By Marge Axelrad
Editorial Director

CARROLLTON, Texas--The new Geoffrey Beene Eyewear collection from Nouveau, launching this month, embodies the classic elegance of the legendary designer, featuring quality materials combined with unusual details and accents, and a sculptural look which was one of the hallmarks of the late designer’s clothing.

Marj McGraw

The initial collection, which will target women ages 30 to 55, consists of four styles in various colorways.

Additional couture models will be coming onstream in the early fall and a men’s collection will follow in late 2006 or early 2007, according to Nouveau.

“Geoffrey Beene is known for the refinement of every detail,” stated Marj McGraw, Nouveau’s co-president and chief global sourcing officer.

“He loved using surprising details and we have worked to incorporate this philosophy into this new collection.”

The initial group reflects a diversity of style, inspired by Beene’s iconic shapes and colors in fashion, but geared to be day-to-day “wearable,” said McGraw.

“The styling is feminine and elegant. Even the details, like Swarovski crystals, don’t draw attention away from the eye.”

Above: Against the backdrop of designer Geoffrey Beene’s classic designs in the New York showroom, from left: Nouveau’s co-CEO, Pat Aptaker; Russell J. Nardozza, Sr VP/COO, Geoffrey Beene; and Marj McGraw, co-president, Nouveau. Below: New Geoffrey Beene pieces include the graceful and jeweled Presence style and the sleek sculpted temple of Timeless.

The frames feature unusual color mixes, geometric details, unique temple treatments, including sculpting and carveouts, and flowing lines.

“Brilliance” is a crystal laminate with jewel insets and an airy temple design. “Panache” is a modern semi-rimless with zyl temples and a flat metal front. “Impeccable” is a semi-rimless with geometric, laser-cut endpieces and temples. “Timeless” is a retro oval.

“Presence,” coming in June, layers zyl and metal for a signature look.

The price to the dispenser is $49.95

Dispensers who purchase the four initial styles will receive a cashmere scarf plus a point-of-purchase set of plaques, counter cards and a case with each frame.

Geoffrey Beene “is a distinguished addition to Nouveau’s portfolio of fashion brands,” noted McGraw.

The designer himself received more fashion industry awards than any other American designer. The winner of eight Coty Awards and one of the few American designers with a permanent fashion installation at the Metropolitan Museum, Beene was named Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America for two years in a row.