lines and launches

Amy Spiezio · Photography by Peter Baker

Refined Retro

MODO PRESENTS 3.1 PHILLIP LIM OPHTHALMIC COLLECTION Following last spring's introduction, Modo and 3.1 phillip lim continue their collaboration into the new season. The ophthalmic collection brings the 3.1 phillip lim's distinctive fashion statement into prescription territory. Consistent with the style guidelines of the sunglass collection, the new ophthalmics reflect Phillip Lim's refined style and retro flavor. The nine styles are vintage-inspired and feature a strong identity. Colors are an integral part of the overall character of the collection and were selected by Modo's creative team to best align with the 3.1 fashion collection. Pink gradient, crystal flesh, green tortoiseshell, rust, and transparent blueberry are all exclusives, and more classic options like black and tort are also available. Innovative alternatives to the classic black such as navy blue and matte black are additional options. Both the ophthalmic and the sunglass collections are tightly aligned to the 3.1 design philosophy—forward yet practical, and aiming, in the designer's own words, "to refine rather than define." This unique style statement is whispered and integrated as a design element that merges into the overall look and feel of the frame, such as the combined acetate front and beta titanium temples finished in Japanese gold or the 3.1 logo on the temple tips. For more information, visit www.modo.com.

Western Wear

ZYLOWARE DRIVES OFF ROAD STETSON COLLECTION

STETSON, the leader in providing diverse fashions including hats, boots, clothes, and cologne capturing the individuality of the American West, announces the launch of its new "Off Road" eyewear collection with Zyloware. This new line defines the all-American male, whether rugged outdoorsman or businessman or weekend warrior, and provides them with durable and bold styles. Whereas Stetson's existing eyewear typically spoke to men over 40 years old, this new collection will appeal to the 20- to 40-something man who wants not only durability, but a fashion-forward feel as well. Available in a range of colors and shapes, the collection features both ophthalmic and sunglass styles. For more information on the new collection's styles or to find retail locations, please visit the website, www.zyloware.com.

Frame Spotlight

Eyes Cream Shades Unveils Luxury Collection

Eyes Cream Shades has announced the debut of a luxury collection just for kids. According to Faith Smith, founder and president of Eyes Cream Shades, "Due to an increasing demand for quality sunwear for kids each and every year now, we are debuting a higher-end line with a bit higher price points." Initially debuted with three SKUs over the holiday season, an additional nine SKUs were presented in early 2009. Within the luxury collection, choco ice is a brown to clear gradient frame with pc gradient brown lenses; ocean ice is a blue to clear gradient frame with pc gradient smoke lenses. In addition, even higher-end options will be launching this spring, including frames embedded with crystals, such as the style cotton candy bling. The piece is embedded with 40 Swarovski crystals, or the frame can be customized with crystals in the child's birthstone color. All lenses are polycarbonate and provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. For more information on the collection, visit Eyes Cream Shades' website, www.eyescreamshades.com.

Lafont Debuts Riviera Collection

LAFONT's new spring/summer 2009 collection consists of over 170 new optical and sunglasses references. The RIVIERA collection is inspired by the timeless charm of the ‘30s and relaxed elegance of summer on the Cote d'Azur, company reps note. This season, around 40 new exclusive colors are presented, including chic textile effects for ladies, new lacy acetates, and, for men, tweeds. New combinations of precious materials, acetate front with betatitanium temples, aluminum alloy corner pieces with rhinestones, acetate fronts and wood temples with rivets, etc. For more information, visit www.lafont.com.

Jee Vice Expands into Ophthalmic Eyewear

Jee Vice, known for its sunwear, is shipping its first collection of prescription frames. According to Jee Vice's CFO, Tim Stacey, "It was always our intention to release an Rx line to broaden our presence in the optical market. As a result, we hope to double our reach in the next year." These frames have been hand designed for women and are handmade in Italian acetate, titanium, or stainless steel. The new Rx line includes 13 styles presented in three collections: Desire, Hollywood, and Vintage Revisited. Jee Vice's Desire range features a more architectural look with pure designs in titanium which are both elegant and comfortable. Translating movie star glamour into an Rx model, the Hollywood range takes its design cue from some of Jee Vice's most exciting sunglass styles and promises to be a hit with the fashion forward customer. The Vintage Revisited range, meanwhile, is a journey through the past with ‘50s inspired nuances seen throughout the grouping. For more information, visit www.jeevice.com.