lines and launches

architecture by design

Amy Spiezio · Photography by Peter Baker

SAFILO LAUNCHES BALENCIAGA OPHTHALMIC

Safilo USA has launched the Balenciaga ophthalmic collection. In conjunction with the Safilo design team, Nicolas Ghesquière has developed optical styles with original design in a palette of pure shades, each created with meticulous attention to detail.

The two main sources of inspiration for the collection are design and architecture: modernity and the passion for shapes and constructions that were so important to Cristobal Balenciaga. The Balenciaga collection delivers bold, yet wearable, eyewear styles.

The line consists of six styles, all of which are designed for women and made of acetate, and three of the styles have a flex hinge for additional comfort and fit. The subdued shades of opalescent white, dark havana, black, khaki, horn, and blue accentuate the luxurious, contemporary feel of the frames. Logo detailing includes the double ‘B’ logo and screws inserted on the ends of the earpieces, a signature feature of the collection. Merchandising materials include a one-piece display, six-piece display, and a logo plaque.

"We are very excited to introduce the Balenciaga ophthalmic collection as a compliment to the extremely successful sunwear line launched earlier this year. The collection encompasses the visionary styling that embodies this distinctive brand and its exclusive distribution will reflect this," said Dick Russo, executive vice president of Safilo USA.

For more information, call 800-631-1188.

DO YOUR BEST

BEST IMAGE PRESENTS DOLABANY TEENS A new addition to Best Image Optical's original Dolabany portfolio, Dolabany Teens Eyewear consists of both metal and zyl frames. A combination of classic designs and rich coloring makes this collection trendy and suitable for every collection. Featuring a smaller size and spiced-up color scheme, the Dolabany Teens collection consists of three frames. Hesper and Rajie mix metal with etched plastic temples. The third option, Suddle, is a plastic with flattering color layers. The color palette ranges from traditional blacks and browns to lively purples and reds and attention grabbing ivory. P.O.P. includes logo plaque and mirror as well as four-piece, 10-piece, and 12-piece displays. For more information, contact the firm at 800-6889-7661.

very pretty

IC! BERLIN UNVEILS TRES CHIC COLLECTION

très chic! is ic! berlin's new pilot project developed exclusively by female members of staff at the company: a collection by women for women. In the forefront of the design process is Christina Muthsam, who drove the creation of a luxury range that unites two design approaches in one: minimalism and functionality of the ic! design with the pretentious esprit of the Hollywood divas of days gone by. The collection consists of five models, their form oriented toward the vintage designs of the 1960s and 1970s.

Inspired by the eternal aura style icons, the model names include loren, kelly, and schneider. Each model is available in three different color variants from a total of four colors. To maintain the super glam look, très chic glasses are large and made from high-quality spring steel and acetate. In addition, the extra long arm ends assume the function of a hair slide.

"ic! berlin was always a bit ralphily masculine. très chic! is different, an unaccustomed scent to male noses.…and that is good, very good!" notes Ralph Anderl, general manager of ic! berlin.

To support the launch, the firm has created the campaign title "tous les jours une diva"— every day a diva—and the glasses bear the names of days of the week.

Continuing the diva treatment, a silken sleeping mask is a gift with every pair of très chic! glasses purchased, and each is packed in a high-quality beauty bag, including calendar design lookbook.

For additional information, call 215-634-8990 or visit www.icberlin.de.

going geeky

LBI ROLLS OUT GEEK EYEWEAR Clunky cool is in with the new Geek Eyewear collection from LBI. Tapping into the current love for all things retro, the line provides eight styles in plastic that answer the call of the mild with a unisex market in mind. The colors of the collection are predominantly black and tortoise to keep with the conservative chic elements at the heart of the line. To promote the new launch, LBI is offering mini posters featuring the Geek Eyewear moosehead logo. In addition, each frame comes with a white vinyl pocket protector stamped with the logo that doubles as an eyeglass case. For more information, contact LBI at 800-423-5175 or visit www.lbi.biz.