Archive for January, 2011

Kenmark Releases New Jhane Barnes 2011 Sun Collection

January 31st, 2011

Kenmark is releasing its Jhane Barnes 2011 Sun Collection for men. Each piece is inspired by award winning menswear designer Jhane Barnes.

The collection offers six new frames in masculine shapes ranging from a sporty aviator to a modified rectangle. This season, Jhane Barnes is introducing an innovative hinge (J919 and J921) to provide a comfortable yet stylish look. The innovative coil hinge provides a custom design element that is both functional and fashionable. Several frames are available in a metal/zyl combo with exclusive Jhane Barnes patterns replicated on the temples.

J921

Each frame features 6 or 8 base sun lenses. Each sun style comes with a Jhane Barnes case and features a 3-year warranty. The new styles wholesale for $59 to $65 each.

About Jhane Barnes

Jhane Barnes incorporates her love of science and math into the “smart” approach she brings to her design: innovative uses of fabric, fibers, and an appreciation of artisan and ancient crafts. This combined with cutting edge technology and techniques from around the world brings her artistic vision to fruition. Her collections are known especially for their intricate pattern, quality, fit and sophistication. Today, her menswear products include sportswear, tailored clothing and a variety of accessories under the Jhane Barnes Collection label. Barnes also designs for the contract interiors market – textiles, carpets and furniture – with leading partners such as Bernhardt and Tandus. She has won numerous awards for her designs including the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Menswear Design Award.

jhanebarnes.com | kenmarkoptical.com

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Tags: eyewear Kenmark polarized sunglasses sunwear

Eastern States Eyewear Presents New Rx Thierry Mugler Styles

January 28th, 2011

Eastern States Eyewear’s Thierry Mugler collection has announced the release of five new ophthalmic styles. The new designs acknowledge the line’s French couture heritage with an array of shapes that utilize a mix of retro and post modern shapes and treatments.

Representing this is the TM 9267, a plastic style that features a retro shape with sleekly contoured temples. An emphasis has similarly been put on striking colors, this model is available in a variety of modern tortoise shell colors including blue, red, and brown. Contrasting this is the TM 9265. This model sports a metal front with a hexagonal shape that is beset by plastic temples with a mottled finish. Both styles demonstrate the flair the brand of Thierry Mugler is known for.

Model: TM 9267

Model: TM 9265

“Thierry Mugler is a world renown French Couture collection that is presently gaining significant fame in the pop music world,” explains Jason Shyer, ESE’s Director of Marketing. “One can see this as the world famous Lady Gaga’s personal stylist has recently become the head designer for the clothing brand. It is our goal to make the frames a strong part of the brand’s renaissance.”

Marketing materials include a countercard featuring a lifestyle image of the TM 9267. Thierry Mugler’s new release is priced to dispensers from $82 to $92.

eseyewear.com

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New ProDesign Style: Axiom—Optimized Simplicity

January 27th, 2011

Axiom is a new line under from ProDesign. It is a light collection where they have optimized the simplicity of existing technologies. The innovative functionality is right there for the world to see. ProDesign always adds that little extra twist, so you will notice that the temples are much more voluminous than similar hinge less products on the market.

ProDesgn Axiom

“Axiom” means a self-evident truth, and that is exactly what this collection is! It’s a no-nonsense collection with integrated technical solutions that you can see! You can look at the Axiom frames and instantly realize how they work.

This simple, yet innovative collection from ProDesign has no hinge, but where the hinge would be, you’ll see an “s”. This “hinge” inspiration comes from the jewelry industry and by placing the “s” on the particular part of the temple it becomes thinner and the temple can bend where you expect it to.

The temple material has been developed very carefully to be strong and flexible at the same time. Flexible temples require coloration that will not peel. ProDesign has used a new technology called PVD, which makes it nearly impossible for the color of the temples to peel. It’s a delicate and time-consuming process but the results are fully worth it.

The classic colors and shapes of this series underline the simple aesthetics that sets Axiom apart from the other ProDesign collection. Seven different shapes and four colors each.

prodesigndenmark.com

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Tags: eyewear

New Vision Council Internet Report: Consumers Using Internet for Eyewear Research and Purchase

January 26th, 2011

Vision Council

The latest VisionWatch study of American consumers about how the internet is influencing and shaping their eyewear and eyecare decisions and purchases has just been released by The Vision Council to its members.

The extensive report, which looks at consumers by age groups, income and other cross-tabulations, indicates that about 28 percent of people using the internet to assist in their last purchase of eyewear—which includes research on styles, price and possible locations—actually made the purchase directly online. Specifically, about 2.8 percent of recent eyeglass buyers in the survey panel used the internet to directly purchase eyeglasses. Only 1.9 percent of recent over-the-counter readers’ buyers on the survey panel used the internet to directly purchase readers online, while a higher percentage, 3.6 percent of recent plano sunglass buyers used the internet to directly purchase non-prescription sunglasses. In terms of contact lens buyers, about 15 percent purchased their lenses directly online.

The Vision Council’s report stated,

“Although it is difficult to use this data to project up to a national total of aggregate online purchase activity, it is likely that fewer than 1.8 million to 1.9 million pairs of Rx eyeglasses were purchased online during the 12-month period ending September 2010. It is also likely that about 900,000 pairs of over-the-counter readers and fewer than 3.3 million pairs of plano sunglasses were directly purchased online during this same time period.”

The report, “2010 Vision Council VisionWatch Internet Influence Report,” was conducted in November 2010. Vision Council Research received 9.293 complete “valid” responses from adults, representing people who have purchased Rx eyeglasses, plano sunglasses, contact lenses and/or OTC readers sometime within the past six months. The tabulations in the report are not always based on this sample size but vary depending on the questions.

More questions about the Report and the study are available from the Research department at The Vision Council or from Stephen Kodey, director of industry research at skodey@visionsite.org

visionsite.org

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Tags: eyecare eyewear

Vera Wang Presents Her 2011 Sun Collection by the Kenmark Group

January 26th, 2011

Vera Wang

Vera Wang fuses unexpected materials, shapes and rich color combinations to create a must have accessory. The sunwear offers a selection of frames inspired by her fashion collection.

This season, Vera Wang is dressing the frames with stone clusters, golden nugget accents and Swarovski crystals to create patterns and textures. Cast estate jewelry inspired decor adorns several frame temples as seen in her exclusive jewelry collection. Vintage inspired shapes such as rounds, cat-eyes and squares are reinterpreted and modernized for a fashionable look in women’s sunwear.

Several pieces are branded with a Vera Wang and Vera Wang Luxe cluster and plate logos. The feminine color palette includes shades of cabernet, merlot and iris. Each piece is hand crafted from the finest materials and is available in solid or fashion gradient lenses.

Vera Wang sun comes with a sculpted case and features a 3-year warranty. The new sun styles wholesale for $68 to $92 each. Vera Wang Sunwear is available at Vera Wang Fashion Flagship, Vera Wang Flagship Salon and select optical boutiques.

verawang.com | kenmarkoptical.com

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Tags: eyewear Kenmark sunglasses sunwear

New “Archive Prints” Collection from Betsey Johnson Eyewear

January 25th, 2011

Betsey Johnson

Betsey Johnson’s rich history has afforded her decades’ worth of vintage archives. The Archive Prints collection explores two Betsey favorites: the leopard and petite rosebud patterns.

Jungle Princess, an oval optical frame with an accent line on the temple, features the leopard print on both the inside and outside of the frame. The inside of Rosie Rosebud, a rectangle optical style, is adorned with the rosebud print and is accentuated with intricate detailing above the brow. Both patterns make an appearance on the outside of the temples of Shady Lady, a square sunglass. A retro rectangle optical, Jungle Queen, rounds out the collection and features leopard print exclusively on the inside of the frame.

A custom color palette is used throughout the group and, for a truly one-of-a-kind layered look, the leopard and rosebud prints are laminated within sheets of acetate.

Rosie Rosebud | BJ107

Jungle Princess | BJ106

Jungle Queen | BJ109

Shady Lady | BJ108S

brobinson.com | betseyjohnson.com

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Sundog Eyewear Debuts New Paula Creamer and Hunter Mahan Models

January 24th, 2011

Paula Two of golf’s two brightest young stars – Paula Creamer and Hunter Mahan – bring a new look and feel to their iconic Sundog Eyewear Mela-Lens sunglasses for 2011 at the PGA Merchandise Show.

Paula Creamer won her first Major, the U.S. Women’s Open, in 2010 and looking to an even better 2011 Paula launches her fifth Sundog Eyewear Paula Creamer Collection with exciting new Bravo, Aura, and Freestyle models.

Three-time PGA Tour winner Hunter Mahan and his distinctive Matte White H Series Sundog Eyewear sunglasses are one of the most recognizable combinations in sport. For 2011, Mahan and Sundog Eyewear continue the evolution of golf eyewear with his dramatic new H EVO Series.

Incorporating Mela-Lens technology, Paula’s 2011 Collection introduces classic aviator styles in Bravo and Freestyle. Paula’s personal touch and fashion sense are expressed in the sleek and bold frames. Aura introduces a dramatic one-piece suspended lens in a sophisticated open frame design.

Reflecting Hunter “H” Mahan’s flair on and off the course, H EVO sets the new standard for cutting edge style with uncompromising Mela-Lens performance and protection. The exciting new frame design is available in Root Beer Fade, Matte Black, Metallic Silver, Shiny White, and Shiny Black Pinstripe model is emblematic of Hunter’s love of stylish automobiles.

Hunter Hunter’s popular Signature H Series is also available for 2011, and the PC Collection offers Paula’s three most popular styles including: a refined Allure (the model Paula wore winning the Open); the stylish Iconic with laser etched temple artistry; and Captiva, which has redefined sunglasses designed for smaller face shapes.

The dramatic frame designs and revolutionary Mela-Lens technology set Sundog Eyewear apart.
“Mela” is short for Melanin, a naturally produced pigment that acts as a sunscreen protecting the skin from ultraviolet light. In partnership with BNL Sun Lenses, an Essilor company, Sundog Eyewear has created the Sundog Mela-Lens lines utilizing synthetic melanin to produce state-of-the-art melanin lens technology. Mela-Lens absorbs light seamlessly over a broad spectral range providing 98 per cent blue light filtration with no color distortion, and 100 per cent UVA/B protection. Mela-Lens features BNL Sun Lenses Eternity Hard Coat for superior abrasion resistance.

Paula Creamer – Allure

Hunter Mahan – Signature H Series

The Paula Creamer Collection, Hunter Mahan’s Signature H Series and all new H EVO models, are just part of the excitement surrounding Sundog Eyewear. The 2011 line includes; Mike Weir’s Weir Golf Signature Series; Mela-Lens Polarized and Mela-Lens Photochromic models; and the complete Core Golf line.

About Sundog Eyewear

With more than 25 years of industry experience, Sundog Eyewear is a world leader in sport sunglasses with an ongoing commitment to Genuine Performance. Sundog Eyewear is available in thousands of fine golf shops and retailers worldwide, is proud to be the Recommended Eyewear of the PGA of Great Britain and the Premium Offer for the 2011 Golf Digest/Golf World Buyer’s Guide.

sundogeyewear.com

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Tags: eyewear polarized sunglasses sunwear

Innovatively Designed Harley-Davidson HDX 822 Delivers Sun Protection with the Benefit of Prescription Ready Lenses

January 24th, 2011

Harley-Davidson

Viva International Group presents a new men’s sunglass style from Harley-Davidson Eyewear. The innovatively designed HDX 822 delivers sun protection with the benefit of prescription ready lenses. This unique balance is achieved by offering a 6 base sunglass design concept combined with a 5 base RX insert. The result is a revved up pair of prescription sunglasses with quality performance enhancements, including polycarbonate lenses, rubber temple tips and a rubber brow nasal flange interchangeable with an extra rubber nosepiece. The Harley-Davidson Print logo accents each temple as the final touch.

The new style is available in black, gunmetal and taupe, all with grey lenses and offered at a dispensary price of $47.95. Each sunglass comes complete with a protective microfiber pouch. For more information please call 800-345-VIVA or visit vivagroup.com

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Tags: eyewear polarized sunglasses sunwear Viva

Whiteout & Glare: Volt

January 21st, 2011

Logo Berlin based Whiteout & Glare has been making eyewear since 2006. Their latest “Volt” collection brings some titanium improvements to their offering – which remains handmade throughout.

“The delicate concavity on the front of the spectacles frames are in fact hand carved, all parts are polished by hand, tumble polish wouldn’t do in our case. The solid comb hinges are made of pure titanium and also in this case they are milled in 3 different steps and then hand finished, polished and PVD-coated. otherwise we could not reach this level of smoothness. Each hinge is unique, because it is handmade…”

Model: Isolator

Model: Anode

Model: Generator

whiteout-glare.com

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Dita: New 2011 Optical Styles

January 20th, 2011

While Dita shines with their original looking sunglasses, their optical collection is slowly growing and getting stronger with each release. Very different in feel from their sunglasses, Dita optical styles are very elegant and refined. The following four new releases, Avalon, Corsair, Siren and Winston, should find their way into your collection.

Avalon, Corsair and Siren are of a similar style but have nice subtle shape differences. Winston is the stand out not just in comparison with the others, but on its own. Like many of the Dita optical styles the classic design of each frame will work with a suit as well as a t-shirt.