JU: Which special features or technology is Maui Jim currently focusing on?
JB: Our primary focus will always be our patented PolarizedPlus2 lens technology. This unique technology is truly what differentiates Maui Jim sunglasses from other brands. Our PolarizedPlus2 lens technology uses up to nine treatments to eliminate 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, and wipes out 99.9 percent of glare from above, below and behind each lens.
As for new features, we recently launched a new green mirror lens that was inspired by the lush rain-forested canopies of Eastern Maui called MAUIGreen. Its green mirror is applied over our popular Neutral Grey lens, and is available exclusively in our newest rectangular frame called Shoal. Adding to our growing collection of fashion mirrored lenses, we are very close to launching a revolutionary Dual Mirror lens available in three dazzling color combinations—available exclusively in an eye-catching new aviator called Kami. Also near on the horizon is the addition to our Luxury Collection with Swaying Palms—an exquisite fashion acetate frame accentuated with an ornate palm frond motif on the temple decor that is gilded in 24-karat gold.
What inspired Maui Jim’s current collection?
When we first visualized this collection over a year ago, it began where all our designs originate—our daily interactions—the lives we lead with our families and friends, our local communities and the natural beauty of the islands that we are blessed to call home. From there, we take the technology of our lens and engineer a frame around it that reflects our primary needs for performance and comfort, followed by our desire to be fashionable. For instance, the SuperThin Glass in our Barrier Reef style was chosen for the crisp optics you would want while fishing, surfing or running combined with the lightweight nylon frame and comfortable spring hinges. While the brilliant hues of the frame—deep blue and bright turquoise—echo the colors of the Pacific, the Blue Hawaii lens color complements it for an overall stunning look.
Can you describe the typical Maui Jim customer that your designers create eyewear for?
The typical Maui Jim customer is someone who wants to see brilliant colors through sunglasses that have leading lens technology. They aren’t motivated by “being seen”—they simply want to see well. They seek the best in everything, but do so without trying to stand out or fit in.
With Vision Expo West and Silmo here, we are really interested in trends right now. What sunwear trends do you see on the horizon?
At Maui Jim, we tend to do things a bit differently. We do take some cues from fashion and trends, but on the whole our future design planning is formulated by what serves the lens technology in the best way, what we like and what our consumers like. This has been and will continue to be our model for the foreseeable future.
We know sun protection should be worn year round, but what advice do you have for customers who are only interested in purchasing new sunglasses in the summer months?
Fortunately, consumer awareness appears to be on the rise about the need for protection from the sun’s intense and damaging UV rays, even in the winter. We will continue to educate our accounts and consumers of this importance, and the importance of choosing the right sunglasses for protection and comfort. While it’s certainly fun to buy a new pair when you’re planning a vacation to a fun summer destination, we encourage consumers to work with their eyecare professionals at their yearly appointment to make sun protection needs a part of the conversation at every visit in order to protect their eyes throughout the year.
Our heritage and the spirit of aloha that guides our decisions on a daily basis is paramount to what I love about working here. That combined with the fact that we are still independent and privately owned means that we are nimble and can adapt quickly to market changes, customer needs and consumer demands. It’s a very exciting time to be a part of the Maui Jim O’hana.
