Archive for November, 2011

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Newest JIMMY CHOO Sunglasses Take a Nod To ‘70s Aviator Styling

November 30th, 2011

With a nod to ‘70s aviator styling, the newest JIMMY CHOO sunglasses flaunt an enchanting teardrop shape. Glamorous crystals frame the logo detail on the temples, for a bold and sophisticated look.

The “LUISA” model is made from Optyl, a trademarked ultra-lightweight plastic material with extraordinary colour effects, and reveals a stylish metal design feature on the double bridge bearing the engraved logo like a discreet style hallmark.

Featured in refined matte black and white, the glasses are also available in luxurious colourations of gold and metal silver.

Presented in a special crocodile-effect clutch case featuring the iconic hardware closure that adorns other Jimmy Choo accessories, the sunglasses are available in the United States from December 2011 at leading optical retailers, Jimmy Choo boutiques and department stores.

The JIMMY CHOO eyewear collection is manufactured and distributed by the Safilo Group.

www.safilo.com

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Michael Kors 2012 Sunglass Collection Encapsulates Glamour and Easy Luxury

November 29th, 2011

The Michael Kors 2012 sun collection encapsulates glamour and easy luxury. Delicately sculpted silhouettes made from the finest materials deliver polished and refined elegance. Classic round, cat-eye and teacup shapes are modernized and perfected with iconic hardware that defines the Michael Kors Collection. Opaque pearlized gradients to crystal hues, rich metal tones and beautiful horn colorations complement the high quality craftsmanship and design.

Teresa
An iconic piece in the Michael Kors collection, Teresa is a square frame that features sophisticated metal accents on each corner. The oversized style is crafted with rich plastics and is enhanced with subtle metal details.

Campbell
The Campbell features the signature “Tonne” hardware that can be found on Collection handbags. The sophistication of Campbell can be seen in the soft lines that comprise the rounded cat eye sihouette. Made of the finest zyl material, this style translates the opulence of the Michael Kors brand.

Anderson
Anderson is a sleek and elegant frame made from skillfully crafted titanium. Lightweight and comfortable, Anderson’s square look continues the contemporary theme of the collection.

www.marchon.com

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North American Babies Who Acquire Toxoplasmosis Infections Show Much Higher Rates of Eye Damage Than European Babies

November 28th, 2011

Toxoplasmosis Infection

North American babies who acquire toxoplasmosis infections in the womb show much higher rates of brain and eye damage than European infants with the same infection, according to new research from the Stanford University School of Medicine.

Eighty-four percent of the North American infants studied had serious complications of the parasitic infection, including calcium deposits in the brain, water on the brain and eye disease that caused visual impairment or blindness. By contrast, few European infants had these problems – for instance, about 17 percent of French infants with the infection develop complications.

“It was a shock,” said Jose Montoya, MD, the study’s senior author and an associate professor of infectious diseases at Stanford. “We were dismayed to see so many little ones with severe eye disease, hydrocephalus and brain calcifications.”

Jose Montoya, MD

The study, which was published online in the Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, examined 155 U.S. and nine Canadian infants whose congenital toxoplasmosis infections were confirmed by screening tests at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Toxoplasmosis Serology Laboratory, the nation’s toxoplasmosis reference laboratory, between 1991 and 2005. Montoya is the director of the lab. The study is the most comprehensive to date on congenital toxoplasmosis in the United States, where it is estimated to affect 500 to 5,000 pregnancies per year. (Other studies with more Canadian subjects have explored toxoplasmosis infections there in more detail.)

The infection, which is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, can be acquired several ways, such as by eating raw or undercooked meat or shellfish, contact with cat feces, or being exposed to soil while gardening. Infants whose mothers first acquire the parasite during pregnancy are vulnerable to the congenital infection. Medication can potentially prevent mother-to-child transmission, but none of the mothers in the new study received treatment for toxoplasmosis during pregnancy.

Clinical information was available for 138 infants in the study. Of those who showed toxoplasmosis complications, 92 percent had eye disease, nearly 80 percent had brain calcifications and 68 percent had hydrocephalus. About 61 percent of the infants with complications had all three complications together. The complications were severe enough to cause permanent visual or mental impairments for many of the infants, Montoya said, though the study did not track the children beyond infancy.

In contrast, the rate of complications among Western European infants with congenital toxoplasmosis is much lower. Recent findings from another research team showed that 15 percent of European infants had eye disease and 6 percent had cranial calcifications, for example. The European literature has rarely reported cases of hydrocephalus in recent decades.

The difference between continents has several possible explanations, Montoya said. One possibility is referral bias – the U.S. lab that provided data for the new study tends to see only the country’s most severe cases, whereas European labs have comprehensive data on all pregnancies affected by toxoplasmosis. Another possibility is that the two continents harbor different strains of toxoplasma parasite, though John Boothroyd, a Stanford professor of microbiology and immunology who studies toxoplasma but was not involved in this research, said the same strains appear to explain most human infections on both continents.

A third explanation, and the possibility that worries Montoya, is that the difference is due to shortfalls in U.S. prenatal care. Pregnant women in Europe are screened regularly for new toxoplasma infections and treated to prevent transmission of the parasite to the fetus. But prenatal screening and treatment is rarely offered in the United States. Screening is needed because toxoplasmosis can occur even in pregnant women who carefully avoid known transmission methods. What’s more, the infection can occur without any symptoms in the mother.

“There is a tragedy out there that can be prevented through thoughtful, low-cost serological screening of one of our most vulnerable populations — the mother-baby pair,” Montoya said. “The sad part is that in the U.S., although we have the tools at both the medical and the lab level to detect and treat prenatal toxoplasma infections, we don’t apply them.”

Testing pregnant women for toxoplasmosis infection would not be complicated, Montoya said. The existing tests require a blood sample and can be conducted at any commercial laboratory. Although research is still needed to verify the cost-effectiveness of such testing, the tests could be made quite inexpensive – in the range of $5 to $10 each, he said. The testing could be performed on blood that is already drawn for other tests during pregnancy.

“We are strong believers that pregnant women have the right to know whether the baby is at risk, or whether the baby has been infected, in the same way that parents have a right to know if their baby has a metabolic defect or a hearing problem,” Montoya said.


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New Eyeglass Offerings From Morel: ÖGA Alträ III and LIGHTEC Alpha 10

November 28th, 2011

LIGHTEC Alpha 10 is now available in 6 new rimless models (3 for men and 3 for women).

Alpha 10 features a slim stainless steel temple, over-molded with colored polyurethane rubber (latex-free). The velvety-textured soft rubber encases the temple resulting in an interesting material-color contrast. A technical and dynamic appearance is achieved thorough the clever integration of the frame’s materials.

Consistent with the LIGHTEC range the concept is made from lightweight stainless steel and fitted with an exclusive screwless “alpha” spring hinge.

Alpha 10 has a discreet feel with subtle lines enhanced by contrasts between materials. The collection is diverse with 13 energizing colors including fluorescent green, violet and fuchsia, as well as more conventional combinations (white, black, gray). LIGHTEC Alpha 10 provides the wearer with a light, reliable and comfortable product.

New designs with injected fronts offer a unique look for ÖGA Alträ III.

Alträ III in the purest of Scandinavian design is made up of 2 injected grilamid models, adding yet another dimension to the frame’s design. A range of 6 colors combined with natural aluminum, make up this offering.

Developed as a unique limited edition grouping, ÖGA Alträ was designed in collaboration with skilled woodworkers. The temple, made up of three pieces of Stamina separated by fine aluminum strips, has the appearance of a homogeneous material from nature. The curved form and spoon-shaped endtip, were machined from a solid piece of Stamina wood, designed for maximum hold and comfort.

The softness and natural feel of the wood, combined with the hardness and sheen of metal is a true feat of technical engineering in the service of design. A highly complex dual action stainless steel spring-hinge is produced using a technique known as Metal Injection Molding. The integrated hinge is fitted with an anti-rocking mechanism to optimize the positioning of the temple.

www.morel-france.com

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Pharmaceutical Platform May Produce Unintended and Undesirable Effects on Eye Function

November 27th, 2011

According to new research by University of Kentucky investigators, an emerging pharmaceutical platform used in treating a variety of diseases may produce unintended and undesirable effects on eye function. The paper, “Short-interfering RNAs Induce Retinal Degeneration via TLR3 and IRF3″, appears in the current online edition of the journal Molecular Therapy, a publication of the Nature Publishing Group and the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy.

“Short-interfering RNA (siRNA) technology has been regarded as one of the most exciting emerging platforms for new pharmaceuticals,” said Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati, professor of physiology, and professor and vice chair of ophthalmology and visual sciences at UK.

Prof. Dr. Ernst Bamberg

To this point, siRNA drugs have been the subject of clinical trials past and present for a variety of disorders including: cancers, viral respiratory infections, hypercholesterolemia, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Major obstacles to realizing the therapeutic potential of siRNAs include delivery of the drug into cells and a generic suppression of blood vessel growth through immune activation, as shown by a 2008 paper from the Ambati group in the journal Nature.

“We now show a new undesirable effect of siRNAs that are 21 nucleotides or longer in length: these siRNAs, regardless of their sequence or target, can cause retinal toxicity. By activating a new immune pathway consisting of the molecules TLR3 and IRF3, these siRNAs damage a critical layer of the retina called the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE). Damage to the RPE cells by siRNAs can also lead to secondary damage to the rods and cones, which are light-sensing cells in the retina,” said Ambati.

The scientists’ findings indicate that caution should be applied when designing or using siRNAs intended for either direct application to the eye, or intended for use in a way that may allow the drug to access the eye.

“Another novel aspect of this research is that the RPE degeneration caused by siRNAs resembles the pathology seen in the advanced form of age-related macular degeneration called geographic atrophy, said Ambati. “As there are few models of geographic atrophy, which affects millions of people worldwide, this paper provides an important advance for research in developing new treatments for this disease.”

Because the research shows that siRNAs shorter than 21 nucleotides in length can evade the TLR3-IRF3 off-target immune response, it may be possible to achieve therapeutic effects without retinal damage by designing shorter siRNAs.


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New Frames Added To The Ted Baker Eyewear Collection From Tura

November 26th, 2011

“Not Just a Brand – But a Way of Life” Ted Baker is positioned as a brand with attitude, appealing to a broad target audience of men and women both young and the young at heart. Ted’s secret to fashion is to lead not to follow, but never to lead too far. Ted’s “out of the ordinary” philosophy is carried through to his designs of the Ted Baker Eyewear and Sunwear Collection. With the color combinations and the unique frame details you can expect the unexpected from Ted.

Tura has introduced new product groupings into their Ted Baker eyewear collection, each with their own unique theme.

DeconstrucTED
Ted’s endless passion of pushing fashion limits and setting the bar of expectations just a little bit higher. The collection focuses on unique material combinations and manipulations of materials. Just when you thought you knew everything there was to know about Ted, DeconstrucTED applies a little twist.

EducaTED
Schooled by the likes of Ted Baker. The EducaTED collection focuses on the popular trend of Geek Chic. Designs will call out to those that are trend conscious, or simply nerds at heart with easy to wear retro inspired designs and shapes. The EducaTED collection includes Ted’s special “twisted” touches to the classics such as round P3 shapes and chunky to thin square fronts.

www.tura.com

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Chlamydia Trachomatis Bacteria Used as a Vaccine To Prevent Trachoma, The World’s Leading Cause of Infectious Blindness

November 25th, 2011

An attenuated, or weakened, strain of Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria can be used as a vaccine to prevent or reduce the severity of trachoma, the world’s leading cause of infectious blindness, suggest findings from a National Institutes of Health study in monkeys.

Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.

“This work is an important milestone in the development of a trachoma vaccine,” noted Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at NIH. “If this approach demonstrates continued success, the implications could be enormous for the tens of millions of people affected by trachoma, a neglected disease of poverty primarily seen in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.”

In their study, published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine online, scientists from NIAID, led by Harlan Caldwell, Ph.D., describe how they tested their vaccine concept in a series of experiments. First they infected six cynomolgus macaques with the strain of C. trachomatis that they had weakened by removing a small piece of DNA. The scientists observed that the monkeys spontaneously cleared the infection within 14 days with no or minimal signs of ocular disease. The animals then were exposed twice more to the weakened strain at four- and eight-week intervals, but the animals still showed no signs of trachoma despite being infected.

Harlan Caldwell, Ph.D.

According to Dr. Caldwell, this finding is particularly significant because repeated C. trachomatis infections typically lead to more severe eye disease in people. The infected animals did not develop eye disease, and they all mounted robust immune responses.

The same six macaques then were exposed to a highly virulent strain of C. trachomatis as were six other macaques in a control group that had not been vaccinated. Three of the macaques in the vaccine group showed no signs of infection or disease, and the three others showed greatly reduced infection compared with monkeys in the control group. All six macaques in the control group became infected and displayed moderate to severe eye disease that persisted for between two and four months.

Macaques are used in trachoma studies because their immune responses closely predict those of humans. The animals in the study were treated with antibiotics after completion of the experiments, and all recovered completely.

The NIAID researchers are currently exploring how they can move their vaccine into human clinical trials.

Tracomatous Scarring: The presence of scarring in the tarsal conjunctiva. Scars are easily visible as white lines, bands, or sheets in the tarsal conjunctiva.

If left untreated, prolonged trachoma infection can cause a person’s eyelids to fold inward, so that the eyelashes rub the eyeball and scar the cornea. This can result in impaired vision and sometimes blindness. Trachoma is treatable with antibiotics, although in many parts of the world people have limited access to treatment. Currently, there is no vaccine for trachoma. Trachoma experts estimate that approximately 1.3 million people are blind from trachoma, 1.8 million people have low vision as a result of the disease, and an estimated 40 million people have active trachoma. Trachoma is most often spread through direct personal contact, shared towels and other cloths, and flies that have come in contact with the eyes or nose of an infected person.

Chlamydia diseases include sexually transmitted infections, which can result in pelvic inflammatory disease that can cause infertility in women, as well as trachoma. According to the NIAID researchers, findings from this study also could lead to the development of a vaccine against sexually transmitted Chlamydia infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention received more than 1.2 million reports of Chlamydia infections in 2009.


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Expanded BCBGMAXAZRIA Eyewear Collection Unveils with 8 New Fashion-Forward, Trendsetting Designs

November 23rd, 2011

ClearVision Optical, a leader in the eyewear industry, introduces BCBGMAXAZRIA’s refined design direction in its fall 2011 eyewear collection – one of the largest optical launches for the brand to date.

The glamorous new design direction allows the BCBGMAXAZRIA brand to resonate with a wider audience. The BCBG woman considers eyewear an important wardrobe accessory and carefully chooses her frames to make a trendy statement. Fashionable and chic, the fall 2011 optical styles are fresh in color, brilliant in bling and exquisite in detailing.

Model: Lucy

Model: Sybil

Created for the 22-55 fashionable women, the collection includes 8 modern, luxe styles, featuring:

  • jewelry-inspired accents of European crystals, chains, and pin dots
  • oversized eye shapes in rich acetate materials
  • a fresh, paler palette including lavender, green and pink

To promote the fall 2011 direction and optical collection, ClearVision is developing a series of promotional e-blasts, POP and in-store marketing materials, to begin this fall. A comprehensive social campaign including Facebook e-coupons, fashion tips & trends is also planned, along with a special Eyewearista episode. ClearVision’s optical Facebook Vlog, The Eyewearista showcases the latest fashion trends & style news and translates them to the fashionable world of eyewear and sunwear.

In addition, ClearVision is working with BCBGMAXAZRIA to include optical on the BCBG.com consumer website. This top navigation bar placement will increase the visability of the brand to consumers and loyal BCBGMAXAZRIA clientele. The site will include an optical store locator that directs consumer where they can purchase BCBGMAXAZRIA eyewear.

The fall 2011 BCBGMAXAZRIA collection is available now.

About ClearVision

Founded in 1949, ClearVision Optical is an award-winning leader in the optical industry, designing and distributing eyewear and sunwear for top brands, such as BCBGMAXAZRIA, Cole Haan, Ellen Tracy, IZOD, Marc Ecko Cut & Sew Eyewear, Ocean Pacific, Jessica McClintock and Fisher-Price®. ClearVision’s house brands include ClearVision Collection, Junction City and Digit. A privately held company, ClearVision is headquartered in Hauppauge, New York and has more than 250 associates throughout the U.S. ClearVision’s collections are distributed throughout North America and 20 countries around the globe.

www.cvoptical.com

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Retrospective Eyewear Classics From Efva Attling

November 22nd, 2011

Efva Attling, who has been hitting the headlines with her new store in New York, has launched a collection of eyewear with a strong retro feel. Her cateye and aviator styles along with sturdier acetate models capture current trends, while small, subtle touches inspired by Efva’s jewellery collections are also part of the look. Efva Attling’s October 2011 collection comprises seven optical styles in acetate and metal and two styles of sunglasses.

“Although the 1950s and 60s have been in vogue for a while now, the retro trend is still influencing large sectors of the fashion world. As always it is important when I am designing to find the right mix of trend-rich and classic – especially for eyewear, as the wearer has to live with it for a while,” says Efva. “I also love to incorporate the world of jewellery into the optical world to bring together my different design veins.”

Style: 8335, Claire
Sunglasses with innovative silver decor on the fronts in a cateye style that is bang on trend. Can also be used with optical lenses. Colours: Beige, Black.

“For those who dare to wear, Claire sunglasses are a true cateye style with gold or silver decor at eyebrow height with a real Dita von Teese feel. Just looking at them takes you straight back to the heyday of Hollywood. The men’s aviator style, available as optical eyewear and sunglasses, has the same effect, but is designed with men in mind.”

Style: 8525, Birds
Sister style to Swallow in acetate with a more distinctive, heavier look. Silver decor in the shape of swallows on the sidepieces. Colours: Beige, Black.

Style: 8523, Swallows
Easy-to-wear rimless style with feminine decor in the shape of swallows on the sidepieces. For those who want to wear discreet, yet decorative frames. Colours: Light silver, Black.

“My Birds and Swallows styles are also retro-inspired,” says Efva. “But the small swallows that decorate the sidepieces on these sister styles have roots as far back as the 1930s. Swallows were incredibly popular as jewellery and were in fashion right up until the 1960s and 70s. Now they’re in again. If you want to combine them with matching jewellery, then you can choose from the Love Birds series in my jewelery collection.”

Style: 8519, Bow Wow One
A modern, feminine acetate style with a pretty silver bow on the sidepieces. Has a sister style – Bow Wow Two, which is slightly rounder in shape with a heavier look. Colours: Burgundy, Black, Grey.

Style: 8519, Bow Wow Two
With soft, feminine shaping and a touch of the 1960s, this style has all the makings of a feminine favourite. Acetate with silver decor in the shape of a bow. Colours: Beige, Black.

“The Bow Wow sister styles have a little bow on the sidepieces which first came to me when I was designing eyewear. It’s highly likely that I will also be creating a jewellery design with them in the future, as the little bow is so feminine and perfect for jewellery,” says Efva.

Style: 8521, Roman
This style was designed with men in mind but works just as well for women. These glasses have a real retro feel but stand out from the crowd, thanks to the effect of the silver divider on the bridge. Colours Brown, Black.

Style: 8527, Bubbles
Frames with a soft, flattering shape in acetate. Decor in the shape of silver bubbles on the front and sidepieces creates a jewellery-like feel. Colours: Brown, Black, Grey.

Style: 8528, Big A
Classic, large pilot style designed to suit men and women with a cool twisted leather detail on the bridge and rebelliously shaped decor on the sidepieces. Available as sunglasses too. Colours: Beige, Gun metal/Matt silver, Gold.

Style: 8333, Big A
Classic, large pilot style designed to suit men and women with a cool twisted leather detail on the bridge and rebelliously shaped decor on the sidepieces. Available as optical eyewear too. Colours: Beige, Gun metal/Matt silver, Gold.

Scandinavian Eyewear is a Swedish eyewear company that has been designing glasses since 1948. With its classic Skaga brand, which over the years has been created by a number of renowned Swedish designers, the company has made its mark on Scandinavian eyewear design and today is a market leader in Scandinavia.

Scandinavian Eyewear’s current portfolio includes its in-house Skaga brand as well as a number of other strong eyewear brands. Each has a different character and look, but what they all have in common is the personal commitment that goes into every single brand. Efva Attling and Oscar Magnuson design their own frames for their respective brands as part of a long-term collaboration with Scandinavian Eyewear. Lexington, Oscar Jacobson and Pilgrim are exciting new partners since 2010.

Right from the start their ambition has been to design and make eyewear of the highest quality with a clear emphasis on Scandinavian style. Scandinavian Eyewear has a heritage and history that few eyewear brands can compare to. They have been making glasses for more than 60 years and their work is backed by solid knowledge and skilled craftsmanship. High standards mean that their frames are always distinguished by simple yet elegant design solutions and care over the small details.

Over the years many leading designers have styled the company’s products, including C-A Breger, Sigvard Bernadotte, Sighsten Herrgård, Erik Ljungquist and today Carina Mollsjö, Anna Mälstad, Gustav Kristensson, Efva Attling and Oscar Magnuson.

www.scandinavianeyewear.se

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Karl Lagerfeld Fall/Winter 2011 Debuts an Assertive Eyewear Collection For Men and Women

November 21st, 2011

The Karl Lagerfeld Fall/Winter 2011 debuts an assertive eyewear collection for men and women this season. Shapes from the women’s sun wear collection are vintage inspired and amplified by use of colors – dark hues that graduate to light and then are infused with a contrasting color burst or rich tortoise shells and horns. The Karl Lagerfeld logo placements are strategic. Sleek metal begins at end pieces and is then punctuated with the “KL” initials mid temple. The men’s collection showcases retro shapes with modern color gradients and the “K” temple exemplifies skilled craftsmanship. Intricate hinges seen throughout collections are incorporated at end pieces, including an industrial interlocking hinge.

KL747S
The KARL LAGERFELD Eyewear Collection’s unique use of metal details can be found on the temples of K747S. A thin, polished metal bar is inlayed at temples beginning at end pieces and continuing to mid temples until punctuated by the KARL LAGERFELD “KL” logo. Lagerfeld further enhances the depth of design by setting the inlayed metal against color gradients, specifically a purple/violet gradient and grey/orange gradient, which enhances the cat eye shape.

KL748S
The KARL LAGERFELD Eyewear Collection’s unique use of metal details can be found on the temples of KL748S. A sister style to the KL747S, the KL748S is a modified butterfly – evident on the slightly waved brows crafted from rich zyl. Thin polished metal beginning at end pieces and continuing down temples towards the KARL LAGERFELD “KL” logo is prevalent set against black, Havana, light tortoise, and sand colorations.

KL753S
Polished studs bookending the scripted Karl Lagerfeld signature logo add rock star appeal to KL753S. The glamorous, full square also features two studs on either front end piece to further enhance against colorations of black/gunmetal with grey gradient lens, Havana with brown gradient lens, white/crystal with brown/green gradient lens, brown/caramel with brown gradient lens, blue/light blue with smoke gradient lens.

KL741
Sleek metal accents extend down zyl temples, accentuating a unisex modern round frame. Retro elegance meets avant-garde. Available in black, havana, brown with a caramel gradient, brown with an aqua gradient and also available in a select purple with a violet gradient.

www.marchon.com

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