Whats Next

Apr
2005

What's Next

Viva International Group: Gant Woman

Viva International Group: Gant Woman
Viva International Group adds Gant Woman Eyewear to its existing Gant Eyewear line. Designed for independent, confident, active women, this 18-piece collection captures the Gant heritage of sophisticated elegance. Frames are metal, double-laminated plastic and plastic/metal combinations and are offered in variations on oval, rectangular and upsweep designs. Three styles are three-piece mounts.    
PHILOSOPHY: "The Gant Woman eyewear collection is built on the heritage of pure European styling a la Americana," says Elizabeth Tontodonati, Gant Woman brand manager. "It brings a new ambiance to the overall design and function of eyewear for women." MARKETING: Merchandising materials include a two-place shelf display kit, six-place tray, three-place display, two-place highlighter and double-sided countercard. Frames come with a large or small pillow-box case in robin’s egg blue. PRICE POINT: $$. For additional information, contact Viva International Group, (800) 345-VIVA; web site: www.vivagroup.com

Rem: Plus+ Readers

A new level of fashion for a new generation of readers
Rem Eyewear launches Plus+, a collection of optical quality reading glasses for fashion-forward men and women. The line consists of two collections—Boutique Metals and Fashion Plastics. The metals are constructed from flat stainless steel, feature vivid two-tone colorations and are equipped with spring hinges. The plastics are made of Italian zyl in dramatic colors and fashion prints and are accented with crystals. All of the readers come in powers ranging from +1.00D to 2.50D in 0.50 diopter steps. Shapes consist of trendy and retro-inspired variations on bowties, cat eyes and rectangles.
PHILOSOPHY: "With the aging of the Baby Boomers, there has never been more of a demand for reading glasses," says Kara Meyer, Rem Plus+ brand manager. "Rem’s Plus+ collection is a fashionable answer to a functional necessity." MARKETING: Merchandising materials include a U-shaped display for Boutique Metals, a six-place Lucite riser for the
Fashion Plastics and a poster and countercard with the message: "How can you have 40 pairs of shoes and only one pair of readers?" PRICE POINT: $. For additional information, contact Rem Eyewear, (800) 423-3023; web site: www.remeyewear.com

Altair Eyewear: Joseph Abboud Sunwear

Sophisticated styling for the upscale professional
Altair Eyewear expands its Joseph Abboud Eyewear line with the addition of an 11-style sunglass collection. Targeting modern, sophisticated men between the ages of 30 and 50, the new collection offers a variety of designs, including a stainless-steel double-bridge rectangle, an updated aviator with bi-laminate temples, an aluminum sport wrap and full rimmed and semi-rimless multi-layered plastic wraps. Custom design elements include embedded logos and sure-grip color-coordinated nosepads. All styles come standard with solid tint lenses and most are offered with CR-39 or polycarbonate, polarized lens options.
PHILOSOPHY: "The Joseph Abboud sunglass collection is the perfect complement to Abboud’s upscale men’s apparel line. Sunglasses feature luxurious textures, intricate patterns, advanced materials and innovative design details," says Altair product development manager Tom Grogan. MARKETING: Large and small frosted acrylic logo plaques are available. Each sunglass comes with a brown micro-suede case and pinstriped cleaning cloth. PRICE POINT: $$ to $$$. For additional information, contact Altair Eyewear, (800) 505-5557; web site: www.altaireyewear.com

HANA: HANA Sun Collection

Gemstone versatility
HANA adds a sunglass collection to its HANA gemstone ophthalmic line. Taking its name from the Japanese word meaning "flower" or "blossom", the collection is targeted to women of all ages. Included are six sunglasses, each adorned with authentic gemstones—amethyst, black onyx, dark green aventurine, garnet, green agate, moonstone, mother-of-pearl, opal, tiger’s eye and turquoise. Shapes are variations on cat eye, oval and rectangular styles with such design elements as open and intricate temple work, gold and silver trim and Swarovski crystal accents.
PHILOSOPHY: The application of gemstones to high-fashion sunglasses gives women choices and affords them an opportunity to not only select a luxurious looking sunglass but also add richness, elegance and true intrinsic value to their eyewear, says Steve Lipawksy, HANA president. The industry is ready for a new, exciting design concept that translates into consumer demand. The HANA Gemstone Collection is definitely on the cutting edge of whats happening in jewelry markets and department stores around the country. MARKETING: Merchandising materials consist of countercards, sea shell and pearlescent beads, silver abalone display shell and a variety of jewelry-type displays, including a jeweler’s mat, classic necklace form, frame/necklace display, jewelry carrier and pouch. All are available with beaded necklaces for display. A collection of gemstone necklaces and earrings, color-coordinated with the eyewear, is also offered. PRICE POINT: $$$. For additional information, contact HANA Eyewear, (866) 216-2469.

Elite Eyewear: Intelli-Clip

Magnetic technology for the 21st Century
Elite Eyewear introduces the Intelli-Clip line consisting of 25 frames—13 women’s, six men’s and six unisex styles, all with polarized magnetic clips. The Intelli-Clip system, which consists of a frame that’s magnet free, uses Elite’s proprietary E=mc2 Clip Technology or Elite = Magnetic Clip. When attached to the frame, the clip’s special design prevents light from entering the top of the frame. The clip stays in position no matter what the activity. Frames are hypoallergenic and anti-corrosive with eye shapes ranging from trendy and funky to contemporary classics.
Colors include amethyst, honey brown and pewter gold. The feminine styles feature ornate temples treatments; eight are accented with jewels.
PHILOSOPHY: Intelli-Clip is the result of Elites constant pursuit of the next greatest magnetic clip technology. We strive to give our customers the best magnetic eyewear system possible at the best possible value, states Elite president Greg Smith. With the new patented system, frame designs are unencumbered by consideration on where to hide a magnet. None are visible. MATERIALS: Merchandising materials include a one-place acrylic display with sign holder and 24-place rotating display. All frames come with a case and cleaning cloth. PRICE POINT: $$. For additional information, contact Elite Eyewear, (800) 935-4833; web site: www.eiteeyewear.com


 

|