Archive for June, 2011

Vintage Inspiration—The New CARRERA 5530 and 6630

June 30th, 2011

In the wake of the big iconic eyewear success inspired by the stylistic heritage of the brand, CARRERA again delves into its past and presents two models which are sure to be incredibly successful.

Vintage Inspiration

The new CARRERA 5530 sunglasses are inspired by a late-Seventies model from the brand’s stylistic heritage and has captured its vintage inspiration, reinterpreted in a modern way. This model has kept its extraordinary vintage features that have been brought up-to-date. They’re unmistakable, on-trend and now flaunt a renewed personality. What is more, the collection is enhanced by a completely new model, the CARRERA 6630, which interprets the heritage style with an ample and geometric shielded style that is available in many different colors, also ideal for women.

Showbiz Must-Haves
The original shapes have already won over celebrities on the international music scene who have worn them on videos and at parties and concerts. The CARRERA 5530 and CARRERA 6630 models are must-have and inseparable accessories, to be shown off at every opportunity!

Contemporary Colors

Color is the key word of this renewed CARRERA 5530 and CARRERA 6630 eyewear. They stand out with their perfect mix of vintage design and up-to-date colors, which go from classic black, black/blue, white/black to brazen fuchsia/white/black, blue/white/red, black/red/yellow, black/red and black/white/orange, and astonish with a very hot look!

The Quality of the Materials

The CARRERA 5530 and CARRERA 6630 eyewear models are made of Optyl, a trademark registered by the Safilo Group. Optyl is an ultra-lightweight, strong and hypo-allergenic plastic material with unparalleled color effects. When style goes hand in hand with quality, what more could you want?

CARRERA 5530
With its large and soft shield shape, is available in black with smoky grey lenses, white/black with silver mirrored grey lenses, black/blue with blue mirrored lenses, black/white/orange with yellow lenses, fuchsia/white/black with smoky grey lenses, blue/white/red with light grey lenses, black/red/yellow with smoky grey lenses, black/red with silver mirrored yellow lenses.

CARRERA 6630
With its large and geometric shield shape, is available in white smoky black with silver mirrored grey lenses, black/blue with blue mirrored lenses, violet smoky black with silver mirrored violet lenses, and fuchsia smoky white with smoky pink lenses.

The CARRERA collection of sunglasses and optical frames, designed by Enzo Sopracolle, is manufactured and distributed by the Safilo Group.

safilo.com | carrerasport.com

Bookmark and Share

Burberry Brights Eyewear Collection

June 29th, 2011


Burberry Brights is the first foldable Burberry eyewear style for men and women with a style that draws on the brand’s heritage in function, design and craftsmanship.

Previewed during the Burberry Prorsum Spring Summer 2011 show, Burberry Brights Eyewear style takes inspiration from the foldable concept across all Burberry product categories from non-apparel and ready to wear including packable trench coats and rainwear. Color palette includes black, tortoise, white, fuchsia, beetroot, opal, lime, pollen, citrus and spearmint.

The Burberry Spring/Summer 2011 advertising campaign for Burberry Brights features British cast Cara Delevingne and Jacob Young shot on Brighton Beach by photographer Mario Testino.

Burberry eyewear is available online at Burberry.com and from Burberry stores and selected retailers
worldwide.


Bookmark and Share

Transitions Optical Joins IndyCar Sponsor Lineup

June 28th, 2011

Transitions Optical, Inc. announced its new IndyCar sponsorship of Penske Racing’s Ryan Briscoe. Team Penske’s #6 car was shown in its new livery for the first time at the June 19th Milwaukee Mile 225.

“Our adaptive lens technology is a perfect match for the changing light conditions drivers – and fans – experience during an IndyCar race,” said Brian Hauser, general manager, U.S. and Canada, Transitions Optical. “With margins of victory in the tenths of a second, sharp, clear vision can be the difference between a win and second place.”

Transitions Optical is the worldwide leader in photochromic technology, developing products which automatically adapt level of darkness as light changes, providing visual comfort and UV protection in all light conditions. The company offers a family of products, including everyday prescription lenses which are designed to be worn indoors and darken outdoors, and prescription and non-prescription performance sun lenses and face shields for outdoor activities.

On the racetrack, the Penske team is currently testing Transitions® SOLFX™ face shields – non-prescription shields that use advanced photochromic technology which automatically shifts in changing light conditions to provide drivers comfort and enhanced visual performance.

Off the track, Ryan Briscoe is wearing Transitions® XTRActive™ lenses, everyday prescription lenses which change from a comfortable tint indoors to very dark outdoors, and darken moderately behind the windshield of a car. Briscoe is also wearing Drivewear® Transitions® SOLFX™ sun lenses, designed specifically to enhance visual performance while driving. These lenses change color and degree of darkness behind the windshield to improve contrast and comfort, reduce glare and excess visible light, and optimize the driving experience.

“Already, I’ve noticed a difference in the quality of my vision when wearing the Transitions SOLFX face shield,” said Helio Castroneves. “The automatically-adjusting shield literally does the work for my eyes – making it easier for me to concentrate on other aspects of my race. It’s such innovative technology that I’m excited to be wearing Drivewear® Transitions® SOLFX™ sun lenses off the track as well.”

“We’ve already successfully shown how photochromic technology can be applied to sports like golf and cycling,” added Hauser, referencing the company’s title sponsorship of the Transitions Championship®, an official PGA TOUR® event and sponsorship of Team Garmin-Cervélo, a professional cycling team. “Improved visual performance can help provide an edge in personal performance.”

Dr. Larry Lampert, sports vision expert and optometric consultant to Transitions Optical, has worked extensively with professional athletes from the PGA TOUR, the LPGA, NFL and MLB. “I can tell you that understanding the connection between vision and sports can positively impact your skills and greatly help improve your game,” he said. “Thinking about your eyes is especially important when participating in outdoor activities and sports. Adaptive lenses that adjust to changing light conditions outdoors while blocking 100 percent of harmful UV rays help protect the health of your eyes for a lifetime.”

Following the June 19th Milwaukee Mile 225, Transitions Optical’s newest sponsorship has generated coverage within high-profile online and print consumer auto racing media outlets, including WhoWon.com, Auto Racing Daily, AutoRacing1.com and Motorsport.com.

www.transitions.com

Bookmark and Share

Gucci and Safilo Announce the Launch of a Sustainable Eyewear Collection

June 27th, 2011

Gucci, one of the world’s leading luxury brands, and Safilo, worldwide leader in the premium eyewear sector, announce the launch of a collection of sustainable models.

In August 2011, together Gucci and Safilo will introduce four models made using an innovative acetate which, compared to traditional acetate used for optical frames, contains a much higher percentage of material from natural origins. This acetate has been created in two colours exclusively for Gucci eyewear, flamed Havana with either a red background or a green background, which recall the House’s iconic green-red-green web.

Also in August, the Gucci Eyeweb collection, dedicated to a young and dynamic consumer, who is attentive and sensitive to environmental issues, will include two bio-based sunglasses, in a natural material made from castor-oil seeds. These models feature the same comfort and quality of the best plastic currently employed in the eyewear industry, but contain a large component from natural origins, which in turn helps reduce CO2 emissions from the production process of the material itself.

Within the first six months of 2012 new packaging will follow for this eco-sustainable eyewear, specifically designed to simplify production processes, with the goal of gradually reducing environmental impact. In addition, eyewear catalogues will use FSC certified paper.

Lastly, Gucci and Safilo are working together to create an innovative prototype made from a material alternative to plastic. In this way, they will continue to strive together towards greater sustainability, sharing the human, ethical and social values that have always distinguished them as prestigious Italian luxury companies.

In 2004, Gucci was one of the first companies in the industry to voluntarily initiate a Corporate Social Responsibility (SA 8000) certification process for its entire production cycle. This certification – relating to the leather goods, jewellery, footwear and clothing supply chains and to the logistics hub – stands for values such as business ethics, respect for human rights, workers’ health and safety, and equal opportunities. In terms of responsibility towards the environment, in 2010 Gucci announced the launch of a worldwide eco-friendly program designed to progressively reduce the company’s impact on the environment. The centrepiece of the initiative was packaging which was newly designed to reduce materials, exclusively use FSC Certified paper and to be 100% recyclable. At the same time, Gucci presented an ambitious program of sustainable activities concerning inter alia, the gradual phasing out of paper materials and the optimisation of transporting shipments, in order to reduce road transport and the subsequent CO2 emissions, efficiently restructure its car fleet and limit energy consumption in stores. The Florentine house also recently obtained environmental certification according to 14001 standards.

Safilo is the ideal partner for Gucci, and the two companies are committed to working together to develop sustainable products in the eyewear industry.

About Gucci

Founded in Florence in 1921, Gucci is one of the world’s leading luxury fashion brands. With a renowned reputation for quality and Italian craftsmanship, Gucci designs, manufactures and distributes highly desirable products such as leather goods (handbags, small leather goods, and luggage), shoes, ready-to-wear, silks, timepieces and fine jewellery. Eyewear and fragrances are manufactured and distributed under license by global industry leaders in these two sectors. Gucci products are sold exclusively through a network of directly operated boutiques (327 DOS as of March 2011) and a small number of selected department and specialty stores.

www.gucci.com

Bookmark and Share

Jonathan Cate Eyewear Launches Kids Eyewear Collection Book

June 24th, 2011

Jonathan Cate has published a book entitled The Adventures of JimBob Jackfoot Episode I: JimBob Visits the Eye Doctor. This is the first book in an upcoming series about an amiable character named JimBob Jackfoot and his friends. The first story is about JimBob’s first visit to the eye doctor. This was chosen as the subject matter for the first story as the author, Jonathan Cate, runs an eyeglass company Jonathan Cate Inc. The following books in the upcoming series will focus on JimBob and his friends’ experiences throughout the school years.

In this entertaining book, The Adventures of JimBob Jackfoot Episode I: JimBob Visits the Eye Doctor, you are engaged by the vibrant illustrations, humorous storyline, and the charismatic personalities of the book’s characters. The story does serve to inform, but it truly shines by focusing on the emotional voyage a child has during his or her first eye doctor’s visit. The book has already received tremendous feedback within the optical community by doctors, optometrist, and patients.

The new children’s eyeglass and sunglass collection is branded Katykids to coincide with the book mentioned above. The collection will utilize JimBob Jackfoot branding as well as other main characters from the story. The collection will consist of both plastic and metal eyeglasses and sunglasses for both boys and girls. There will also be some action figurines, keychains, tee-shirts, and possibly children’s watches that will also be branded with JimBob Jackfoot related characters. This will allow opticians to not only have a full kid’s collection but to offer supplemental merchandise that could be used as promotional items.

jonathancate.com

Bookmark and Share

Burberry Eyewear Summer 2011 Collection: Innovation and British Style

June 23rd, 2011

The Burberry Summer 2011 collection reflects the Burberry image based on function, innovation and the well-known, British style. Key styles for the new optical and sunglasses collection draw inspiration from the ready to wear collections and referencing iconic details from the Burberry archive. And just like their other fashion accessories that include bags, shoes, belts, scarves, jewelry and timepieces, Burberry eyeglasses and sunglasses, go a long way to stand out in a crowd.

New styles for women include oversize tubular sunglasses with laser engraved iconic checks on the temples, square acetate sunglasses featuring metallic studs on the temples and oversize round acetate sunglasses with faceted temples.

Styles for men include a square acetate style featuring metallic studded temples and an aviator-inspired acetate style featuring the Burberry Sport rubber label – an addition to the existing Burberry Sport Eyewear collection.

Colors include white, trench, taupe pink, oxblood, dark tan, dark tortoise, taupe brown, grey blue, black grape and pebble.

Model: BE2083

Model: BE2090

Model: BE2093

Model: BE2096

Model: BE4104

Model: BE3051

Model: BE4095M

Model: BE4102

Model: BE4103

www.burberry.com

Bookmark and Share

New Marc Ecko Eyewear—Marrying Pop Culture Into Re-Imagined Cult Classics

June 22nd, 2011

Ingeniously marrying a bit of pop culture into re-imagined cult classics, ClearVision Optical, a leader in the eyewear industry, together with Marc Ecko, artist, craftsman and perennial leader in style, bring forth a never-before-seen experience in men’s eyewear.

“Working on eyewear was an exciting challenge,” says Marc Ecko of Marc Ecko Enterprises. “The idea of being able to share my point of view for design and accessories in such a personal, subtle, yet expressive category such as eyewear was a great creative challenge. The team at Clear Vision was amazing. They worked directly with me and authentically captured a voice that I believe reflects a look and feel my consumer is seeking. I can’t wait to get a few pairs myself!”

A new American sensibility that re-imagines cult classics, Marc Ecko Cut & Sew Eyewear brings a whole new dimension to the men’s eyewear marketplace. Modern, contemporary looks with subtle surprises and hidden details are key elements. The relevance and unique style of the brand is emphasized by these unique product aspects. Components for the inimitable hardware were drawn from inspiration of turn of the century industrial and utilitarian tools, including: knurling metal seen on machinist tools, microphones, military components and record turntables as well as textures from vintage foot lockers, driving gloves and car vents. The color palette of black, blue/black, olive drab and green khaki are suggestions of “covert operations” and give the entire collection a sexy, stealth and authentic feel.

“We are thrilled over our partnership with Marc Ecko Cut & Sew and honored to work with a brand of this caliber,” says ClearVision’s Vice President, Peter Friedfeld. “We created a collection that is fresh to the optical market for 20-40 year old men by offering them high style at an attainable price point. Staying parallel to Mark Ecko Cut & Sew fashions, we translate the same authentic, urban styling into eyewear. We are confident this collection will be well-received in the industry.”

An experience in Popstalgia, this future-minded with a wink to the past Ecko-ology is brought into every piece. Paying homage to Marc’s grandfather and his influence in Cut & Sew fashions, the collection speaks to the unique detailing inspired from a simple pair of tailor shears. The curve of the frame temple was inspired by this shape and is a unique signifying detail to the collection. Key to the collection, each piece features the signature laser shears logo on every temple tip. The single eye of the skull mimics the “eye” of the needle – and passion of a true craftsman.

An initial collection of 13 optical models and 5 sun styles, highlights include:

Agitator – An edgy flat metal frame with carbon fiber inlay on the acetate temple. The Agitator is available in Black, Blue Slate and Gunmetal Matte.

Futurist – A semi-rimless frame with a modern, flat metal double bridge. The unique venting details on the temples are inspired by car grills. The Futurist is available in Black, Brown and Pewter.

Defender – A bold, sexy acetate frame with metal logo plaque trim, the Defender is available in Black (matte finish), Green Olive Tortoise (matte finish) and Smoke Crystal (translucent).

Voyeur – Chic with a sexy edge, this acetate frame features a unique raised temple pattern that mimics leather tufting. It is available in Black, Blue Black Tortoise and Green Olive Tortoise.

The Alex – A unique version of the Clubmaster, this retro style is inspired by turn of the century elements. Featuring a unique two-piece temple construction and the “shears” iconic silver logo trim on the frame front; The Alex pays homage to Marc’s grandfather, Alex, and is available in Black, Green Olive Tortoise and Tokyo Tortoise.

Showdown – Modern and very chic, Showdown is a metal frame featuring a perforated lasered texture on the acetate temple. It is available in Brown, Black and Gunmetal.

Peeping Tom – Putting a modern spin on a classic style, this semi-rimless acetate frame with a hidden metal eye wire is available in Black (with Navy temples), Merlot (with Black temples) and Tortoise (with Black temples).

Lip Reader – Designed to make a statement, this modern interpretation of the iconic wayfarer features a metal logo plaque with screw head detailing and polished acetate frame fronts with matte temples. It is available in Blue Black Tortoise, Green Olive Multi and Merlot Tortoise.

Marc Ecko Cut & Sew Eyewear will be available to purchase in August 2011 through a custom designed website featuring innovative virtual try-on technology.

For more information on the Mark Ecko Cut & Sew Eyewear Collection, please visit www.cvoptical.com


Bookmark and Share

Diva Eyewear Collection: Modern Shapes Enhanced By Swarovski Crystals

June 21st, 2011

Eastern States Eyewear has announced the release of three sunglasses and four new optical models into the Diva Eyewear collection.

The sunglasses feature modern, plastic shapes with a retro flair beset by bold, elegant metal accents enhanced by a bevy of Swarovski Crystals. The optical models feature beautifully cut temples with exquisite metal work. Similar to the sunglasses this detailing is graced with a brilliant array of multi-colored Swarovski Crystals in a variety of sizes and shapes.

A display will be available as well. Clear, see through cubes featuring a three dimensional Diva logo will be complimentary with all orders.

“The new Diva collection is dynamic, feminine, and exciting,” says Jason Shyer, ESE Director of Marketing. “The sunglasses have an “it” factor that is perfect for summer and vacations. The optical styles provide a clean and modern look with the added pizzazz that Diva has become known for.”

Model: 5332

Model: 5327

Model: 4162

www.eseyewear.com

Bookmark and Share

Patients Spending More On Glaucoma Medications

June 20th, 2011

Average expenditure on medications per patient with glaucoma in 2001 was $445, by 2006 it had increased to $557, an increase of 25%, researchers from the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami reported in Archives of Ophthalmology. In the USA about 2.2 million people aged 40+ years have primary open-angle glaucoma. Experts say this number should rise by nearly 50% by the end of this decade.

Yearly medical costs linked to glaucoma stand at approximately $2.9 billion in the USA.

The researchers wrote:

“Presently, the direct annual medical costs associated with the condition are roughly $2.9 billion. Although data on glaucoma-expense trends is limited, the authors note that “there is a direct correlation between increased expenditure and increased severity of glaucoma, with medication consisting of one-third to one-half of direct costs.”

Byron L. Lam, M.D., and team set out to determine what the current trends in glaucoma-related medical expenses are. They gathered data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey from 2001 to 2006. As from 2006, it contained data on Medicare Part D prescription drug program participation. They evaluated data on 1,404 adult patients who had been prescribed glaucoma drugs.

The researchers found that:

  • 2001 – average expenditure per patient was $445
  • 2006 – average expenditure per patient was $557
  • The largest increases in expenditure were among females, individuals who had not completed high school, and patients with only public health insurance
  • Prostaglandin analog medication expenditure increased from $168 in 2001 to $271 in 2006
  • Beta-blocker expenditure fell from $167 in 2001 to $69 in 2006
  • Patients with Medicare Part D coverage incurred greater expenditure increases from 2001 to 2006 than those with private insurance

The authors wrote:

“The results of our study as well as an understanding of the factors that account for the increase in glaucoma medication expenditure are important to help develop effective strategies and protocols for the medical management of glaucoma that optimize treatment and control expenditures.”

They concluded that further studies are required to explain the trends among patient subgroups.

archopht.ama-assn.org

Bookmark and Share

New Öga Krok—Combining Beauty and High-Tech Materials

June 17th, 2011

Streamlined and fluid, the new Öga “Krok”, exemplifies an eyewear collection full of character combining beauty and high-tech materials.

Made from aluminium, the temple’s originality is derived from the way in which the material is worked. The openwork aluminium temple is bevelled and slightly curved to reveal the metal endpiece stamped Öga. The concepts design and choice of materials create a voluminous frame that is both super-light and comfortable.


Playing on the effect of contrasting materials, Krok is available in a range of discreet colors. The finish of brushed matte aluminium in steel grey, anthracite, brown, sand, blue and black is combined with a hint of bright color towards the tip of the endpiece.

With its 9 models, Krok is a complete product offering, featuring: 2 rimmed, 4 semi-rimless and 3 rimless shapes (with plugs), available in a range of sizes from 51 to 55. Both progressive-friendly and compact progressive-friendly models are included within the collection. Öga is a brand for relaxed and confident men looking for frames with a creative difference.

www.morel-eyewearusa.com

Bookmark and Share