By Deirdre Carroll
Senior Editor

Stephen Rappoport, L’Amy America

WILTON, Conn.--L’ Amy America has introduced the Nina Ricci Eyewear collection in conjunction with the House of Nina Ricci and the Puig Beauty and Fashion Group.

“We are delighted to announce the launch of Nina Ricci Eyewear,” said Stephen Rappoport, president of L’Amy America. “The brand is currently experiencing a tremendous amount of consumer publicity and our new ophthalmic and sunglass collections translate perfectly the new Nina Ricci design aesthetic. We feel it is the opportune time to bring Nina Ricci eyewear to market and believe it perfectly complements our luxury brand portfolio.”

Nina Ricci has enjoyed tremendous accolades throughout the fashion industry in recent years. Started in 1932, the house of Nina Ricci began their transformation in 2007 with the addition of Olivier Theyskens as artistic director. Under his design directorship, the Nina Ricci eyewear collections have created a captivating mix of tastefully soft, yet boldly-feminine design. The collection includes unexpected interpretations of traditional shapes in rich colorations, some with intricately engraved temples and others with wide, dramatic, temples. Fabrications feature glittering duets of metal and acetate materials and offer signature Nina Ricci iconic logo details.

POP featuring optical style NR2536 from the Nina Ricci Eyewear collection from L’Amy America.

The initial launch collection includes styles like the Meribel with floral laser printing on the temple and a lacquer finish; the Chamonix, inspired by lace details in gold thread from the Spring/Summer 2007 ready-to-wear collection and the Montana, a design created by microfusion inserted in the temple and covered by lacquer. Additional styles are the Cannele, a Mazzucchelli acetate with Swarovski crystals and the Guimauve, inspired by the bow detail which has been created in a two-tone coloration. Last is the Sable, inspired by the Nina Ricci symbol, the dove, and featuring a pair of metal doves at the hinge.

The launch is accompanied by an advertising campaign shot by Theyskens which includes three images that reflect the spirit of the ready-to-wear campaign. The Nina Ricci eyewear collection from L’Amy America is priced to the dispenser at $99.95. ■