1. TARGET OPTICAL LAUNCHES ANDREWANDREW COLLECTION
Operated by Luxottica Retail North America, a major division of Luxottica Group, Target Optical launches its first eyewear collaboration. The AndrewAndrew collection collaborates with the DJ duo AndrewAndrew and features a 14-piece unisex eyewear collection. Exclusively available at Target Optical stores or TargetOptical.com, the collection was inspired by the duo’s bold and colorful matching ensembles.

2. AMERICA’S BEST CONTACTS & EYEGLASSES TO DISTRIBUTE RICKEY SMILEY EYEWEAR
Stand-up comedian and radio personality Rickey Smiley has teamed up with America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses in creation of the Rickey Smiley Eyewear line. Available at America’s Best locations, the line features 12 styles with distinguished finishes, textures and eye-catching color combinations at an affordable price.

3. MARCOLIN SIGNS JOINT VENTURE WITH GINKO GROUP FOR THE CHINESE MARKET
Marcolin SpA and Ginko Group, a longstanding operator in the Chinese eyewear market have announced a joint venture to expand and improve the distribution of Marcolin products in this region.

4. ALLISON SPA DISTRIBUTES ILL.I EYEWEAR LINE WITH WILL.I.AM
Allison SpA will distribute ill.i Eyewear, an experimental collection created by singer-songwriter Will.i.am and designer and friend George Gorrow. Inspired by the 1980s hip-hop pioneers, the collection includes optical and sunglass styles for men and women that focus on comfort and experiment with material combinations.

5. ELLEN TRACY ANNOUNCES PAULA PATTON AS ITS NEW BRAND AMBASSADOR
ClearVision Optical’s longtime license partner Ellen Tracy has announced actress Paula Patton as its new brand ambassador for 2015. As part of the brand’s 65th anniversary celebration, the partnership includes five new styles from the Ellen Tracy eyewear collection.

6. SÀFILO ADDS PROPRIETARY COLLECTIONS TO ITS GLOBAL COLLECTIONS
Sàfilo USA’s proprietary ophthalmic collections, Elasta by Sàfilo and Emozioni by Sàfilo, will be rebranded as SAFILO starting in January 2015. Along with the rebranding, new styles under the SAFILO moniker will be introduced and will continued to be sold in the U.S. marketplace.

—Victoria Garcia