NORTH BERWICK, Maine—In the aftermath of the untimely passing of eyewear designer and developer Marc Rothstein late last month, the company he was so involved in creating, C220 LLC, will continue, with the active involvement of the Rothstein family.

Rothstein's sister, Martine Rothstein, told VMail that nearly two years of development preceded the debut of C220 in late 2009 and its first collection, O Dark Thirty, which exhibited for the first time at Vision Expo East last March. "We want the industry to know that we are committed to carrying on Marc's passion and legacy. He loved this business and was so gratified by the response to the new collection from the market."

Martine Rothstein will assume the CEO role for C220, closely assisted by her father, optical industry veteran Nate Rothstein, Marc's wife, Juli, and others "who will ensure that it becomes a force in the industry."

Rothstein emphasized that the initial launch of ophthalmic frames and sunwear will be followed with additional releases in June and this fall. "In fact," she said, "the designs and manufacturing schedule for the next two years are already in place. And Marc had also just completed the designs for a new women's collection, which we anticipate launching in 2011."

The company is continuing to build an initial sales force, she said, and intends to support accounts in major markets throughout the U.S. and to expand the business internationally as well. Further information is available at the company's Web site at www.odark30.com or via email to Rothstein at [email protected].