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Luxottica: Puma Eyewear
THE CAT IS BACK

Luxottica Group introduces its Puma Eyewear line, a collection of sporty styles designed with the latest fashion trends in mind. Targeted to men and women with active lifestyles, the collection consists of seven ophthalmics and 11 sunglasses in aviator, rectangular, shield and wrap designs. Frames are constructed of metal, including titanium and aluminum, plastic and injection-molded plastic and feature such rubberized elements as temple tips. Colors are dynamic multi-layer combinations of black and lime, brick and black and taupe and beige. Oversized Puma Half Cat logo applications and the Form Stripe popular on the athletic shoes are replicated on the temples. Polarized lenses are available for some sun styles.


Photographed by VANESSA VELEZ/BLACK BOX STUDIO


PHILOSOPHY: “The Puma brand has a unique positioning,” says Vittorio Verdun, Luxottica vice president of marketing. “While Puma is heavily influenced by the world of sports, the name carries a strong fashion and lifestyle image as well. This brand is very hot and has made a big comeback in the past five years.” MARKETING: Merchandising materials include one-, three- and 10- place displays, countercards, postcards, banner and logo plaque. Each frame comes with a case and cleaning cloth.
PRICE POINT: (Ophthalmic) $$$ to $$$$; (sun) $$ to $$$$. For additional information, contact Luxottica Group, (800) 422-2020; web site: www.luxottica.com

INSIGHT — Puma as a brand was established in Germany in 1948. The athletic shoes have been worn by Olympic athletes, football players and soccer players ever since and have recently become popular fashion accessories for teens and young adults.