Under a partnership with Tumi, the premium brand known for its innovative, high quality stylish travel and business accessories, Rem Eyewear launches Tumi Eyewear. The Traverso Sunglass Collection, featured here, consists of 12 styles. A 10-style ophthalmic collection and the Compatto reader will launch in March. The sunglasses are named for famous bridges around the world, reflecting the core structural concept of the collection. Traverse means “to traverse” or “cross over.” Highlights include silicone “rings of Saturn” temple tips (cast metal with two silicone rings for style and grip) inspired by Tumi zipper pulls, Tumi leather-wrapped temples, carbon-fiber temples with flex double hinges and acid-etched designs on stainless steel. Carl Zeiss Vision developed a CR39 polarized lens exclusively for the Tumi sun collection: Tumi ZR3 with a triple coating that repels dirt, water and oil.


PHILOSOPHY:
“Tumi enjoys a remarkable reputation for dependability and innovation that has successfully extended its product range, making it a perfect fit for the eyewear category,” says Mike Hundert, Rem’s CEO. Rem’s creative director Nicolas Roseillier adds: “Designing Tumi was a natural process as we took direct inspiration from the strong brand DNA, using elements such as the zipper pulls and graphic red and black color palette to integrate luxurious fabric textures and ballistic nylon into the frames.”

MARKETING:
Merchandising materials include a 10-place display, oversized poster, countercard/picture frame, logo plaque and window decal. Frames come in a triangular case made of ballistic nylon that folds flat.

PRICE POINT:
$$$$$. For additional information, contact Rem Eyewear, (800) 423-3023; website: remeyewear.com

INSIGHT
Founded in 1975, Tumi takes its name from a Peruvian god. Tumi’s innovative introduction of soft, ultra-functional, black-on-black ballistic nylon travel bags catapulted the company to its current leadership position. The brand is now sold in more than 140 stores in over 65 countries.