lines and launches

What's new for buyers

Amy Spiezio ∙ Photography by Peter Baker

BET ON BLACK
EASTERN STATES LAUNCHES BLACK FOREVER

Eastern States Eyewear announces the launch of Black Forever. With a concept influenced by the young, artistic flair of downtown New York City, Black Forever is targeted to both men and women who desire a look with a modern flavor. The collection's first release contains 12 ophthalmic models, all in acetate. Featuring a variety of shapes, sizes, thicknesses, and adornments, the entire collection is handmade in Japan. However, the common thread that binds this collection is the one that takes it cue from its namesake—every frame is black. While the collection is available in one color, there are several different finishes including shiny, wood, and matte black. All initial orders for Black Forever come in full kits of 12 with a countercard and a display that features a giant molding of the collection's signature piece. Each frame comes packaged with a cleaning cloth inside a hard case that features the brand's logo on a metal plate.

INFO: 800-645-3710, eseyewear.com

Her style
ALTAIR PRESENTS THE BEBE COLLECTION

The ophthalmic eyewear and sunwear collections from bebe have relaunched through Altair Eyewear. Designing with the signature look of hip, sophisticated, and sensual fashion for women, bebe's releases have four main inspirations: rocker, glamour, lover, and logo. "The collection reflects the bebe woman's prerogative to be assertive, stylish, and romantically playful," says Steve Wright, president of Altair Eyewear. "Appealing to her vibrant nature, our designers have used bold embellishments, rich materials, and alluring colors to entice her senses. We truly have something for every woman." Iconic brand details include hearts, crystals, animal prints, and lacepatterned acetate. P.O.P. materials include a single-piece display, a five- or 10-piece display, mirror, countercards, and posters. Each ophthalmic frame and sunglass comes with a black patent leather case with pink lining. Each case includes a cleaning cloth in bebe's tossed heart pattern. INFO: 800-505-5557, altaireyewear.com

Moving Pictures
KIRK ORIGINALS ROLLS OUT THE KINETIC COLLECTION

The Kinetic Collection by Kirk Originals breaks the boundaries in conventional optical design. The Kinetic Collection features unique lenticular panel designs on each model's temples that bring movement and life to the sleek exterior.

Inspired by the world of technology with model names including Byte, Chip, and Cookie, The Kinetic Collection combines exclusive frame design with the playful concept of movement across four different lenticular panel designs:

■ Equaliser plays on the musical image of varying levels of bass.
■ Flash showcases a moving arrow that shoots along the side.
■ Skull reveals a scene of blazing flames with a skull at the core.
■ Spectrum flaunts a multitude of colors that dance along the frame.

The Kinetic Collection offers a variety of classic backdrops including white, aubergine, black, and tortoise that are also available in the sunglass version, The Kinetic Solaire Collection. Jason Kirk, managing director of Kirk Originals, commented: "We wanted to take the theme of movement in eyewear to a whole new level and really push the technical and aesthetic boundaries. We are proud to be the first brand ever to offer lenticular designs for eyewear. The Kinetic Collection features moving designs that are beautifully crafted, fun, and entirely unique." INFO: 01 273 885 644, kirkoriginals.com

Made to be Worn
TODD ROGERS DEBUTS COLLECTION

Todd Rogers Eyewear is a new "indie" company dedicated to the art of wearing glasses. Todd Rogers Eyewear made its national debut at International Vision Expo East in March 2010, with a decidedly strong launch. Veteran optician Todd Rogers blends his love of design with his keen knowledge of the human face to build a brand of eyewear "made to be worn."

The line boasts the finest materials from around the globe—Italian and Japanese acetates with German hinges—and emphasizes ease of Rx in both ophthalmic and sun. The debut collection contains 15 ophthalmic and five sun styles, and many frames are unisex. All of Todd's frames are named after family, close friends, and pets (Prana is his American Bulldog).

True to his Boston-based roots, Todd Rogers injects his clean designs with rich colors and timeless textures to create a collection that is classic and modern, with a twist. The brand available for sale in fine optical shops across the U.S. and Canada.

INFO: 800-601-0620, toddrogerseyewear.com