NEW YORK--New York fashion designer Carolina Herrera will be launching a new line of eyewear this spring through Base Curve, the new independent division of California-based REM Eyewear.

Mrs. Herrera, known for her award-winning collection of women’s fashions in addition to her exclusive fragrances and accessories, stated, “My eyewear embraces the luxury of intricate detail with a vision that is clear and bold. There is a richness and glamour to the entire line that’s brought to life with a totally modern perspective.”

Designer Caroline Herrera

Carolina Herrera becomes the second high-end fashion designer to sign with Base Curve; mens­wear designer John Varvatos just recently announced his decision to launch his signature eyewear and sunwear collection with the new luxury company.

Base Curve will utilize the resources and infrastructure of parent company REM Eyewear while focusing on its mission to offer fashionable eyewear for the highest tier of the market, according to CEO Mike Hundert. Base Curve’s managing director is Heike Kremser, its creative director and designer is Blake Kuwahara, who also holds that role for Rem Eyewear.

On the new Carolina Herrera line, which will include both optical frames and sunwear, Hundert said, “Carolina Herrera’s style point-of-view is a natural fit for eyewear, and for the exclusive nature of Base Curve. This partnership will create products of clear design differentiation and superior quality.”

Awarded Womenswear De­signer of the Year in 2004 by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA),  Herrera’s glamorous fashion has long been lauded by critics and fashion influencers like Jacqueline Onassis, who was dressed exclusively by the designer for the last 12 years of her life. Celebrities like Renee Zellweger, Reese Witherspoon, Katie Holmes and Mariska Hargitay frequently don Herrera’s designs today, which are available at exclusive retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.

A Spring/Summer ’06 runway look, showing style H703.

The premier collection of frames and sunglasses will be sold through high-end optical retailers and specialty boutiques. The collection will target the Carolina Herrera customer, “the independent woman who is confident in how she meets the world and glamorous in her style.”

Carolina Herrera Eyewear will debut at Vision Expo East in New York in March 2006.

The collection will be available in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Australia, through a special licensing agreement with Spain-based Indoptica, who holds the worldwide master-license for Carolina Herrera Eyewear.