Whats Next

Apr
2004

What's Next

Luxottica: Bvlgari Precious Collection 

A marriage of classic elegance and contemporary design
Luxottica Group adds the exclusive, limited edition Precious Collection to its high-end Bvlgari line. Included are two plastic and two metal ophthalmic frames. Each style features either the signature Quadrato or Bvlgari-Bvlgari aesthetic motif rendered in diamonds, lapis lazuli, mother-of-pearl or malachite. The jewels are matched with the frame material that best complements it. For example, the lapis lazuli is set in yellow gold. The logos are placed at the front of the temple for maximum exposure.   
PHILOSOPHY:  “For over a century, Bvlgari has been synonymous with Italian style in the world of jewelry. The new limited-edition Precious Collection expresses the distinctive Bvlgari style in an appealing combination of classic elegance and contemporary design and is truly jewelry for one’s eyes,” says Vittorio Verdun, Luxottica group director of marketing. “With this new collection, we are targeting that chic, upscale female consumer with discriminating taste for only the best things in life.” MARKETING: Merchandising materials include product displays and countercards. Each frame comes with a leather case. PRICE POINT: $$$$$. AVAILABILITY: Now. For additional information, contact Luxottica Group, (800) 422-2020; web site: www.luxottica.com.

Sàfilo: Claiborne Men

Sàfilo: Claiborne Men
Sàfilo USA launches its first Claiborne ophthalmic collection in the United States, targeting sophisticated, stylish men between the ages of 25 and 54. Taking its direction from the Claiborne menswear label, which provides trend-right, quality-oriented fashion and basic product with particular attention to price/value relationships, the new line consists of six plastic/metal combinations and one metal frame. Metals include stainless steel and FX-9, a flat metal. Frames are offered in a subdued palette of earth tones and horn hues. The collection features a predominance of rectangular eye shapes in elongated, modern silhouettes. A modified oval is also available. Two styles are semi-rimless.
PHILOSOPHY:  “This newly launched collection offers impeccable, masculine styles with quality and comfort at such an excellent value retailers and consumers are sure to celebrate its arrival,” says Claudio Gottardi, Sàfilo USA president and CEO. MARKETING: Merchandising materials include small (5" by 7") and large (8" by 11") countercards, posters, postcards and a logo plaque. Frames come with a hard case. PRICE POINT: $$ to $$$. AVAILABILITY: Now. For additional information, contact Sàfilo USA (800) 631-1188; web site: www.safilousa.com.

Legacie Eyewear: Kata Kawai 

Seamlessly simple
Legacie Eyewear, a Luxury House of  B. Robinson Optical, unveils Kawai, a 13-style addition to its Kata Eyewear line. The new collection employs a patented fusion technology exclusive to Kata that creates stencil-like prints in the plastic while preserving a fluid, unified surface so the patterns appear inherent to the material. An intricate color palette maximizes the bi-layered nature of the fusion process. Some styles leverage the contrast of two solid colors to make a bold statement. Others layer the decorative patterns over richly textured plastic for a subtler look. Eye shapes are clean and youthful twists on wearable classics, with accents in abstract graphics reminiscent of Japanese woodblock prints. Patterns draw inspiration from textile designs and range from delicate florals to angular geometrics. Five of the styles are further e territory of a pure plastic statenhanced by jewel-toned gradient lenses.
PHILOSOPHY: “The Kawai collection combines the refinement and handmade detail of Kata Eyewear with an element of playful modernity,” says Kata design director Kristen Aronsson. “The motifs have a natural variation in thickness and tone, much like a wood block print, and are inspired by textile design with a focus on large-scale abstracts. These seamlessly simple frames expand Kata into the hip territory of a pure plastic statement.” MARKETING: Frames come with a case and cleaning cloth. PRICE POINT: $$$$. AVAILABILITY: Now. For additional information, contact Kata Eyewear (866) 534-2243; web site: kataeyewear.com.

Zyloware: Invincilites Beta Collection

The second generation
Zyloware releases a second Invincilites line, the Beta collection. Named for the material used, the new frames are composed of 100 percent VCA certified beta titanium, utilize a screwless, plastic plug mount pressure system and have hinged temples. An extension of the Gamma line introduced earlier this year, Beta is a new drill-mount collection consisting of six interchangeable shapes: classic square, modified rectangle, oval, modified oval, modified teacup and soft bowtie; and six colors: bordeaux, espresso, gold, gunmetal, lavender and natural.
PHILOSOPHY: “The Invincilites by Zyloware brand was created to launch new technologies that fill consumers’ desires for modern, lightweight eyewear. The Beta collection of Invincilities is a natural extension and broadens the brand’s appeal,” says Zyloware president Christopher Shyer. MARKETING: Merchandising materials include a six-piece kit featuring two men’s, two women’s and two unisex shapes, countertop “selling station,” sales brochures, ad slicks, technical and mounting information and drill packs with a pattern, drill instructions and extra mounting plugs. Each frame comes with a case. PRICE POINT: $$. AVAILIBILITY: Spring 2004. For additional information, contact Zyloware, (800) 765-3700; web site: www.zyloware.com.

Sans Pareil: Everlast Sun Collection

Targeting an active lifestyle
Sans Pareil adds a seven-piece sunglass collection to its Everlast eyewear line. Styles are sleek, sporty rimless, semi-rimless and shield designs with 7.5- and 8.00-base curves. Frame materials consist of beta titanium, stainless steel, nickel silver and plastic in colors ranging from gold, silver and gunmetal to brown, gray, matte black and rose. Other features include hingeless temples, adjustable nosepads, contoured bridges, rubberized temple tips, polycarbonate and polarized lenses and mirror coatings.  
PHILOSOPHY: “Everlast is clearly expanding from a brand to a lifestyle,” says Steve Lipawsky, president of Sans Pareil. “From the most recognizable name in boxing, it has grown globally in the areas of fashion and workout apparel, becoming a trendsetter in the urban-wear market. Everlast apparel offers the perfect combination of casual dressing and athletic functionality, as does the newly introduced sunglass collection… all designed to meet the demands of an active lifestyle.” MARKETING: Merchandising materials include a six-place presentation kit, acrylic block display, countercard and two Everlast boxing bears. Each sunglass comes with a hard case. PRICE POINT: $$ to $$$. AVAILABILITY: Now. For additional information, contact Sans Pareil, (800) 521-9475.

 

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