Lines and Launches
What's New for Buyers
by Marcy Bruch
Photography by Peter Baker

YSL 2029(top) and YSL 2026

Living Legend
Sàfilo adds Yves Saint Laurent eyewear

As an encore to Yves Saint Laurent sunwear, Sàfilo has added YSL eyewear to its new megabrand collection. Even though Laurent retired last spring, his heir, Tom Ford--known for revitalizing the house of Gucci--promises to continue evolving this legendary label. The YSL ophthalmic line includes bold, retro '60s styles mixed in with minimalist frames characteristic of the new millennium. There's even a sleek black plastic that pays homage to Yves Saint Laurent's own signature frames. The 12-piece line has seven metals, four plastics, and a plastic/ metal combo style. The Yves Saint Laurent logo graces each frame at the temple. Colors include silver satin, dark gray, black, and gold. The line wholesales from $75 to $100 and each style comes in a white leatherette hard case with a drawstring pouch and cleaning cloth. Point-of-purchase materials include one-piece and four-piece displays, as well as both large and small countercards, posters, and logo plaques. In addition, an advertising campaign featuring Ford's debut runway collection--captured on film by renowned photographer Steven Meisel--is running throughout the nation. For more information, call 800-631-1188.

	a/p 7003 (top) and a/p 1004

For Men Only
Mitani launches a/p Men

Riding on the success of its core a/p Lab collection, Mitani USA has added a/p Men. Like the original a/p Lab series, the men's collection features impeccably finished frames that are all made in Japan. The a/p Men collection targets the fashion-conscious male who also appreciates the timeless refinement of materials like titanium and handcrafted zyl. The nine-style line includes six titanium frames, otherwise known as the 1000 series, and the 7000 series, which includes three plastic styles. Within the 1000 titanium series, there are three semi-rimless styles and one full-rim frame; and two of the styles feature a distinctive updated double bridge. Plastics styles include colorful double laminates. The styles come in Tokyo tortoise, brown, black, silver, and gold. Frames are available in 52 to 54 sizes to fit larger men. The titanium frames wholesale for $78 and the plastic styles wholesale for $54. The a/p Men collection is accompanied with countercards, an a/p Men logo plaque, a six-frame display with tray, and a large poster. For more information, call 800-470-0041.

Kiss (top) and Eve

Perfect Bliss
Sama unveils Euphoria

Designer Sheila Vance delved into the realms of health, beauty, and meditation to come up with the inspiration for Sama's newest eyewear collection, Euphoria. "I wanted to demonstrate how style, health, beauty, and a general sense of well being can be unfettered by harmful addictions," Vance explains. Laser-set stones in titanium, double gradient lenses that are also polarized, and an exclusive tubular spring alloy as a hinge are some of the collection's elaborate details taking form and function to a higher level. Double gradient tints and flash mirror coatings come in a rainbow of uplifting colors. Euphoria is comprised of four ophthalmic and four sunglass styles that are appropriate for both indoor and outdoor wear. Wholesale prices range from $85 to $145. Point-of-purchase materials include posters and countercards featuring actor Billy Zane. Upon request, Sama will also provide a plasma screen that showcases a myriad of Euphoria frame images. For more information, call 877-788-7262.