ZIMCO TO LAUNCH CATHERINE MALANDRINO EYEWEAR 
Catherine Malandrino, a Bluestar Alliance brand, partners with Zimco Optics to launch Catherine Malandrino Eyewear. With its distinctive craftsmanship, color palette and innovative draping skills, the brand conveys a timeless femininity and “joie de vivre.” The new eyewear line was inspired by the Catherine Malandrino spring/summer 2014 collection, utilizing signature looks such as colorblocking, lace effects and perforated leather. Consisting of 20 women’s optical and sun styles in acetate and metal, the eyewear will debut at Vision Expo West 2014. Each frame comes with a leather case and cleaning cloth. 

ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA AND MARCOLIN SIGN LICENSING AGREEMENT 
Marcolin Group and Ermenegildo Zegna Group have entered into a licensing agreement with exclusive rights for the worldwide production and distribution of sunglasses and eyeglasses for the brands Ermenegildo Zegna and Agnona. Both licensing agreements are for 10 years. The first collections are expected in January 2015. 
 
SÀFILO ADDS TWO POLAROID COLLECTIONS TO ITS POLAROID LINE 
Sàfilo adds a six-piece Polaroid Kids Collection and a six-piece SunCovers Collection of sunglasses designed to fit perfectly over prescription frames. Both collections are equipped with Polaroid polarized lenses that block out virtually 100 percent of glare. 

MIRAFLEX TO LAUNCH RANDY KAZANDY EYEWEAR 
Rhonda Fischer, author of “Randy Kazandy, Where Are Your Glasses?”—a book on how to make buying and wearing glasses fun for kids—has partnered with Miraflex, known for its children’s eyewear, to produce a line of Randy Kazandy Eyewear. The eyewear, which is child-safe and lead-free, will be available in 100 countries. A Randy Kazandy book comes with each frame. 
 
BLACKFIN TEAMS WITH CIPRIANI 
Blackfin, the titanium eyewear brand “100 percent Made-in-Italy” by Pramaor is partnering with Arrigo Cipriani, celebrated owner of Harry’s Bar in Venice, as well as of some of New York’s most famous Italian restaurants, in an exclusive co-marketing program to produce a luxury limited edition collection to be known as “Blackfin with Arrigo Cipriani.” These limited edition sunglasses and optical frames, each with its own number, were launched at MIDO this year as standard-bearers for the authentic “Made-in-Italy brand image.” The Blackfin collection is available in the U.S. from Villa Eyewear. 

 
OTIS EYEWEAR SURFACES IN THE U.S
Otis Eyewear, an Australian-based premium sunglass company, makes its U.S. debut. Founded in 2000 by John Malloy, the company is known for its 100 percent mineral glass lenses that are scratch-resistant, optically correct and distortion-free. The launch collection consists of 11 men’s, women’s and unisex designs. Frames are made of Mazzucchelli acetate, Swiss grilamid or metal. Australian surfer Mitch Crews has joined Otis as international brand ambassador. Pictured: Uncommon Thread. 



SWISS EYEWEAR SIGNS WITH MARC STONE
The Swiss Eyewear Group and Marc Stone, a Swiss fashion label, sign an exclusive global licensing agreement for the design, production and distribution of Marc Stone branded eyewear. The eyewear collection, which will combine the classic aesthetics of high fashion with the subtle street influence of the Marc Stone designer collections, will debut at SILMO 2014.

—Gloria Nicola