Project Eyewear

LensCrafters gathered some of the best and the brightest fashion experts in New York for a discussion on eyewear as a fashion accessory. The panel was moderated by the dapper Tim Gunn of “Project Runway” fame who recently was appointed chief creative officer for Liz Claiborne. Other panel members included designer Chloe Dao, winner of “Project Runway 2” and owner of Lot 8 Boutique in Houston; Bobbie Thomas, style correspondent for “E! News” and “Today Show” contributor; Hal Rubenstein, fashion director of Instyle Magazine; and Gretchen Monahan, style and beauty expert and CEO of Gretta Enterprises.

Pictured above are Gunn, Monahan and Clifton Turner, general manager of LensCrafters Third Avenue location in New York. The event kicked off with a display of LensCrafters ophthalmic frames. Following the discussion, there was a brief eyewear fashion show and photo opportunities with models wearing LensCrafters frames in work and leisure settings.

“Designers today are making eyewear styles that are as beautiful of an accessory as their shoes, handbags, jewelry and other accessories,” says Seth McLaughlin, senior vice president of marketing for Luxottica Retail, North America.

“Eyewear as an accessory fits in with our brands and designers,” notes Valerio Giacobbi, executive vice president of Luxottica Group, North America. “Eyewear is everywhere—on the runway, in newspaper articles and it’s because of our commitment that we’ve brought together this panel of experts to learn how this trend is impacting the fashion industry.”

— Mary Kane