Whats New

Dec
2004

What's New

Photographed by Robert Gerhardt
and Robert Kastler
Sàfilo: Alexander McQueen Ophthalmics

High fashion executed with old school craftsmanship
Sàfilo USA launches the Alexander McQueen ophthalmic collection. Aimed at fashion-forward men and women, the collection is comprised of four unisex and two masculine styles. Four frames are metal (including one in stainless steel) and two are plastic in rimless, semi-rimless and full-rimmed designs. Colors range from dark mauve, light gold and palladium for the metals to two specially commissioned finishes—one reminiscent of bone and the other with the opalescent qualities of mother-of-pearl—for the plastics. An eight-piece sunglass collection was launched in August.  
PHILOSOPHY: “Alexander McQueen is an extremely brilliant and creative fashion designer,” says Claudio Gottardi, Sàfilo USA president and CEO. “He is highly respected in the fashion world and has an established and loyal following for his high-fashion, avant-garde designs. His eyewear collection juxtaposes tradition with ultra-modern, old school craftsmanship and the technologically advanced design that characterizes all of McQueen’s work.”
MARKETING: Merchandising materials include small countercards, glass cubes fixtures and a logo plaque. Each frame comes with a gray zippered case and cleaning cloth.
PRICE POINT: $$$$ to $$$$$. For additional information, contact Sàfilo USA, (800) 631-1188; web site: www.safilousa.com


Charmant: Club Blue

For fashion- and cost conscious consumers
Charmant Group USA launches Club Blue, a collection geared to fashion-minded, value-oriented men and women between the ages of 16 and 30. The new line contains eight metals (four for men and four for women) and four women’s plastics. Two of the metals have stainless-steel temples. Shapes include variations on bowties, cat eyes, ovals and rectangles in eye sizes of 45mm to 52mm. Two frames are semi-rimless. All of the models feature spring hinges. Colors range from shades of brown, black, gray, havana and silver to blue, burgundy, green, purple and red. Additional frames will be added to the collection in 2005.  
PHILOSOPHY: “Targeted to fashion-minded, cost-conscious men and women, Club Blue evokes a carefree spirit. The styles are current with market trends, not forward or edgy,” says Dee Berghuys, Charmant Group director, product analysis and development.
MARKETING: Merchandising materials include a countercard and one-place logo block. All frames come with a hard case.
PRICE POINT: $$. For additional information, contact Charmant Group USA, (800) 645-2121; web site: www.charmant.com

 

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