lines and launches

For the Sport Set

Lindsey Aspinall Getz • Photography by Peter Baker

CLARITI ANNOUNCES KONISHI SPORT FLEX

After manufacturing flex titanium products for the last 10 years, Clariti has introduced the Konishi Sport Flex collection, what the company calls the "next generation of flex titanium." In addition to its lightweight quality, Konishi Sport Flex is also bendable, yet highly durable, designed for the active individual. Sports Flex is available in three sunwear styles with 100 percent UV protection and in five ophthalmic styles.

"The high-performance sports market has grown tremendously, in part with the advent of the weekend warrior," says Dominique Yonemoto, general manager of Clariti Eyewear. "Hence the need for more comfortable, more stylish, high-performance eyewear. The Sports Flex addition to Konishi opens up a whole new market to answer this need." For more information, call 800-FRAMES-2 or visit www.claritieyewear.com.

PREP School

LUXOTTICA INTRODUCES RALPH LAUREN CHILDREN From Luxottica Group comes the Ralph Lauren Children collection, a series of preppy frames for the young sophisticate. Nine of Ralph Lauren's classic styles were converted to children's frames. Designed for boys and girls ages six through 12, the collection includes shapes ranging from classic ovals to modern rectangles. It also features design details such as stainless steel fronts, acetate temples, and spring hinges. "The Ralph Lauren brand has always stood for quality products that represent the preppy lifestyle," says Luxottica marketing vice president Vittorio Verdun. "With Ralph Lauren Children, also called Polo Prep, we've taken the concept to a new level, featuring all the classic shapes, colors, and authentic eyewear designs pared down to fit and flatter young faces." For more information, call 800-422-2020.

Kid PATTERNS

MCGEE DEBUTS VERA BRADLEY GIRLFRIENDS

Knowing that today's young girls want to be just like their moms, the McGee Group launched the Vera Bradley Girlfriends Collection, a line of metals and acetates designed for tweens and teens. Each of the three styles (Emily, Frannie, and Maggie) is offered in two sizes and two patterns. ECPs who purchase the three-style/six-frame collection will receive a free countertop sign holder with a Girlfriends graphic, and a Vera Bradley Katie handbag.

"Because women of all ages love Vera Bradley handbags, the extension into eyewear for girls, teens, and tweens was natural," says Wayne McGee, president/CEO of the McGee Group. "The collection was developed for girls 10 and up who, like their mothers, are already carrying Vera Bradley handbags." For more information, call 800-966-2020.

Love Line

EYEQ ROLLS OUT SYDNEY LOVE With a fanciful style inspired by the brand's line of brightly colored handbags, the Sydney Love Eyewear collection from EyeQ Eyewear will initially consist of 14 styles—eight metal and six acetate frames. Unique material and bright color combinations are signature elements of the new eyewear line, which is geared toward girls and women of all ages. "The Sydney Love line allows us to expand our creativity by using the many resources that we have to express this fun and whimsical brand," says John Barry, vice president of sales at EyeQ Eyewear. For more information, call 800-403-3937.

Fusing Fashion and Fun

Fusion Eyewear, Inc., has launched Jean Paul Gaultier, a collection comprised of both ophthalmic and sun styles. The Gaultier ophthalmic collection has 38 styles, while the sunwear collection contains 17 styles.

"I am always searching out the most fashion-forward collections for my customers," says Alan Weisfeld, managing director of Fusion Eyewear. "This collection complements our existing collections. Both the sunglass and ophthalmic styles are 'true Gaultier' and cater to our boutique clientele." For more information, call 888-34FUSION.

Sporty Chic

Sama Eyewear has introduced the Badgley Mischka Active Eywear collection—ideal for the fashionable athlete. While active eyewear is often unisex, this collection offers styles specifically designed for men or women. The frames are designed using high-performance lenses and offer a sport-engineered fit. Oversized and wrapped aviators are key styles in the collection. For more information, visit the website, www.samaeyewear.net.

For the Champions

Optimate, Inc., has launched Everlast Eyewear, a collection of sun and ophthalmic styles. The sunwear includes 13 injection styles, seven hot aluminum styles, and six monel and handmade Italian acetate styles. The ophthalmic collection includes an array of colorful aluminum, monel, and acetate styles.

"Everlast's reputation for offering technologically advanced, sports-related products makes the extension into eyewear and sunwear natural," says Joseph De Marzio, Optimate director of marketing. For more information, visit the company website, www.optimateinc.com.

Duff's Stuff

Hilary Duff, the popular actress/pop star, has joined with Motive Eyewear to launch a new line: stuff by hilary duff Eyewear. The collection includes handmade plastics with two and three laminations. Many frames feature crystal accents, cut-outs, and two tones.

"My new line of eyewear from the stuff by hilary duff label is designed with the fashion-forward tween in mind," says Hilary Duff. For more information, visit www.motiveeyewear.com.