LINES AND LAUNCHES
What's New for Buyers
By Marcy Bruch, with photography by Peter Baker

 

What's Your Sign?

Oliver Peoples launches Astrology

Oliver Peoples has launched a rimless collection of tinted eyewear that can be worn as eyewear or sunwear, since the lenses are available Rx'd and also feature 100 percent UV protection. With frame names like Aries, Virgo, and Aquarius, the collection is fittingly named Astrology. The lenses are carved into unusual geometric shapes such as butterflies, rounded squares, and squared-off ovals. Many have gradient lenses in luscious colors like cranberry, apple green, and orange whip-which is why the collection is also referred to as candy for the eyes. Astrology features 10 styles that wholesale from $110 to $185. Although no point-of-purchase materials are available, Oliver Peoples encourages dispensers to utilize astrological motifs to merchandise the collection. For more information, call 888-568-1655.

For Ladies Only

ROI extends Henry Grethel to women

As the originator of John Henry shirts for men, designer Henry Grethel launched a line of sportswear for men and women sold exclusively through better department and specialty stores in 1978. Since then, the brand has become synonymous with classic style. In 1999, ROI partnered with the designer to introduce Henry Grethel eyewear for men. Building upon the success of the men's collection, ROI has added six new frame styles designed exclusively for women. With names like Allure, Cordial, Cultured, Grace, Vanguard, and Distinctive, each frame exudes the well-bred styling Henry Grethel is known for. Metal frames come in satiny tones such as gold, platinum and gunmetal. Plastics include rich shades of burgundy, amber, and tortoise. Several styles are available with sunclips. The frames wholesale for $61.95 and $62.95 and all are handmade in Italy. Point-of-purchase materials include a logoed satin pillow, jewelry display box, poster, candle, and writing journal. For more information, call 800-888-7770.

Lazi Wear

Lazi Glass Culture launches Lazi sunwear

Mixing Old World craftsmanship with modern technology is the design philosophy behind Lazi Glass Culture's launch of its namesake sunwear line. The collection was developed by Jim Lazarides, who worked at Oakley and Bausch & Lomb in technical design for more than 20 years. The premiere line features five style groups: ITV, Lux, Vestra, The Eights, and Proteus. ITV frames are large and over-the-top, while Lux styles are streamlined and lightweight. The Vestra line features sleek, base-six wraps. Lazi Eights have a patented frame and lens combination that creates the illusion of a suspended lens. Proteus is actually an interchangeable eyewear system that comes with three different lens styles that vary in color and shape. The Proteus system comes with a sleek, carry-on drawer case to house the interchangeable lenses. A sixth collection, Lastra, will be available later this year. Wholesale prices range from $50 to $149. For more information, call 800-579-5294.EB