New York fashion house Nicole Miller and L’Amy America have signed a global licensing agreement for the design and distribution of ophthalmic frames, sunwear and readers for the Nicole Miller, Nicole by Nicole Miller and Nicole Miller New York brands. Distribution for the 34-style sun and ophthalmic collection will start April 1, 2012.
NEW YORK EYE IN AGREEMENT WITH EDDIE BAUER
New York Eye has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Eddie Bauer, the 90-year-old active, outdoor lifestyle brand. The contract is for six years, ending Dec. 31, 2016, and covers distribution to North and Central America as well as the Caribbean. The ophthalmic collection launched in February. A sunglass line is planned for the future.
EYEKING TO LAUNCH CROCS
Eyeking has signed a licensing agreement with Crocs, the casual footwear company, to design, manufacture, market and distribute Crocs Eyewear in the U.S. and Canada. Crocs Eyewear will feature an interchangeable, patented Jibbitz hinge system, which allows consumers to swap, mix and match frame fronts and temples. The collection, which includes adult and children’s styles in a variety of classic and colorful designs, is slated for a May 2012 launch.
NIKE VISION AND TRANSITIONS COLLABORATE
Transitions Optical and Nike Vision introduce Nike MAX Transitions sunglasses specifically designed for such sports as golf, hiking and trail running. Two patented tints are available: Golf Tint, a violet color that improves contour recognition on the greens and increases ball pop; and Outdoor Tint, a green hue that brightens shadows, increases contrast and enhances the visual spectrum in natural environments such as trails. Nike MAX Transitions sunglasses are offered in several popular Nike styles.
ZYLOWARE BEGINS DISTRIBUTING INSPECS USA NASCAR
As of January 2012, Zyloware is handling the distribution of Inspecs USA NASCAR Optical collection in the U.S., Canada and Latin America. Drawing inspiration from NASCAR race cars, the collection consists of eight new men’s styles with metal fronts and TR90 temples.
L’AMY ENTERS AGREEMENT WITH BALLY
Bally, the Swiss luxury leather goods house, has signed a license with global eyewear group TWC-L'Amy for the development and distribution of an exclusive Rx and sunglass line. Scheduled to debut in October 2012, the Bally collections will include men’s and women’s ophthalmic and sunglass styles. The line is expected to launch worldwide by the end of 2012.
R & R EYEWEAR LAUNCHES VINYL FACTORY EYEWEAR
R & R Eyewear Imports has been appointed the exclusive U.S. distributor of Vinyl Factory Eyewear from France. The collection, which is inspired by music, Andy Warhol and pop art, boasts a retro spirit with a modern, but classic feel. Each frame is named for a famous artist.
—Gloria Nicola
