EDGY COLLAB

French sport-elegant sunwear brand Vuarnet and the iconic fashion label rag & bone introduce a design collaboration offering four Vuarnet models in exclusive colorways. Known for its “edgy-yet-understated New York aesthetic,” rag & bone got its start in New York in 2002 with designers who married their British heritage with directional, modern design.

The brand offers a full range of men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, shoes, and accessories collections. Today, rag & bone operates 33 stores around the world and is also available in boutiques and department stores in more than 53 countries.

The new collaboration's key styles include the Glacier and Legend 02 (pictured), as well as new models, the Cable Car and District. All lenses are crafted of mineral glass in Vuarnet’s factory near Paris.

“I am personally a great fan of rag & bone, a brand I discovered by chance years back in New York City, in its early stages,” says Vuarnet CEO Lionel Giraud. “Such a collaboration is really a great opportunity for Vuarnet to establish and share our philosophy in the balance of excellence and cool.”

Suggested retail pricing ranges from $225 to $600. The collaboration will be available in rag & bone stores and select Vuarnet retailers (including optical) starting next month.

INFO: 914-495-3701, VUARNET.COM

rag & bone x Vuarnet, model Legend 02

MUST-HAVE MADDEN

ClearVision Optical Debuts Steve Madden

ClearVision introduces Steve Madden Eyewear, a partnership with the iconic footwear and accessories brand that was founded in 1990 when businessman Steve Madden made an investment of $1,100 and started selling shoes out of the trunk of his car. Today, the designer’s eponymous footwear, handbags, and accessories—known for daring, on-trend designs—are sold in more than 80 countries in a wide variety of retail outlets, including 250 Steve Madden stores.

The collection will offer eyewear and sunwear for men, women, and children with more than 50 styles, including Flappper (pictured). ClearVision will utilize its 3D-printing capabilities in the development of the collection, and the company will incorporate new lightweight materials as well as high-definition compressed acetate (HDCA). Other highlights include temple tip designs inspired by ballerina flats and zipper hardware.

Suggested retail pricing is $160-$175 (ophthalmic), $150 (sun), and $140 (children).

INFO: 800-645-3733, CVOPTICAL.COM

Photo by Jurgen Reisch for Eyecare Business

TO THE MARKET:

“The addition of Steve Madden to our portfolio enhances our position in the market by enabling us to offer a well-known brand that has its finger on the pulse of today’s hottest trends.”

—PETER FRIEDFELD, CLEARVISION EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

PROPER SOLUTION

GSRx, Inc., Launches Proper Optics

GSRx unveils the Proper Optics Eyewear line, a competitively priced, high-quality frame-and-Rx-lens solution designed to help independent practices keep Rx's in their business.

“Price pressure and intensive marketing from national chains and online retailers is reducing the Rx capture rate and the profitability of independent practices,” says Dave Jochims, CEO of GSRx, which is based in Scottsdale, AZ. “Proper Optics levels the playing field by giving practices a way to keep price-conscious patients in the practice, while offering the optical quality that meets their standard of care.”

More than 280 frame styles are featured in the line, while the EPIK lens series offers progressives in three levels of customization and customized single vision. Lens treatments include AR as well as blue light protection. MSRP is $79 for kids eyewear, with $99-$199 packages for adults (upgrades are also available).

Shown here is a model store demonstrating the Proper Optics concept. Proper Optics is currently available in the Southwest, Northern Midwest, and Southeast.

INFO: INFO@GS-RX.COM, PROPEROPTICS.COM

TO THE MARKET:

“Proper Optics can be introduced when it becomes clear that the patient is going to leave with the Rx. It can also provide an attractive second-pair option for a patient who has spent a significant amount of money on a branded first pair.”

—DAVE JOCHIMS, CEO OF GSRx