Verge styles Funk and Kick

On the Verge of Success

S�filo goes after the younger set with edgy new line

In an effort to grab the attention-and patronage-of men and women in their 20s, S�filo USA, which manufactures and distributes Fossil, Gucci, and Valentino eyewear, among others, has launched a trendier ophthalmic collection called Verge.

The unisex line contains nine styles, seven of which are metal. Along with such modern monikers as Funk, Boundry, and Trek, the frames feature micro-shapes, edgy styling, three-piece mounts with tinted lenses, and a micro hinge. The frames are available in shades such as tarnished brown, cordovan pewter, midnight, brown violet marble, navy aqua, and plum crystal gold. The collection wholesales between $49.95 and $54.95.

Merchandising materials for Verge include a lucite display, logo plaque, countercards, and a two-sided poster. According to S�filo, the black and white images in the advertising and promotional campaign featuring young, hip models underscore the understated, yet hip brand essence.

For more information call S�filo USA at 800-631-1188.

Izod styles 5694A and 308

British Invasion

ClearVision's Izod collection premieres

Izod, a London tailor shop that evolved into a popular brand, makes its optical debut with a line for men from ClearVision.

There are 12 ophthalmic styles offered in metal, plastic, or combination frames. Some of the special features include click-in soft nose pads. Colors include blue slate and demi-amber, and sunclips are optional. The ophthalmics wholesale from $39.99-$49.99; clip-ons are $19.99.

The five sun designs have Sola polarized polycarbonate lenses. Sun styles wholesale for $52.99 and colors include macintosh, greenstone, and ruthenium.

Merchandising materials available include a one-piece polarized sunwear display and countercards.

Call ClearVision at 800-645-3733 for more information.

Champion styles CH255 (top) and CH201

The Look of a Champion

B. Robinson launches new athletically-inspired eyewear

Champion, known for its sports apparel and activewear, now has a unisex eyewear collection from B. Robinson Optical, Inc.

There are 15 ophthalmic and nine sun styles-both of which will wholesale between $40 and $65. Sunwear shades include basic colors like black and tortoise, while ophthalmic colors include gunmetal and brown.

The collection has metal and plastic styles and all frames feature Champion's trademark "C" logo.

Merchandising materials available to the dispenser include a six- and 24-piece display, banners, and logo plaque.

Call B. Robinson Optical, Inc. at 800-221-7176 for information.

Zeiss styles 1808 (top) and 1301

Contemporary Meets Traditional

Murai launches its modern classic Zeiss collection

Having secured the license for Carl Zeiss frames, Murai America has launched the new Zeiss line called Highend Eyewear.

The initial collection features the Modern Classic segment, 13 ophthalmics designed by Professor Hannes Wettstein, and the Vision line, comprised of eight sun styles by Milan-based Design Continum.

Frames are composed of either aluminum, monel, metal, or stainless steel. Ophthalmics wholesale between $95 and $115, and colors include matte gold, black, and brushed silver. Sun designs, which feature Zeiss lenses with anti-reflective coating, wholesale between $110 and $140. Hues offered include gunmetal and shiny silver.

Merchandising materials available include signature blocks and posters.

Call Murai America at 800-261-2268 for more information.

Timex styles T003 and T200

Keeping an Eye on the Clock

Kenmark unveils its Timex collection

From watches to watching-that is the evolution of Timex, the respected manufacturer of time pieces, as its ophthalmic line is launched with Kenmark Optical.

The initial collection consists of 18 styles-half of which are unisex. Five of the styles are a metal/plastic combination and the remainder are metal. Special features include snap-in silicone nosepads and polarized sunglass clip-ons on some models. All frames come with a three-year warranty and a drawstring bag/case. Colors available include pewter, silver, matte black, and violet. The collection wholesales for $34.95-$59.95.

Merchandising materials include rotating eight- and 24-piece displays and a logo plaque.

Call Kenmark at 800-627-2898 for more information.

Prada styles SPR 75A 2AC 1D1 and SPR 55A 2AC 1A1

When In Rome

A partnership with DeRigo brings Prada to optical

After venturing into an agreement with DeRigo, manufacturers and distributors of such eyewear lines as Police, Italian fashion powerhouse Prada premiered its eyewear line-comprised of 53 sun styles-last month in boutiques only.

Prada, which was formed in 1913, is famous for its luxury goods and trendy styles. Its foray into the optical industry is a collection made up of plastic styles and metals. The designs wholesale between $170 and $280. Color choices for all styles include matte shades such as silver, honey, bronze, and black.

According to a spokesperson for Prada, distribution for the collection will be through the company's boutiques, specialty retailers, and select independent dispensers.

Merchandising materials offered are a single frame and two-frame displays, and a mirror.

Citysmart styles 533 and 539

Neostyle Gets Smart

New ophthalmics offer modern sophistication

Reknown for their fashion-forward designs, Neostyle Eyewear is introducing the Citysmart collection-eight ophthalmic styles for men and women.

There are two styles for men and six for women in the collection, which wholesales between $105 and $125. All frames are stainless steel and produced in limited quantities. In addition, all have multi-colored, handpainted detailing. According to Neostyle, the men's designs are simple and have a sense of casual elegance, while those belonging to the ladies are youthful, playful, or dramatic.

Merchandising materials available to dispensers include an aluminum three-frame display, a metal logo sign, and countercards.