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

AS50002 (top) and AS01304 (bottom)

Queen of Grunge
Allison Eyewear Introduces Anna Sui

It was Spring 1994 when Anna Sui paired baby doll dresses with combat boots on the runways, making her a leading trendsetter of the grunge look. Since then, Sui has become the stuff of legends for pairing Chanel suits with '70s glitz, and, more recently, showcasing "Lady of the Prairie" style on the Spring 2002 runways. Sui has forged an alliance with Allison Eyewear to introduce an extensive eyewear collection that is comprised of both ophthalmic frames and sunwear. The ophthalmic line features a variety of semi-rimless frames, some with waving double-brow tops in plastic, and metal frames with suspended lenses. Sunglass frames come in both plastic and metal with plenty of whimsical, flowery accents gracing the frame fronts and temples. There are 26 frames in the ophthalmic collection, with wholesale prices ranging from $49.50 to $109. The 26-piece sunwear line wholesales from $65.50 to $129.50. Each frame comes in a case and velvet pouch in Sui's signature purple and black. Point-of-purchase materials include countercards, a logo plaque, and frame display cases. For additional information, call Allison Eyewear at 877-255-5757.

	SFA 111 (top) and SFA106 (bottom)

New York's Finest
Sàfilo Launches Saks Fifth Avenue

In 1924, Horace Saks envisioned a dream store that would become synonymous with fashionable, gracious living. That store became Saks Fifth Avenue, which continues to offer well-heeled New Yorkers quality men's and women's fashion in an environment where exceptional service is the rule. This retail formula has helped Saks Fifth Avenue epitomize taste and elegance. Now Sàfilo Group has partnered with Saks Fifth Avenue to launch an ophthalmic collection for women with sunwear to follow later this year. The initial ophthalmic line is comprised of 12 women's frames in classic, feminine designs. Latticed temples with stone insets and delicate teacup shapes are some of the distinguishing features of the collection. The line targets women ages 25 to 55 who are both fashion savvy and practical. Wholesale prices range from $45 to $55. Point-of-purchase materials include countercards and logo plaques, as well as frame display cases. For more information, call 800-631-1188.

Dora (top) and Tia (bottom)

Latin Fever
Kenmark Introduces Thalia

Thalia, the Mexican actress and singer, has gained legions of fans as the queen of Latin America's highest-rated soap opera, and through the popularity of her multi-platinum album, Arrasando. Honored with Latin Billboard's first Star Award last year, she is fast becoming an international diva. Her first English language album is scheduled for release this spring, and is expected to broaden her global appeal even more. Recognizing the void in the market for eyewear targeting young Hispanic women, Kenmark has introduced the Thalia Eyewear collection that includes 18 ophthalmic frames and nine sunwear styles. Each frame features colorful, expressive style geared toward the 15 to 25-year-old female market. The collection has both metal and plastic frames in names such as Bonita, Yolanda, Tia, and Dora. Many styles have spring hinges and super thin, soft pvc signature nosepads. The ophthalmic collection wholesales from $34.95 to $53.70. Sunglasses range from $41.20 to $47.95 each. Point-of-purchase materials include display units and countercards, and each frame comes with a case and a three-year warranty. The Thalia Eyewear collection is perfect for the young, hip, Hispanic woman. For more information, call 800-627-2898.

	Day Dreamer (top) and Crush (bottom)

Teen Scene
Eyespace Launches Paris Blues

Paris Blues has exploded as one of the top junior clothing brands among Gen Y girls today. With mass distribution in more than 3,000 retail doors ranging from Macy's to Wet Seal and Pacific Sunwear, the brand is in malls throughout America. Eyespace has recently partnered with Paris Blues to launch an eyewear collection that embraces the spirit and style of the young, contemporary female. The eight-piece line is comprised of four metal and four plastic styles, in colors such as vintage pink, lavender spice, and mystic mocha. Star-embellished temple tips, metallic finishes on plastic, and ultra-gloss finishes on metal are some of the distinctive features of the collection. The line wholesales from $24.95 to $29.95. Point-of-purchase materials include "Paris Blues" block party cubes that display frames, as well as a dispensing mat to present the product. Each frame comes in a distinctive, star-spangled blue case. For more information, call 800-827-6460.

1338 (top) and 1337 (bottom)

Let's Twist Again
Optical Exchange Rolls Out Miyagi Eyewear

Optical Exchange has combined state-of-the-art materials with patented hinge technology to create frames that are true to the futuristic mood of the new millennium. Miyagi Eyewear's exclusive Twin Twist technology features flexing temples with self-pivoting eye pieces that gently hug the head. "It's useable technology at affordable prices," says David Smith, national sales manager for Optical Exchange. The line includes three-piece mount frames as well as traditional frames in materials such as stainless steel, zyl, and titanium. Frames come in eye sizes ranging from 47 to 49 to 50, depending upon the frame style. Each frame wholesales for $45 and comes with a case. Point-of-purchase materials include countercards, posters, and promotional materials that explain the Twin Twist technology. For additional product information, call 800-678-9244.