Whats Next

Apr
2003

What's Next

Luxottica: Chanel Sport
Chanel enters sport arena
Luxottica Group adds a six-style sport collection to its Chanel sunglass line. Included are streamlined propionate-injected wraps, a plastic wrap featuring removable side shields; and two metal wraps with dropped temples. Details consist of the Chanel logo discreetly placed over the bridge on the plastics, a Swarovski crystal set at the front of the temple on a metal style and Hytrel temples on the metals. Lens shapes are variations on rectangles and ovals with colorations ranging from opalescent and lime fade mirrors to a smoke/aqua mirror.
PHILOSOPHY: “With this entrée into the sport arena, our Chanel brand brings sport sunwear to new fashion heights,” says Luxottica Group director of marketing Vittorio Verdun. “In keeping with the Chanel brand’s distinct philosophy, this latest Chanel line extension with its exceptional styling and materials appeals to and meets the standards of the most discriminating Chanel consumer.” PRICE POINT: $$$$$. AVAILABILITY: Spring 2003. For additional information, contact Luxottica Group, (800) 422-2020; web site: www.luxottica.com.


Altair: Benetton Sunwear
Benetton offers sun for the entire family
To complement its Benetton ophthalmic line, Altair Eyewear introduces a 12-style United Colors of Benetton Sunwear collection. Included are four children’s frames, sport wraps, rimless options, double-bar styles and laminated zyls. Frames are offered in an array of vivid colors such as silver-lilac, olive-bronze and jade-blue. All styles feature 100 percent UV400 polycarbonate lenses in traditional and fashion tints.
PHILOSOPHY: “Developed as an accessory to complement the colorful nature and active lifestyle of the Benetton brand, the new sunwear collection attracts a diverse audience with the creative use of design, color and function,” says Tom Grogan, Altair product development and brands manager. MARKETING: Merchandising materials include frame displays in various sizes, countercards, posters and a wood logo plaque. Each sunglass comes with a gray neoprene case. PRICE POINT:  $$. AVAILABILITY:  Spring 2003. For additional information, contact Altair Eyewear, (800) 505-5557; web site: www.altaireyewear.com.

Sàfilo: Dior Homme Sunglasses

Dior targets men
Sàfilo USA adds Dior Homme Sunglasses to its Christian Dior line. Taking its design direction from Dior Homme fashion designer Hedi Slimane, the new 12-style collection is targeted to affluent men 25 and older. The emphasis is on modern interpretations of classic designs with clean, simple, architectural lines. Included are a Black Tie collection consisting of black Optyl frames with dark gray or clear sunlenses; and a metal collection with an aluminum style. The CD logo is discreetly engraved into the temples, above the bridge and on the nosepads.
PHILOSOPHY:  “The new sunglass collection is consistent with other Dior Homme products in the high quality and attention to detail entrenched within the styling,” says Mark Ugenti, Sàfilo USA vice president sunglass sales. “From the frame to the slim case that fits into a man’s jacket pocket, this collection is designed specifically to meet a man’s needs.” MARKETING: Merchandising materials include modular displays, which can be used to create either a six- or 12-place unit, countercards and posters. Sunglasses come with a hard case and cleaning cloth. PRICE POINT: $$$$$. AVAILABILITY: Winter 2003. For additional information, contact Sàfilo USA, (800) 631-1188; web site: www.safilousa.com.

Nouveau: Jimmy Neutron Eyewear

Boy Genius joins Nouveau’s Nickelodeon family
Nouveau Eyewear adds Jimmy Neutron to its Nickelodeon kids’ line introduced in 2002. Targeted to boys and girls between the ages of two and 11, the new collection takes its name from the popular Nickelodeon program and highly successful feature film “Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius.” The initial collection consists of six primarily metal styles with some laminate accents. Features include double-action spring hinges, Nick nosepads and Jimmy character plaques on the temple tips. In keeping with Jimmy’s hometown of Retroville, frame colors focus on antique treatments.
PHILOSOPHY:  “Jimmy Neutron seemed the logical extension to our Nick Eyewear collection. With each character Nickelodeon introduces, we have an immediate opportunity to offer our customers the hottest new property for kids and to recharge a powerhouse brand,” says Pat Aptaker, Nouveau co-president. “Our primary goal with Nickelodeon is to make quality eyewear that’s fun to wear,” adds Marj McGraw, Nouveau senior vice president product. MARKETING:  Merchandising materials include a double-sided, self-mounting poster, mobile and mirror. A coloring book is available as gift-with-purchase. PRICE POINT: $$. AVAILABILITY: Spring 2003. For additional information, contact Nouveau Eyewear (800) 292-4342; web site: www.nouveaueyewear.com

 

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