Photographed by ROBERT GERHARDT/BLACK BOX STUDIO

Charmant Group USA launches Lacoste Eyewear geared toward cosmopolitan men and women. Reflecting the elegant, yet casual spirit of the clothing brand. the line contains nine women’s and 11 men’s frames that fuse classic vintage design with modern sportiness. Materials consist of metal, including titanium, plastic, CFX Charmant Flex and metal/plastic combinations. Women’s frames are offered in contemporary rectangular and bowtie shapes in a color palette ranging from shades of purple and pink, tortoise, dark green and the Lacoste signature black and white for the plastics to brushed red, light brown with an orange interior and camouflage for the metals. Men’s plastics come in classic color variations such as black/horn, transparent brown and light brown striped; the metals feature antique gray, burgundy, camouflage and brushed silver. Various shapes are available to accommodate progressive lenses. The majority of the men’s styles are equipped with spring hinges.

PHILOSOPHY: “We are thrilled to partner with such a legendary brand,” says Dee Berghuys, Charmant USA director of product and marketing. “The eyewear collection reflects the Lacoste lifestyle, encompassing elegance, refinement and comfort with a dedication to quality and innovation.”
MARKETING: Merchandising materials include one-piece and six-piece displays, countercards (one male and one female), logo banner and logo block. Each frame comes with a hard case and lens cloth.
PRICE POINT: $$ to $$$. For additional information, contact Charmant Group USA, (800) 645- 2121; web site: www.charmant.com

INSIGHT — The Lacoste brand was founded by Rene Lacoste, a tennis champion ranked number one in the world in 1926 and 1927 and two-time winner of the U.S. Open. In 1933, he created a shirt for his personal use, designed especially for tennis playing—the Lacoste polo shirt was born.