lines and Launches

Well-Suited Eyewear

Amy Spiezio

LUXOTTICA UNVEILS GIORGIO ARMANI EYEWEAR

Since stepping away from his medical studies to a career in design, Giorgio Armani has created a fashion empire based on precise, beautiful looks that shine on celebrities such as Jodie Foster and Cate Blanchett.

Over the years, Armani has expanded his fashion empire, embracing all levels of fashion, from bespoke to bridge line, and has branched into other extensions, including watches, jewelry, cosmetics, fragrances, and furniture and home furnishings under a range of brand names: Giorgio Armani Privé, Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, Armani Collezioni, AJ | Armani Jeans, A/X Armani Exchange, Armani Junior, and Armani/Casa. The group’s exclusive distribution network comprises 751 stores worldwide (directly owned and freestanding third-party-run stores): 89 Giorgio Armani boutiques, three Giorgio Armani Accessori boutiques, 211 Emporio Armani stores, 42 Armani Collezioni stores, 235 A/X Armani Exchange stores, 33 AJ | Armani Jeans stores, two AJ Accessori stores, 21 Armani Junior stores, and 36 Armani/Casa stores, in 46 countries. Now, Luxottica is relaunching the eyewear collections, starting with Giorgio Armani Eyewear.

Clean Water, Too

Along with a commitment to clean designs, Giorgio Armani is concerned about clean water, too. Acqua for Life is a campaign by Giorgio Armani to support the UNICEF Tap Project in an effort to help UNICEF improve access to safe, clean water for children around the globe. For every “like” on the Acqua for Life Facebook page, Giorgio Armani will donate $1 to the UNICEF Tap Project, up to $100,000. With $1, UNICEF can provide a child with 40 days of safe, clean drinking water.

Bringing a universal and timeless style to the ophthalmic and sunglass collection, the new models feature thoughtful details providing the clean lines with the retro inspiration consumers look for in an Armani piece.

The simple, classic styles are complemented by the Kaleidoscope styles inspired directly by the Giorgio Armani spring/summer ready-to-wear and accessories collection. This ready-for-evening grouping features stones and beading, decorative touches designed as if viewed through a kaleidoscope.

INFO: luxottica.com

Into the Woods

MARCOLIN PRESENTS TIMBERLAND POLARIZED COLLECTION

Marcolin is taking Timberland sunglasses down the green path with a new collection. The grouping represents firsts for Timberland: the first polarized lenses and the first green materials.

Continuing the Timberland Earthkeepers Collection that incorporates recycled PET bottles in linings, recycled rubber in soles, leather from silver and gold-rated tanneries, and organic content throughout the apparel line, the sunglasses are made from Earthkeepers green plastic with polycarbonate polarized lenses with anti-reflective coating.

“This environmentally sensitive bio-plastic material is lightweight and comfortable, and polarized lenses provide protection against UVA and UVB rays,” company representatives note.

The styles come in white with green polarized, black with smoke blue mirror polarized and AR, and demi with brown polarized plus AR, ideal for outdoor athletes and individuals with active lifestyles.

INFO: marcolin.com

Ready to Roar ALTAIR ROLLS OUT ANNE KLEIN Anne Klein was one of the first great American women’s fashion designers, and her efforts to create sporty chic looks with mix-and-match options for work and play still remain significant. The mother of the bridge brand, Klein’s work has always provided style without forgetting value. In the new line of eyewear from Altair, looks in sunglasses and ophthalmic eyewear continue with Klein’s mission to create fashions for women who are approachable yet impeccably dressed, while looking on-trend and fashionable, company representatives note. The eyewear has been designed in several groupings to meet the taste preferences of many women: Leo Legacy: Anyone around for Anne Klein’s earlier days remembers her dramatic lion logo, which is now updated for a retro-fresh look. Wild Eyes: Animal prints enhance temples. Tortoise: Uses classic tort to create a fresh and modern looks in a variety of silhouettes. INFO: altaireyewear.com