Whats Next

Jul
2003

What's Next

Luxottica: Ray-Ban Junior

Ray-Ban for kids
Luxottica Group announces the birth of Ray-Ban Junior, a sunglass line for children between the ages of eight and 12. The collection, which consists of seven plastics and three metals, remains faithful to its “parent” in both design and quality, Luxottica says. Child-size versions of the most popular Ray-Ban styles were recreated with kid-friendly features and colors. All of the lenses are polycarbonate. Smooth contours, carefully crafted nosepads, flat temples, flex hinges and Hytrel nosepads enhance fit, comfort and durability. Frame shapes include sport wraps and rectangular designs in colors ranging from silver frames with cobalt blue lenses and metallic bronze frames with brown lenses to dark blue frames with green lenses and black frames with red mirror lenses.
PHILOSOPHY: “The new Ray-Ban Junior line leverages both the core elements of high-quality and style found in our renowned adult Ray-Ban collection and the key legendary values of the Ray-Ban brand. The launch of this fun and exciting children’s collection provides us with an opportunity to reach the fast-growing junior segment of the consumer market,” says Vittorio Verdun, Luxottica Group director of marketing. “In addition, it allows us to introduce the brand to the next generation.” MARKETING: Merchandising materials include a 12-place couvette (covered display kit) and countercards. An ad campaign entitled “My First Ray-Ban” was shot in Saint Tropez by Lorenzo Scaccini, a Milan photographer known for his work with young people. PRICE POINT: $ to $$. AVAILABILITY: Summer 2003. For additional information, contact Luxottica Group, (800) 422-2020; web site: www.luxottica.com.

ClearVision: Jessica McClintock Girls

Romantic, feminine styles for girls
ClearVision Optical adds Jessica McClintock Girls to its Jessica McClintock line for women. Targeting girls between the ages of 10 and 14, the new collection also has sizing (43mm to 47mm) for girls as young as six. Included are three metal styles that mimic the feminine, romantic flair of Jessica McClintock eyewear for women, but on a smaller, more youthful scale. Shapes consist of an almond, butterfly and elongated oval in variations of blue, brown, lilac, pink, red and sand. Jewel-like logo embellishments such as beaded and braided treatments accent the temples. All of the frames have smooth plastic temple tips for added comfort.
PHILOSOPHY: “The decision to create a Jessica McClintock line for girls came from Jessica McClintock, who wants to create a timeless eyewear collection that will influence girls to grow up and be Jessica McClintock customers,” says ClearVision executive vice president Peter Friedfeld. MARKETING: Countercards are available. Displays are under development. Each frame comes with a choice of a bright pink, lilac or ivory case designed to look like a little purse with matching handles. PRICE POINT: $$. AVAILABILITY: Summer 2003. For additional information, contact ClearVision Optical, (800) 645-3733; web site: www.cvoptical.com.

Altair: United Colors of Benetton Kids

Targeting tweens to young adults
Expanding on its Benetton  line, Altair Eyewear introduces the five-style United Colors of Benetton Kids collection. The collection consists of stainless-steel styles in variations on oval, rectangular and cat-eye designs. Colors include blush, burgundy, gun-gray, satin blue and matte treatments of blue, brown and bronze. All frames are equipped with spring hinges and adjustable nosepads and come in eye sizes of 42mm to 45mm.
PHILOSOPHY: “Designed with modern lines and vivid colors, the United Colors of Benetton Kids collection mimics sophisticated styling desired by parents and young adults. Added flexibility and durability are achieved by incorporating spring hinges, stainless-steel components and extended zyl temples tips,” says Tom Grogan, Altair new product development and brands manager. MARKETING: Merchandising materials include one-, three and 12-place counter displays, 12-place display box, countercard and wood logo block. Each frame comes with a blue or black case. PRICE POINT: $$. AVAILABILITY: Spring 2003. For additional information, contact Altair Eyewear, (800) 505-5557; web site: www.altaireyewear.com.

Metzler: Fratelli Lozza STVDIO Plastics

Focusing on the young and trendy
Metzler International USA adds a six-style  plastic collection to its Fratelli Lozza STVDIO line of genium (metal) styles. Targeted to stylish, young adults, the plastic group emphasizes contemporary color treatments, ranging from horn, smoke and denim to combinations of violet and beige, beige and raspberry, black and crystal, pink and amber, sapphire and brown and gray and garnet. Named for international cities—Copenhagen, Helsinki, Sydney, Zurich—all the frames feature a flat temple design and are offered in eye sizes of 47mm to 51mm. Eight genium styles are available.
PHILOSOPHY: “The STVDIO plastic additions give Fratelli Lozza the opportunity to reach a new customer, the young fashion-conscious consumer who knows style, but also seeks value. The mix of trendy styling and contemporary colors makes this collect a magnet for those with an eye for accessories,” says Metzler product development manager John Castagnetti. MARKETING: Merchandising materials include an eight-place Fratelli Lozza display tray with a prop-up mirror. Additionally, a set of three countercards highlighting the genium collection is available. Each plastic style comes with a large silver hard case with a clasp. PRICE POINT: $$. AVAILABILITY: Summer 2003. For additional information, contact Metzler International USA, (866) METZLER; web site: www.metzlerinternational.com.

 

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