LINES & LAUNCHES
What's New for Buyers
By Marcy Bruch 
Photography by Peter Baker

Twenty-Something

Windsor Eyes introduces Twenty

Knowing there will always be a market for small frames among a young crowd, Windsor Eyes introduces the Twenty collection, featuring small, minimalist frames in rectangular and oval shapes. The ophthalmic collection is targeted toward customers who are twenty-something, hence its name. All frames are made of acetate and metal, making them extremely lightweight. Other features include nose inlays in an acetate bridge and flex temples, which gives them more durability with less risk of breakage, the company says. The Twenty collection includes 12 styles that come in a choice of six colors: Red, green, brown, blue, black, and tortoise. Point-of-purchase materials include a three-piece display and poster. Frames wholesale for $69.95. For more information call 877-662-6006.

	IM-10004 left and IM-200 right

Fly Away

Alain Mikli launches Issey Miyake

Issey Miyake's apparel designs have become synonymous with simple-yet-futuristic innovation. And his new ophthalmic and sunwear line-licensed through Alain Mikli-is no exception to the rule. Miyake chose the dragonfly as the prime inspiration for the line, and since each frame folds at the nose bridge transforming the lenses into bug-eyes and the folding temples bend back like antennas, the likeness is clear. "The huge eyes and the tremendous mobility of its neck enable the dragonfly to see in all directions, so it's a powerful analogy," says Naoki Takizawa, who collaborated with Mikli on the collection. There are six styles in the collection with each style available in three colors. The line includes three optical styles and three sun frames that feature gradient lenses. Frame colors range from acid green, to purple, to red. Wholesale prices run from $190 to $220. For more information call 800-829-4227.

Making a Statement

Vuarnet launches Vuarnet Optical

True to its French heritage, Vuarnet has expanded into the ophthalmic arena by launching a collection of bold zyl frames that exude European flare. Developed by designer Joseph Hatchiguian, the hand-made zyl collection includes three frame shapes: A rectangle, style 602; an oval, style 603; and a squared-off oval, style 604. The zyl frames are double laminated and come in color combinations such as red and black, orange and caramel, purple and blue, and champagne and black. Wholesale prices range from $30 to $36.

"Since the frames are larger and come in bold colors, they're for people who want to make a strong fashion statement through their eyewear," says Harold Page, president and CEO of Vuarnet's U.S. division. Point-of-purchase materials to support this collection include a display piece and ID plaque. For more information call 800-348-0388.