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

SpongeBob SquarePants Waterlogged (top) and The Wild Thornberrys Congo

Nick Flicks
Nouveau Eyewear introduces Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, the children's television network, has made cartoons like Rugrats, Blue's Clues, and Dora the Explorer essential entertainment for kids. Now, Nouveau Eyewear has partnered with the company to launch Nickelodeon eyewear targeted to children ages two to 14. "Each of the eight frames in this ophthalmic collection captures the personality of a favorite Nick cartoon character," says Kara Meyer, vice president of marketing for Nouveau. For example, the Blue's Clues styles feature Blue's trademark paw print at the temple tip and The Wild Thornberrys designs incorporate animal prints and tribal stripes on the frame. The Rocket Power Twisters styles feature a skateboard insert at the temple that actually slides along the sides of the frame. Other models include Dora the Explorer, Rugrats, and SpongeBob SquarePants. Frames wholesale from $37.95 to $39.95 and include both metal and plastic styles. For those who purchase the complete collection, Nouveau will provide a lenticular poster, countercard, display case, and SpongeBob-on-a-rope dangler to hang. A free Nick case for each frame, a SpongeBob plush toy, and a full year's subscription to Nickelodeon magazine are also available. "Kids of all ages think Nickelodeon is cool, so it's an incredibly powerful brand," says Meyer. For more information, call 800-292-4342.

660C (top) and 650C

Tuned in to Tech
Cottet Morel USA launches Lightec Generation

Following on the heels of Cottet Morel's Lightec ophthalmic collection for adults, the company has introduced Lightec Generation, an eyewear line targeted to kids ages eight to 12. All styles are made of nickel-free Nibrodal, making it ideal for children who gravitate toward high-tech style. The eyewear's exclusive metal increases the longevity of the frame, due to its optimal elasticity. Its minimal weight maximizes comfort and the no-screw hinges offer low maintenance and high durability--important features for rough-and-ready kids. Flex hinges, ultra-thin nosepads, and sleek temples enhance the collection's minimalist, industrial styling. There are six ophthalmic styles in the collection offered in colors such as steel blue, navy blue, black, sterling, copper, gold, carnation, plum, and gunmetal. Eye sizes range from 40 to 44 and the wholesale price for each frame is $39.95. Each frame comes in a sleek case and includes a cleaning cloth. Point-of-purchase materials include six-piece and 18-piece displays. For more information, call 800-526-8838.

	Hunter (top) and Vector

Tween Shades
Eyes Cream Shades debuts Unbound

In response to the popularity of Eyes Cream Shades' sunglasses for kid's ages six months to eight years old, Eyes Cream Shades has launched Unbound, a sunglass collection specifically for tweens from ages eight to 14 years old. "The purpose of this sunwear collection is to provide quality sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB protection that are also available polarized at an affordable price," explains Faith Smith, founder and president of Eyes Cream Shades. "The nylon frames and scratch-resistant coating on the lenses make them extremely durable." Unbound is made up of three styles: Hunter, a nylon wrap in blue or red; Warrior, a six-base nylon Rxable frame in tortoise or aquamarine; and Vector, a metal style in brushed silver or matte black. All frames are made in France, feature scratch-resistant polycarbonate lenses, and wholesale from $18 to $22. Point-of-purchase materials include six- and eight-piece counter displays. For more information, call 818-707-9985.