they meet or exceed ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards.

The wholesale price is $36.20. Side shields cost $1.95 per pair.

Point-of-purchase materials will be announced at a later date.

For more information, call 800-627-2898.

Outdoor Ophthalmics

Rem's Adventure Optics debuts Timberland Ophthalmic

Timberland, the brand known for rugged, long-lasting products, has released its ophthalmic eyewear line in the United States, following a successful European launch. Timberland Eyewear distributes its product under Rem Eyewear's newly formed subsidiary, Adventure Optics.

The 1999 ophthalmic collection consists of two groups--The Classic Weather Gear, featuring metal, zyl, and stainless steel, and The Founders Collection, which features 100 percent titanium styles.

This new collection comprises 23 styles and boasts intricate logo tooling, spring hinges, silicone nosepads, and hypo-allergenic finishes. The frames are available in colors such as antique pewter, antique copper, slate, gunmetal, black, and satin gold. Shapes include rectangles, ovals, and semi-rimless styles.

Wholesale prices range from $40 to $75. Point-of-purchase materials include a one-piece display, a logo plaque, and authentic tree stumps emblazon- ed with the Timberland logo.

For more information, call 888-TBL-SPEX.

French Connection 

Viva's Jean-Louis Scherrer line exudes sophistication

Since its beginnings in 1962, the Jean-Louis Scherrer name has grown to symbolize haute couture elegance. Scherrer first found fame after opening his high fashion "Maison" in Paris, where he developed a sophisticated and high-profile European clientele. Today, the designs are noted for simple elegance, refined details, and sensuality.

Viva International Group signed a worldwide license agreement for Jean-Louis Scherrer Lunettes in 1996. Now, following success overseas, Viva is debuting the eyewear line in the United States at Vision Expo East.

This ophthalmic collection is aimed toward the stylish, active woman 35 years and older. The 12 frames in this collection are made of monel with stainless steel temples and casted endpieces. The eyeshapes are feminine, with intricate details and design elements on the temples. The colors include demi/blonde, pink gold, antique bronze, burgundy gold, and green gold.

The wholesale price is $54.95 to $69.95.

Point-of-purchase materials include an ID plaque, countercards, and displays.

For more information, call 800-345-8482. FB