Whats Next

Jan
2003

What's Next

Sàfilo USA:
Yves Saint Laurent Sunwear

Second Yves Saint Laurent
Sunglass Collection debuts
Sàfilo USA presents the Yves Saint Laurent 2003 Sunglass Collection, consisting of 12 masculine, feminine and unisex designs. Included are metals, metal/acetate combinations, acetates, Optyls and plastic injected acetates. Shapes are bold variations on aviator, cat eye, oval, rectangular and round styles. Details include the YSL logo plate on endpieces and unusually high flat metal bridges on some styles. Colors range from   moss green, champagne, chocolate brown, horn and black to bronze and ruthenium. Select frames are available with mirror lenses.
 
PHILOSOPHY: “In this second sunglass collection, French fashion and the Yves Saint Laurent luxury house bring design, elegance and sophistication
to new heights. Clean lines, subtle colorations and discreet ornamentation highlight this range of sunglasses,” says Mark Ugenti, Sàfilo USA vice president sunglass sales. MARKETING: Merchandising materials include one- and four-place, countercard, banner and logo plaque. Sunglasses come with a case and cleaning cloth. PRICE POINT: $$$$$. AVAILABILITY: Winter 2003. For additional information, contact Sàfilo USA, (800) 631-1188; web site: www.safilousa.com.
Solar Panels by Shade Control
Designs to be worn over Rx eyewear
Opsales, known for its Visionaries clip-on sunlenses, presents Solar Panels by Shade Control, a collection of two styles, an oval and a rectangle, designed to be worn over prescription eyewear. Features include a plastic frame with wire-core flexible temples that hold adjustments, wraparound side lenses, cushioned brow pad and nosepad insert. The entire frame is coated with soft touch for added comfort. All lenses are scratch-resistant polarized and are offered in gray, yellow and Perception®, a brown tone. Polycarbonate polarized lenses are available. Frames are offered in midnight, slate and terrapin.
PHILOSOPHY: “With the introduction of Solar Panels, we offer prescription eyeglass wearers additional options and, with the side lenses, increased peripheral vision,” says Cynthia A. Friedman, Opsales sales manager/optical North America. MARKETING: A display kit, available with a six-piece order, consists of a four-place metal display stand, six frames (four with gray polarized lenses, one with Perception polarized blue light blocking lenses and one with yellow polarized lenses) and six soft nylon cases. PRICE POINT: $. AVAILABILITY: 2002. For additional information, contact Opsales, (800) 423-7688; web site: www.clipons.com.
Nouveau: Christie Brinkley
New Colors Direction

New collection reflects supermodel’s personal style
Nouveau Eyewear adds a three-style collection to its Christie Brinkley ophthalmic line. The new releases are infused with subtle colors from the artist’s palette (Brinkley is an accomplished painter) and from the natural hues of sea and sky surrounding the supermodel’s home in New York’s Hamptons area. Colors range from semi-gloss burgundy paired with shiny gunmetal to light and dark blue and chestnut brown accented with golden brown. Included are three-piece mount, modified teacup and upswept designs in stainless-steel and layered acetate/metal combinations. Details consist of gently bowed and sculpted temples, snap-in and ultra-thin nosepads and mini spring hinges.
PHILOSOPHY: “Nouveau’s aim is to translate Christie’s personal style into eyewear that maintains the focus on a woman’s eyes and projects a fresh style confidence,” says Marj McGraw, Nouveau senior vice president product. “The new direction of Christie’s collection can be expressed in two words—stunning and simplicity.” MARKETING: Merchandising materials, including countercards, reflecting images of Christie Brinkley from the recent photo shoot will be available in mid-February. PRICE POINT: $$. AVAILABILITY: Winter 2003. For additional information, contact Nouveau Eyewear (800) 292-4342; web site: www.nouveaueyewear.com.

 

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