lines and launches

All that Glitters

Lindsey Aspinall Getz • Photography by Peter Baker

SILHOUETTE DEBUTS NEW OPULENCE SUN

In response to the trend toward increasing prescription sunwear purchases, Silhouette Optical has introduced New Opulence Sun, the first six-base sunwear line from Daniel Swarovski Crystal Eyewear. The collection features trendy, rimless styles with finely accented temples and spring hinges. Xilion Chaton crystals, comprised of 58 precisely cut facets providing a burst of light and color, are the crystals of choice for this collection.

"New Opulence Sun is coming out for the U.S. market at the perfect time," says U.S. brand manager Kristen McLaughlin. "Our customers have been communicating the need for luxury prescription sunwear options for their clientele. With the aging of the influential baby boomer generation, this is a strongly emerging market." For more information, visit www.silhouette.com.

A Classic Favorite SÀFILO INTRODUCES BANANA REPUBLIC Echoing the sophisticated aesthetic of the Banana Republic ready-to-wear clothing designs, the new ophthalmic collection from Sàfilo Group features sleek lines, unique accents, and wearable shapes. Comprised of 36 frames (22 female and 14 male styles), there are 19 plastic and 17 metal designs. While the collection focuses on rectangle shapes, there are also softer ovals and a few preppy silhouettes as well. A variety of hues, including classic metallic tones and custom color blends, are also featured in this collection. "We are very excited to be able to offer our customers an incredibly strong and widely recognizable fashion brand," says Dick Russo, executive vice president of Sàfilo Group. "The Banana Republic ophthalmic collection is a mix of modern fashion and timeless style. We are confident that there will be a strong demand for this collection." For more information, visit the company website, www.safilo.com.

Get to Know JOE

ALTAIR LAUNCHES JOE EYEWEAR Comprised of six ophthalmic styles in a variety of sizes and colors, the JOE Eyewear collection from Altair Eyewear is targeted to trend-savvy men between the ages of 22 and 35. The collection, part of the Joseph Abboud brand, features sleek, double-injected temples offering comfort and flexibility. Styles include both metal and acetate frames. "The JOE collection is a new generation of eyewear for a new generation of men," says Melissa Blais, creative design manager. "The collection targets a fashion-conscious consumer with designs that take him from the office to happy hour. These high-energy, young professionals want to make a statement with their personal style but need to manage their expenses. JOE Eyewear answers this demand with performance, comfort, and style at a great value." For more information, call 800-505-5557 or visit the website, www.altaireyewear.com.

Designer Heritage

LUXOTTICA ROLLS OUT CHAPS

Infusing classic wear with a modern feel, the Chaps women's collection from Luxottica Group features 11 ophthalmic styles ranging in design from casual to sophisticated with a predominance of rectangular and geometric shapes. The collection features a variety of materials such as acetate, flat metals, and stainless steel. Although the Chaps brand does not carry the Ralph Lauren name, it still reflects the overall brand with classic styling combined with contemporary details.

"Chaps for women captures a timeless look with outstanding value," says Vittorio Verdun, vice president of marketing for Luxottica Group. "The collection perfectly reflects Polo Ralph Lauren's dedication to the classic American lifestyle." For more information, call 800-422-2020 or visit the company website, www.luxottica.com.

lines and launches frame gallery

Mythical Inspiration Taking inspiration from mythological creation, the Evolution collection from Kirk Originals is named after gods like Zeus, Apollo, and Athena. The collection combines sleek aluminum fronts with the company's trademark acrylic sculpture temples. Frames also feature a newly developed spring hinge to provide flexibility and comfort. For more information, visit the website, www.kirkoriginals.com Passion for Purple Purple is the color of choice for Alain Mikli's new Violet collection. The collection is available in 10 graphic patterns as well as solid acetates in hues ranging from violet to rich purple. Shapes include dramatic rectangles, softened cat-eyes, and oversized styles. The frames also incorporate the AMFLEX hinge that contours to the wearer's face, providing extra comfort. For more information, visit the website, www.mikli.com. Trendy Men Classic, retro style was the idea behind the CRUZ eyewear collection from A&A Optical. The collection targets fashion-conscious males ages 25 and older, and features details such as spring hinges and two-tone coloring on many of the styles. Frames are durable and flatter a variety of face shapes. For more information, call 800-492-4465 or visit the company website, www.aaopticalco.com. Fine Design Established by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche in 1972, Porsche Design is a global luxury men's brand defined by quality engineered products. The Porsche Design eyewear collection, launched by Tuscany Eyewear, is characterized by the use of select materials, new technology, and artful engineering. The collection is comprised of ophthalmic, sunwear, and "reading tools" (exclusive, ready-made readers). The reading tools frames (shown is P'8801) feature ergonomically designed earpieces and are extremely flat when folded. For more information, visit the website, www.tuscanyeyewear.com.