TUMI AND REM JOIN FORCES
Tumi, the premium brand known for its high quality, innovative and stylish travel and business accessories, partners with Rem Eyewear under an eight-year global licensing arrangement to launch Tumi Eyewear, which will include a complete collection of sunglasses and ophthalmic frames. Tumi sunwear will debut in November 2012, and the optical line and a reading glass collection will launch in March 2012. The lines will be distributed through Rem’s worldwide network and at Tumi stores. Carl Zeiss Vision has developed a polarized lens exclusively for the Tumi sun collection.

BALMAIN SIGNS WITH L’AMY
Fashion couture house Balmain and the L’Amy Group have signed a global agreement for the design and distribution of men’s and women’s prescription frames and sunglasses under the Balmain brand. The eyewear will launch worldwide in March 2012.

EYES OF FAITH IN AGREEMENT WITH NOT OF THIS WORLD
Eyes of Faith Optical has signed an agreement to become an official licensee of Not Of This World (NOTW), a Christian apparel company known for its T-shirts, casual apparel and accessories. Not of This World is a lifestyle brand targeted to teenagers and young adults. Eyes of Faith will offer eyewear and sunglasses with an edgy appeal. Each frame will feature the NOTW logo.

SÀFILO AND KATE SPADE RENEW LICENSE
Sàfilo Group and Kate Spade New York have announced the renewal of their licensing agreement for the design, production and international distribution of Kate Spade New York’s women optical frames, sunglasses and related eyewear products for the Kate Spade New York brand until Dec. 31, 2015, extending a partnership begun in 2005.

CHRISTIAN ROTH PARTNERS WITH BCD KOREA
Christian Roth has entered a licensing agreement with Korean-based eyewear firm BCD Korea, Co. Ltd. (Beyond Cliché Design) to produce and distribute Christian Roth sunglasses and prescription frames throughout Asia. The agreement is effective from October 2012 through 2016, with an option to renew.

MARCOLIN RENEWS WITH MONTBLANC

Marcolin has renewed its licensing agreement for design, production and worldwide distribution of Montblanc optical frames and sunglasses through December 2016.

CARVEN AND L’AMY SIGN GLOBAL AGREEMENT
Fashion Couture house Carven and the L’AMY Group have signed a global agreement for the design and distribution of prescription frames and sunglasses for the Carven brand. Targeted to women, the eyewear will reflect the fresh, lively, elegant spirit of the brand, which is epitomized by precision production and a thoughtful selection of materials. The eyewear will launch worldwide in Milan at Mido 2012.

ZEAL LAUNCHES SUNGLASSES WITH ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

Zeal Optics introduces a line of sunglasses, incorporating environmentally friendly, proprietary technology for production of its entire optical portfolio. All Zeal sunglass frames feature Z Resin, the company’s exclusive, bio-based material made from the oil of castor beans. The new Zeal Sunglasses feature offerings for performance sport enthusiasts and people who like to blur the lines between adventure and routine. All lenses have a mellow copper color that enhances vision in variable conditions.   

—Gloria Nicola