lines and launches

The Power of Plus

Amy Spiezio

SAFILO PRESENTS POLAROID PLUS EYEWEAR

Polaroid Eyewear reinvents itself with Polaroid Plus, Safilo’s new sunglass collection that rediscovers an original look: minimal and urban and features pure lines and regular shapes with a contemporary and wearable design. The new collection offers something more in terms of technology and design to the wide range of products already released under the Polaroid umbrella.

The Polaroid Plus Collection is available in six launch styles divided in two groups: the SERIES 01, which consists of three full acetate male models and one unisex model; and the SERIES 02, which includes two male models with metal fronts and acetate temples. Some styles are offered in two different sizes to accommodate larger and smaller face shapes. All models have the UltraSight Plus lens, an evolved polarized lens. This new lens offers all the universally recognized benefits of the Polaroid polarized lenses, such as 100 percent protection from UV rays, reduction of eye fatigue, and elimination of glare. An eye-catching graphic “P” is integrated in the new dedicated hinge block. Merchandising materials include a five-unit display, countercard, and presentation tray.

INFO: safilo.com

Evolved Style

REPTILE ROLLS OUT GALAPAGOS COLLECTION

Reptile Polarized Sunglasses has launched the Galapagos Collection. Like the indigenous animals on the island chain, the Galapagos Collection is a capsule illustrating the evolution of the Reptile family, company representatives note. “They are a hallmark of contemporary style with beautiful, vintage-inspired detail,” they add. The collection includes five unisex models: Darwin and Pinzon are modified P3s; Rabida and Santiago are modified aviators; and Wolf is a combination retro-inspired style. Each of the metal or metal and acetate models is fitted with Polynium High Definition Polarized technology for glare protection, UV and HEV protection, and optical performance. The collection’s color palette includes patina-tones, antique gold and silver, black, and tortoise with decorative elements such as filigree details in clean, current shapes.

INFO: 800-625-1880, reptilesun.com

Sun and Fun

MARCOLIN RELAUNCHES KENNETH COLE REACTION SUN COLLECTION

Marcolin and Kenneth Cole Productions have released a Kenneth Cole Reaction sun collection marking a relaunch of the sunwear line.

The collection consists of 11 women’s styles, releasing in a staggered schedule. The initial nine styles were released last month, with an additional two scheduled to be released in October. The collection features bright colors and patterns: teal, azalea, pink/gray tortoise print, overall zebra stripe, and a ‘Flower-HD’ pattern. Eight of the 11 styles are Rx-able.

Marcolin has held the license for both Kenneth Cole New York and Kenneth Cole Reaction sun eyewear since 2003, and acquired the optical eyewear license in 2004.

INFO: marcolin.com

Signature Look

SERENGETI UNFOLDS SIGNATURE COLLECTION

The defining feature of the sunglasses in the new Serengeti Signature collection is a hinge made with an ancient practice known as lost-wax casting. Sometimes referred to by its French name, “Cire Perdue,” this method is often used to make fine art and jewelry. A labor-intensive, multi-step process that requires the use of the finest metals and alloys, in this case copper beryllium, lost-wax casting allows for a level of finish detail nearly impossible to achieve with more common mass-production techniques.

“Hinges—while performing an important function—aren’t typically the most noticeable component of sunglasses,” notes Dani LaGace, global director of eyewear. “That we’ve lavished so much attention on this oft-overlooked part is an indication of both our attention to detail and commitment to being a leader in the art and science of making eyewear.”

Signature hinges are finished with durable stainless steel Torx head screws with which stripping is virtually eliminated and greater torque can be applied during the installation process, resulting in a more secure connection. The main frame structure and temples of the three initial Serengeti Signature models, Brera, Isola, and Verdi, are made with Grilamid TR90 nylon.

INFO: serengeti-eyewear.com

Denim Dreams

MARCHON’S G-STAR RAW HITS THE BOARDS

Focusing on denim craftsmanship and innovation, G-Star RAW is an originator of the concept of 3D denim, establishing a dedication to raw, untreated denim. The brand’s singular point of view on construction and design also stretches beyond denim, including other wardrobe essentials, footwear, and accessories for men and women.

The G-Star RAW premier eyewear collection from Marchon introduces the brand into both sun and ophthalmic categories, echoing the dedication to quality in apparel, accessory, and footwear collections. Signature details, such as flat logo engraved lenses, G-star metal iconic screw, fat and thin acetates, and classic metal, make up a collection that is equal parts functional and authentic. Each frame’s style number, color, and size are stamped on the exterior of the temples, pulling from the jeans aesthetic and design and craftsmanship echoing the brand’s philosophy, “Just the Product.”

“G-Star has a rich heritage and a formidable history” says Claudio Gottardi, Marchon president and CEO. “The combination of distinctive construction and quality, high-level craftsmanship aligns with Marchon’s core values. We look forward to continuing and expanding G-Star’s brand equities and presence worldwide.”

INFO: marchon.com

Need for Speed

ASPEX REVS UP BMW EYEWEAR COLLECTION

The BMW Eyewear Collection from Aspex launches with quality eyewear for men engineered for excellence in the spirit of the luxuriously created Bavarian autos that inspire their design. The collection of ophthalmic eyewear and sunwear includes full-rimmed acetates that feature fine details like double lamination and integrated spring hinges. The color palette for ophthalmic eyewear includes blue, black, demi-amber and crystal, demi-amber-dark blue, shiny black, and shiny brown.

Sun styles are crafted in titanium, stainless steel, and acetate in classic and contemporary aviator and navigator shapes. The color offerings include matte black, satin steel, and matt demi-amber/gray, all with gray lenses.

Merchandising materials include floor and counter displays, countercards, banners, and BMW logo plates. Styles come a white BMW logo case and a soft pouch with an embossed logo.

INFO: 800-277-3979, aspexeyewear.com

FRAME GALLERY

Match Eyewear Presents AV Studio

Match Eyewear has launched AV Studio, a new partner brand to Adrienne Vittadini Eyewear. The AV Studio collection is debuting with 18 ophthalmic and eight sunwear styles.

Following in the fashionable footsteps of Adrienne Vittadini, AV Studio reinvents casual elegance with a fresh and sexy collection designed for young women ages 20 to 35. Unique designs, fun colors and textures, and flirty styling provide a sassy new take on modern refinement.

“The AV Studio collection has all the polish and accessible luxury of the Adrienne Vittadini brand,” explains Ethan Goodman, president of Match Eyewear. “But it’s cool and a little audacious, for a younger—or young-at-heart—consumer with a slightly more adventurous sense of style.”

Match Eyewear will premiere the AV Studio collection with new brand images and logos, to be featured in integrated marketing efforts and merchandising materials, including countercards and logo plaques.

All ophthalmic and sunwear frames from the AV Studio collection will be accompanied by protective hard cases and branded cleaning cloths.

INFO: matcheyewear.com

Silhouette Launches Titan Harmony

The new rimless Silhouette Titan Harmony collection exhibits a balanced interplay of high-tech materials with thoughtful detail. Designer Angela Strecker designs the temples in two steps, company representatives explain. With titanium, she designs an outline that serves as a frame for an upscale decorative element made of SPX₊ polymer composite. Clipped in by hand, the decorative element is firmly embedded in an opening in the flexible temple, representatives note.

This innovative technical solution by Silhouette is the result of a laborious development process. “The idea was to incorporate a decorative element that goes beyond an esthetic moment in design to become optimally functional,” note company representatives.

INFO: silhouette.com

Rudy Project Shocks Classic Styles

Rudy Project has relaunched two of its all-time best-selling casual sunglasses, the Jazz and Ultimatum, under the Shock Collection banner, in 10 new bright, attention-grabbing colors. These classic frames have been a favorite among consumers looking for performance quality with a relaxed style, company representatives note, and now they are produced in bright and cool-looking colors.

“We are very excited to offer these head-turning sunglasses,” says Paul Craig, president and co-founder of Rudy Project North America. “These new styles are a textbook example of how we can take the exceptional engineering features of our sports performance glasses such as optical-quality materials, hinges, and lenses, and incorporate them into bold and beautiful casual sunglasses.”

The Jazz and Ultimatum Shock Series feature Italian craftsmanship and fashionable design, lightweight but strong Grilamid frame construction, and superior optics, all backed by Rudy’s three-year frame and Lifetime Lens Warranty.

INFO : e-rudy.com