HMX Group and Signature Eyewear have entered a licensing agreement that will enable Signature to continue with the Hart Schaffner Marx brand while adding iconic American brands Hickey Freeman, Bobby Jones and Monarchy to its portfolio. The agreement gives Signature exclusive rights to distribute the brands’ ophthalmic and sunwear collections worldwide. Signature plans to preview the collections in March 2011.
DIESEL AND MARCOLIN SIGN AGREEMENT
Marcolin Group and Diesel have signed an exclusive five-year licensing agreement to produce and distribute Diesel sunglasses and ophthalmic frames. The first sunglass collection is scheduled for Fall 2011; and the ophthalmics, for 2012. Worldwide distribution will include select optical retailers, department stores and Diesel stores. Pictured: Maurizio Marcolin, Marcolin Group style and licensing officer, and Renzo Rosso, Diesel founder and president.
MARCHON RENEWS SEAN JOHN GLOBAL LICENSE AGREEMENT
Marchon Eyewear has renewed its exclusive licensing agreement, originally signed in 2006, to design and produce the Sean John Eyewear Collection for an extended term. A male- and unisex-based collection, Sean John, which incorporates a universal fit, provides the assertive wearer with bold styles, innovative design aesthetics and rich colorations. The collection is sold at Sean John flagship locations, select specialty retailers and top optical shops worldwide.
SIGNATURE EXPANDS INTO FOOTWEAR AND ACCESSORIES WITH ROUGH JUSTICE
In a strategic expansion, Signature Eyewear has established a new division, Signature Fashion Group, to focus on women’s footwear and fashion accessories. The first addition to the Signature Fashion Group is the Rough Justice brand of trendsetting women’s footwear, which Signature acquired from Bodo Loerke and Lee Ashworth, industry experts who conceived the brand two years ago and have joined Signature Fashion Group as senior vice presidents. Rough Justice is targeted to the fashion sensibilities of that woman who is always one step ahead of the trends and appreciates a bold fashion statement at an affordable price. Signature will release Rough Justice Eyewear in Spring 2011, followed by Rough Justice handbags in Fall 2011.
TD TOM DAVIES LAUNCHES 3D CLIP-ONS
TD Tom Davies introduces 3D clip-ons designed to be used with any TD Tom Davies Bespoke frame (pictured). The clips feature passive polarized lenses with an anti-scratch coating, use the latest 3D technology and can be made to order through the TD Tom Davies Bespoke Service. The clip-ons will be offered on all new orders and can be made for existing TD Tom Davies frames.
CUTLER AND GROSS TEAMS WITH MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA
Cutler and Gross have signed a licensing agreement with Paris-based fashion house, Maison Martin Margiela, for the brand’s first eyewear collection. The launch collection is available now in all Maison Martin Margiela stores and at selected Cutler and Gross retailers.
SCANDINAVIAN EYEWEAR BRINGS PILGRIM TO THE U.S.
Scandinavian Eyewear introduces its Pilgrim collection (pictured) to the U.S. market. Pilgrim, founded in 1983, enjoys a strong international position, especially in jewelry and watches. Taking its direction from the jewelry, the eyewear features feminine details and such jewelry accents as Swarovski crystals and semi-precious stones.
MARCHON3D RECEIVES NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE FROM U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Marchon3D, a division of Marchon Eyewear, has received an official Notice of Allowance on one of Marchon3D’s patent applications relating to its curved M3D 3D lenses, signifying that a patent will shortly be issued. The patent will also cover the method of manufacturing the patented lenses, which decodes three-dimensional content in cinemas and on television and computer screens.
LIVE EYEWEAR’S COCOONS AVAILABLE WITH 3D LENS TECHNOLOGY
Cocoons’ OveRx Eyewear now features circular polarized 3D lens technology (pictured). This technology is compatible for use in theater viewing and with passive 3D TVs, laptops and computer monitors. Cocoons 3D glasses, which can also be worn outdoors as conventional sunglasses, are available exclusively through eyecare professionals.
–Gloria Nicola
