What's New
Lines & Launches
By Lindsey Aspinall

Utterly Refined
MARCOLIN INTRODUCES TOM FORD EYEWEAR

Start Your Engines
THE MCGEE GROUP ANNOUNCES NASCAR

From NASCAR Drivers and The McGee Group comes a line of eyewear inspired by famous racecar drivers. The first line will feature NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne, the 24-year-old who won the "Raybestos Rookie of the Year" award and was named one of "America's Top 50 Bachelors" by People Magazine. The Kahne frames are produced with a high-performance memory metal and are made with components from Italy. Future releases will introduce other popular drivers with styles that express their racing image, and each frame will come with a special NASCAR case. These frames will appeal to a variety of patients as NASCAR is the number-two sport on U.S. television and has a fan base that is 60 percent male and 40 percent female. Frames are priced at $49.95, wholesale. For more information, call 800-966-2020.  

The Ellen Tracy brand is known among women for product lines including jewelry, handbags, and fragrances. Launching at Vision Expo East, Ellen Tracy eyewear will be available by ClearVision. The new collection includes 21 ophthalmic styles and four sunglass models. Over 50 percent of the collection is progressive-friendly. Product names of the frames follow a "Heaven and Earth" theme and include names like Borealis and Riverstone. Astraea is a zyl frame distinguished by a polished metal end piece. The new Ellen Tracy line will be targeted for women over age 40. Wholesale prices for the new collection range from $55 to $69. For more information, call 800-645-3733.

Awesome Additions
OAKLEY EXPANDS ITS COLLECTION

With the addition of several new ophthalmic and sunwear frames, Oakley has continued to expand its offerings and now has an extensive choice of women's eyewear. The new additions include frames like Sweeper, a frame made with "O Matter," a synthetic mate-rial that allows for personal styling and lightweight comfort. Sweeper is available in several colors including Oakley's newest hues: Pink latte and dark caramel. Dart is another new addition to the Oakley family and features a monolithic lens in a frame made of lightweight "C-5" alloy. The lenses feature patented High Definition Optics, to ensure clarity from all angles. In addition, UV protection filters out 100 percent of harmful light. For more information on the new products Oakley is launching, visit www.oakley.com or call 800-733-6255.

The new Sigrid Olsen line will launch at International Vision Expo East, with Olsen making an appearance on March 31 at noon. The new collection has 12 ophthalmic styles. Frames include elements like antique finishes, laser engraved details, and Swarovski crystal accents. Unique color pairing is a signature style of Sigrid Olsen. Frames will come in combinations utilizing hues like onyx, berry jade, and purple petal. Both full-rim and semi-rimless styles will be available. The new frames come in a variety of shapes such as soft rectangles, pointed ovals, bowties, and almonds. Materials include stainless steel and Italian acetate, providing both comfort and durability. Wholesale prices for the new line range from $45 to $60. A sunwear line is set to follow in the fall, debuting at Vision Expo West. For information, visit www.altaireyewear.com or call 800-505-5557.