Whats Next

Aug
2003

What's Next

Metzler: Etienne Aigner Eyewear

Classic looks with modern twists
Metzler International USA presents Etienne Aigner Eyewear, a branded collection taking its name from a leader in women’s accessories and footwear. Included are 23 metal and zyl designs in modifications on butterfly, bowtie, cat-eye and oval shapes. Colors range from pink, blue, champagne, camel, cranberry, ivory, platinum and wine to mahogany, tobacco and black. Decorative details consist of crystal accents on some styles and a signature metal logo on the temple tips.
PHILOSOPHY:  “Featuring intricate detailing, modern colors and design, and excellent quality, the collection is targeted to the mature, sophisticated, professional woman of the 21st century,” says Metzler product development manager John Castagnetti. MARKETING: A display and countercard are planned for the collection. Each frame comes with a case. PRICE POINT: $$. AVAILABILITY: Now. For additional information, contact Metzler International USA, (866) METZLER; web site: www.metzlerinternational.com

IT Optics: Click 12 Eyewear

Customizing frames for individual preferences
IT Optics, a division of  Italee Optics, offers Click 12 Eyewear, a modular system with 12 components in each frame. Parts are made of polyamide and grilamid and can be snapped out to change color. Bridges, hinges and temples come in 18 translucent colors. A choice of skull or cable temples is offered in four colors. Fixing pins in a clear translucent color make it easy to change the endpieces and bridge. Hypoallergenic nosepads designed to prevent slippage are available in four sizes to suit children, teens and adults. The frames can accommodate high-plus/minus prescriptions.
PHILOSOPHY:  “What makes these frames so unique is they are modular. We encourage customers to purchase different bridge and temple colors and even different lenses (plano and/or prescription). We like to make the comparison to a Swatch watch. Frame variation and customization are encouraged,” says Italee creative director Amy Hahn. MARKETING: Merchandising materials include a three-place display and 3-D acrylic countercard. PRICE POINT: (Frame) $$$$. AVAILABILITY: Now. For additional information, contact IT Optics, (866) 486-7842; web site: www.itoptic.com; or www.click12.com

ClearVision: Izod Kids

Targeting tween boys
ClearVision Optical adds Izod Kids to its Izod Eyes line for men. Geared to boys between the ages of 10 and 14, the new collection also has sizing (43mm to 47mm) to accommodate boys as young as six. Included are three sporty, thin metal styles in clean, simple variations on oval and rectangular shapes. Colors range from amber, brown, gunmetal, pewter and sand to blue and burgundy. Frames feature spring hinges, PVC nosepads, plastic temple tips and raised logo treatments on the temples and nosepads.
PHILOSOPHY:  “Our company truly believes the following: Sell the young and insure the future,” says Ken Wyse, vice president of Izod licensing. “The new eyewear collection complements our already widely successful boys’ apparel line.” MARKETING: Countercards are being planned. Each frame comes with a hard case in a choice of green, navy or red. PRICE POINT: $$. AVAILABILITY: Summer 2003. For additional information, contact ClearVision Optical, (800) 645-3733; web site: www.cvoptical.com

Legacie Eyewear: Kata Duplex Plastics

Kata adds sculpted plastics to Duplex line
Legacie Eyewear, A Luxury House of B. Robinson Optical, expands its Kata Duplex line, which was inspired by the mantra “less is more.” The initial collection, introduced in 2002, features a rimless mounting system and a titanium wire core with rubber seamlessly fused to plastic endpieces to create the signature hingeless temple design. The new collection, which consists of seven styles, incorporates hand-milled plastic fronts fused to rubber for the same signature hingeless design. The result is a bolder, yet still minimal look. Frame colors include shades of blue, green, pink and red. All styles come with a choice of demo lenses, sunlenses or a fashion tint.
PHILOSOPHY:  “The Duplex Collection is the essence of simplicity, but with a boldness created by a strong color palate and plastic fronts,” says B. Robinson vice president of sales, Lori Robinson. MARKETING: Each frame is shipped with a set of three display cubes, a logo plaque and an eyeglass case. PRICE POINT: $$$$$. AVAILABILITY: Spring 2003. For additional information, contact Legacie Eyewear/Luxury House of B. Robinson Optical, (866) 534-2243; web site: www.legacie.com

 

|