Whats New

Feb
2005

What's New

Photographed by Robert Gerhardt
and Robert Kastler  
Alain Mikli: Pact

A marriage between black and white
Alain Mikli introduces Pact, a collection of frames that are all variations on the theme of black paired with crystal. The frames are handmade from special acetate that took a year to develop. Only 19 tons of the materials were produced and 100 grams were used for each style. The collection consists of 30 ophthalmic frames and 10 sunglasses in semi-rimless and fully rimmed designs. Each style is available in three patterns, all bearing the Pact signature. Frames will be offered to select Alain Mikli clients by invitation only at specially organized “Concept Presentations.”
PHILOSOPHY: “I like the word traditional for this collection. There’s some secret to it… The acetate we use for it is handmade, just like my frames. When the acetate is carved, we load it with emotion,” says designer Alain Mikli.
MARKETING: Pact is supported with window displays holding seven or eight frames, logo plaques and banners highlighting sun or ophthalmic styles. A limited number of bound coffee table books with black and white photographs of models wearing Pact eyewear will be available. Each frame comes with a black case with a red lining and a black and white stripe tote bag with a red lining.
PRICE POINT: $$$$$. For additional information, contact Alain Mikli, (800) 829-8032 web site: www.mikli.com

Walman Optical:
Hans Stepper Eyewear

Targeting mature, sophisticated career women
Walman Optical/ImageWear brings Hans Stepper Eyewear, a prominent brand in Europe, Australia and the Far East, to the U.S. market. Geared to mature women, the initial collection consists of 50 fully rimmed, semi-rimless and three-piece mount designs in variations on ovals, rectangles and upsweeps. Colors range from brown, gray and silver to burgundy, navy, rose, swirls of blue and such combinations as rose fade fronts paired with navy temples. Frame materials include TR-55 grilamid, titanium and beta titanium. Some styles are accented with split temple work and stones. Collections for women 35+ and men 35 to 55 will be added.
PHILOSOPHY: “Eyewear designer Hans Stepper places frame functionality on the same plane as fashion design, combining the best of both elements to produce fashionable frames with outstanding fitting characteristics,” says Bob Gustin, Walman’s vice president of business development. “The initial series of products is aimed at the more mature women’s market, where we believe a void exists. The Stepper collection offers understated elegance and superior materials at mid-tier price points, resulting in a collection that will resonate with today’s fashion-conscious customers.”
MARKETING: Merchandising materials feature images of Stepper women—confident and casually elegant—and include one-piece towers, countercards and logo plaques. A clear acrylic frame display is offered with the purchase of the headliner three-piece collection.
PRICE POINT: $$ to $$$. For additional information, contact Walman Optical, (800) 873-9256; web site: www.walman.com

Bella Eyewear:
Pompeii Collection

A classic look
Bella Eyewear launches the Pompeii Collection of eyewear. Aimed at men and women who seek fashionable, modern designs, the line consists of 18 full-rimmed and semi-rimless styles made in Italy. Frames feature metal fronts and colorful metal/plastic temples and are offered in modifications of bowtie, rectangular and other geometric designs. Colors include soft purple, deep blue, pink and crystal.
PHILOSOPHY: “With the 100 percent made-in-Italy Pompeii Collection, we are offering our customers top-of-the-line, quality products at a reasonable price.” says Bella Eyewear president John A. DeBellis.
MARKETING: Merchandising materials consist of a 10-place display, countercards and posters. All frames come with a top-load case.
PRICE POINT: $$$. For additional information, contact Bella Eyewear, (888) 552-3552; web site: www.bellaeye wear.com

 

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