Archive for February, 2012

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CARRERA Launches New 2012 Ad Campaign “After All, No Regrets”

February 29th, 2012

CARRERA, the international fashion eyewear brand rooted in the world of sports, launches this season’s campaign images, dedicated to young people who enjoy good, clean entertainment, and know how to live life to its fullest.

Conceived and developed by the D’Adda, Lorenzini, Vigorelli, BBDO agency, the new campaign maintains its direct and forthright “AFTER ALL, NO REGRETS” headline, showcasing new amusing and thrilling situations, where CARRERA glasses are the sole protagonists.

The new pictures, which are based on web, blog and social network feedback, depict the online Carrera generation’s wish list, a new list of things to do to live life with no regrets.

The young people of the “CARRERA generation” know there are no pipe dreams, just unfulfilled dreams. They’re confident young people who love life and don’t conform, standing out from the crowd and setting trends rather than following them.

You can stand anything except the weight of the things you didn’t do, the words you never said, the love declarations you didn’t make. That’s why the CARRERA generation can always say: “AFTER ALL, NO REGRETS”.

Alongside the advertising campaign, CARRERA’s “AFTER ALL, NO REGRETS” spirit will also be shared through a video in which the CARRERA generation, for the first time ever, will have their say: they will tell us how they live their lives “with no regrets”, how they seize the moment and don’t miss any opportunity that comes along, for a life without regrets.

The video is a true manifesto of the “AFTER ALL, NO REGRETS” spirit and, thanks to its message’s high levels of emotional content, it clearly conveys the brand’s philosophy.

This worldwide advertising campaign, which will kick off in March, will appear in newspapers, magazines and online; it will naturally and rapidly spread across the Internet thanks to the use of social media networks, a targeted banner campaign, web presence on search engines and the brand’s official website.

www.carreraworld.com

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Wiley X Expands Its Active Series Sunglasses with WX Rush and WX Zen

February 29th, 2012

Leading protective sunglass manufacturer Wiley X®, Inc. has expanded its growing line of Active Series premium performance sunglasses with the new-for-2012 WX Rush™ and WX Zen™.

Like all members of Wiley X’s Active Series, these new glasses are Rx-ready and feature edgy styling that fits the active lifestyle, while providing the performance needed for those who play hard and work hard. Active Series models are perfect for people who like to work up a sweat, with rubber nose pads and temple gloves that ensure a snug, comfortable fit, even when the action gets hot.

WX Rush
True to its name, the new WX Rush has the style for those who like to challenge life head-on. This model’s wraparound frame provides full coverage from harsh light reflected by the sand, water or roadway, yet is still comfortable for all-day wear. The WX Rush is offered in two distinctive frame/lens combinations, for different activities and personalities. One features a Gloss Black frame matched with Polarized Blue Mirror lenses, ideal for driving or watersports activities. And a special Black Ops edition WX Rush combines a stealthy Matte Black frame with Smoke Grey lenses, a favorite choice for law enforcement and tactical users.

WX Zen
The new WX Zen is also ready for action — but with a soft style that leans a little more towards the cerebral. This stylish sunglass looks great and provides the wearer with sharp vision, all-day eye comfort and Wiley X’s trademark protection in extreme environments. Wiley X offers the WX Zen in two appealing configurations — a Gloss Black frame with Bronze Flash lenses and a Matte Black frame with Polarized Silver Flash lenses. Both are sure to stand out in a crowd.

Whichever new Active Series model outdoor enthusiasts choose, they’ll get great looks that can go anywhere, crystal clear vision, and Wiley X’s proven high-velocity protection. The new WX Rush and WX Zen meet stringent ANSI Z87.1-2003 High Velocity and High Mass Impact safety standards, protecting the wearer against a wide range of dangers. Action sports enthusiasts can rest assured that rocks, low-hanging limbs, flying insects and other potential dangers are no match for Wiley X’s advanced protection. In fact, Wiley X is the only premium performance sunwear manufacturer whose entire line meets these strict ANSI safety standards. In addition, all models in the Active Series carry a limited lifetime warranty against any manufacturing defect in materials and workmanship.

www.wileyx.com

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Columbia Eyewear Announces The Expansion Of Its Carbon Fiber Ophthalmic Collection For 2012

February 28th, 2012

In response to the success of its 2011 Carbon Fiber Ophthalmic collection, Columbia Eyewear is pleased to announce the expansion of this high-performance category, by introducing two new models: Ochoco and Sawtooth.

“Our Carbon Fiber models have an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and extreme rigidity, making it the ideal eyewear material especially for those very active outdoor consumers. It’s durable, non-corrosive, and very lightweight” said L’Amy America Director of Product Development Daniel Shack. “It is also a relatively expensive material option, therefore some eyewear manufacturers could easily cut corners and create imitation carbon fiber, or carbon fiber veneers for half the cost. But then the consumer suffers, as the material simply does not perform in the same way a pure carbon fiber material would. Columbia eyewear features pure carbon fiber temples. Pureness is key” said Shack.

Model: Ochoco

In 2012 Columbia Eyewear will continue its mission creating products perfectly suited for the outdoor, active-lifestyle. “2012 will be a year of expanded offerings in 7 high-performance outdoor eyewear sub-collections: Stainless Steel Fusion, Interchangeable Temples/IFT, Polarized Grippits, Hyperlite 90/H90, Extended Size, Eco Acetates/E3, and Carbon Fiber” said Worldwide Business Unit Manager Connie Reiss.

Model: Sawtooth

“While our technology-driven products are fueling considerable Columbia Eyewear growth on a global basis, our actual product mission is quite organic and certainly less lofty. Simply put, we want to create eyewear suited for comfort and long-term wear in the Greater Outdoors” said Reiss.

The 2 new styles, Ochoco and Sawtooth are offered in 3 colors per model; for a total of 6 skus. The new models feature bi-injected “Gripol” rubber temple-tips for added comfort, in an aggressive-looking architectural pattern. The entire Columbia Carbon Fiber collection is comprised of 6 models, and 18 skus.

www.lamyamerica.com

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One Wire From theo and James Van Vossel

February 27th, 2012

James Van Vossel is not a designer that you will invariably see sitting at a computer working on all kinds of complicated programs. He is a doer. He prefers to retreat into his atelier where he spends hours experimenting with shapes and materials. He departs from a basic idea and he tries to give this idea shape in his atelier, without making extensive drawings in advance and calculating whether it is possible. No, according to James that only stifles his creativity. The result is never obvious and always surprising. This can also be said of the second collection that he devised for theo.

One Wire

Does one metal wire suffice to give shape to glasses? This was the challenge James gave himself. After numerous experiments he went to theo. The idea was appreciated, but the execution needed improving. That’s why theo took control of the design and made the glasses comfortable too by adding nose pads.

James 3

James 4

The round titanium wire runs along the top of the glasses and crosses over the bridge of the nose. James 3 has square lenses with rounded off corners and James 4 has round lenses. Both models are available in six colors.

Who is James?
James Van Vossel started his own label ‘James’ in 2006 and set up ‘Fox & Freeze’ in 2009 with Tom De Vrieze. This 34-year-old designer has proved again and again that he is at home in different markets. His creativity knows no limits: an ergonomic sitting ring, reversible slippers, a swirling open garden shower, a revolving sofa bed, a briefcase chair, etc. and just keep going. His designs are characterized by original modelling and well-thought-out functionality with a gimmick. The design never stands alone, but adds value to the product. Furthermore, he likes to take on the challenge of experimenting with all types of materials. James won the leading Interior Innovation Award at the Imm Cologne trade fair (Ger), the prestigious Award in the Working category at the Interior Biënnale (Be) and received the ‘Young Professional for Europe Award 2009’ (It) for his entire body of work. For the past number of years James has passed on his acquired knowledge as a lecturer in Interior & Design at the Lessius High School in Mechelen (Be).

www.theo.be

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XOXO Hipster, Rock Star and Coquette Bring a Funky Edge To Modern Feminine Eyewear

February 24th, 2012

xoxologoFor the smart, sexy XOXO woman, there is a time for work and a time for play. Hipster, Rock Star and Coquette bring a funky edge to modern feminine eyewear. All three frames are a petite fit for the ultimate feminine look, featuring spring hinges and the latest in jewelry-inspired embellishments.

Hipster
Hipster features handmade double laminate acetate in contrasting colors to make a funky fashion statement. The modified oval eyeshape is fun and fashion-forward, while the laser etching on the exterior temples brings pop to this angular frame. Hipster is available in Black White and Purple Green.

Rock Star
Rock Star is a semi-rimless frame with a metal front and a petite oval eyeshape. Double laminate acetate temples with a pearlized interior create a unique color story. Fashion studs on the exterior temples reflect the growing fashion trend of studs on handbags, shoes and clothing, and bring a rocker edge to this classic look. Rock Star is available in Black and Plum.

Coquette
Coquette features fashionable contrasting acetate color combinations between the front and temples. With a flirty rectangle eyeshape and sleek temples, Coquette is a petite feminine look. Embedded rhinestone embellishments finish the frame with a touch of modern fashion. Coquette is available in Black White and Tort Black.

Purchase the entire collection and receive an XOXO Social Wristlet and an optical counter card.

Visit our website, www.mcgeegroup.com, to view the entire collection. For more information, contact The McGee Group at 800-966-2020 or sales@mcgeegroup.com.

About The McGee Group
The McGee Group markets ophthalmic frames, sunwear, reading glasses and cases to all customer groups throughout North America and many international markets including eye care professionals, distributors, large optical chains, mass merchants, and department stores. Since its inception in 1976, The McGee Group has gained recognition as a forward-thinking company by merging innovative technology with fashion, offering high quality products, superior marketing support and value-added customer service.

The McGee Group currently manufactures and distributes Vera Bradley Eyewear and Sunwear, Orvis Eyewear and Sunwear, XOXO Eyewear and Sunwear, Argyleculture by Russell Simmons Eyewear, Totally Rimless Eyewear, and Ducks Unlimited Eyewear and Sunwear.

www.mcgeegroup.com

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Zyloware Eyewear Will Distribute Inspecs USA NASCAR Optical Collection In The US, Canada and Latin America

February 23rd, 2012

Zyloware Eyewear will handle distribution of Inspecs USA NASCAR Optical collection in the US, Canada and Latin America.

NASCAR Optical is both stylish and robust, targeted towards men ages 20s – 40s. Made with high-quality materials, the collection is a great value in the eyewear market. Drawing inspiration from race cars, the NASCAR Optical collection is comprised of 8 new styles (in 2 colors each) reflecting the history and integrity of the NASCAR brand.

The collection is comprised of 4 full rim and 4 semi-rimless styles featuring metal fronts and anti-slip double injection TR90 temples, providing a minimalist, sporty look with the comfort and flexibility of lightweight engineering. Carbon fiber trim inserts on the temple as well as a laser engraved logo on the outside temple provide sleek and modern detailing and instant brand recognition.

With over 75 million fans, NASCAR is the number one spectator sport in the country. NASCAR boasts the most brand loyal fans in all sport and it is estimated that 1 in 3 US adults are NASCAR fans. With 89% of fans proclaiming, “When I see the NASCAR logo on something, I know it will be a quality product”, NASCAR Optical has a clear position in the market – NASCAR Optical is truly eyewear with drive.

About Inspecs USA
Inspecs USA is the American arm of British-based Inspecs, a design and innovation driven global eyewear company. Inspecs USA designs, manufactures and markets a broad spectrum of products that appeal to a varied customer base, from competitively priced to uniquely tailored private label programs to beautifully crafted branded collections. Inspecs USA has built its award-winning reputation in North America on attention to detail, excellent inventory management and first class service and customer care.

About Zyloware
Since 1923, Zyloware has been a leading American source for eyewear, sunglasses and optical accessories. It is in its third generation of family management and remains an independently owned, family operated business, the oldest family-operated optical company in the industry. Zyloware has provided top quality products and in-house services including design, marketing, quality control and customer service. “We attribute our success to our enduring relationships with customers and suppliers. Our longevity is a result of our success.” Brand portfolio includes: Sophia Loren, Stetson, Stetson Off Road, Natori, Randy Jackson, RJ Dawgs, Daisy Fuentes, Peace.Love.Daisy, Via Spiga, Gloria Vanderbilt, Gloria by Gloria Vanderbilt, and Invincilites.

www.zyloware.com

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UCI Team Discovers How Protein In Teardrops Annihilates Harmful Bacteria

February 22nd, 2012

A disease-fighting protein in our teardrops has been tethered to a tiny transistor, enabling UC Irvine scientists to discover exactly how it destroys dangerous bacteria. The research could prove critical to long-term work aimed at diagnosing cancers and other illnesses in their very early stages.

Ever since Nobel laureate Alexander Fleming found that human tears contain antiseptic proteins called lysozymes about a century ago, scientists have tried to solve the mystery of how they could relentlessly wipe out far larger bacteria. It turns out that lysozymes have jaws that latch on and chomp through rows of cell walls like someone hungrily devouring an ear of corn, according to findings that will be published Jan. 20 in the journal Science.

Professor Gregory Weiss

“Those jaws chew apart the walls of the bacteria that are trying to get into your eyes and infect them,” said molecular biologist and chemistry professor Gregory Weiss, who co-led the project with associate professor of physics & astronomy Philip Collins.

The researchers decoded the protein’s behavior by building one of the world’s smallest transistors – 25 times smaller than similar circuitry in laptop computers or smartphones. Individual lysozymes were glued to the live wire, and their eating activities were monitored.

“Our circuits are molecule-sized microphones,” Collins said. “It’s just like a stethoscope listening to your heart, except we’re listening to a single molecule of protein.”

It took years for the UCI scientists to assemble the transistor and attach single-molecule teardrop proteins. The scientists hope the same novel technology can be used to detect cancerous molecules. It could take a decade to figure out but would be well worth it, said Weiss, who lost his father to lung cancer.

“If we can detect single molecules associated with cancer, then that means we’d be able to detect it very, very early,” Weiss said. “That would be very exciting, because we know that if we treat cancer early, it will be much more successful, patients will be cured much faster, and costs will be much less.”

The project was sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and the National Science Foundation. Co-authors of the Science paper are Yongki Choi, Issa Moody, Patrick Sims, Steven Hunt, Brad Corso and Israel Perez.

About the University of California, Irvine
Founded in 1965, UCI is a top-ranked university dedicated to research, scholarship and community service. Led by Chancellor Michael Drake since 2005, UCI is among the most dynamic campuses in the University of California system, with nearly 28,000 undergraduate and graduate students, 1,100 faculty and 9,000 staff. Orange County’s second-largest employer, UCI contributes an annual economic impact of $4 billion.

www.today.uci.edu

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Report Shows Risk of Blindness Halved Over Last Decade

February 21st, 2012

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most frequent cause of blindness in the Western World. A report from the University of Copenhagen and Glostrup Hospital in Denmark shows the number of new cases of blindness and severe visual loss in Denmark has been halved during the last ten years.

The study published in American Journal of Ophthalmology examined the records of 11,848 new cases of legal blindness. The rate of blindness from AMD fell from 522 cases per million inhabitants aged 50 years or older in 2000, to 257 cases per million in 2010, a reduction by over 50 per cent.

The bulk of the decrease occurred after 2006, following the introduction of new effective treatment for wet AMD, which is characterized by leaking blood vessels having formed under the fovea. The treatment consists of repeated injections into the eye of a medication that inhibits the signalling molecule vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Similar findings in Israel
The observations from Denmark were published together with a corroborating report from Israel that found comparable changes in the incidence of legal blindness in that country. Read the report “Time Trends in the Incidence and Causes of Blindness in Israel”.

Current treatment of wet AMD, also called neovascular AMD, consists of repeated injections into the vitreous, an inner compartment of the eye, of a medication designed to inhibit the action of VEGF. VEGF is a distress signal released from ailing cells of the aging retina. VEGF can cause formation of brittle blood vessels that leak blood and cause scar formation under the fovea. The fovea is central area of the retina where reading vision is located. Wet AMD is a very frequent cause of loss of reading vision.

Michael Larsen

Results show impact on public health
One of the authors behind the Danish study, Michael Larsen, Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the University of Copenhagen, is excited about the results.

“The massive implementation of modern wet AMD therapy has been a challenge. It is therefore very important that we can now show an impact on public health and it is wonderful to see a reduction in severe visual loss. The study did not examine moderate visual loss, but there are undoubtedly also a lot of people who avoided loosing their drivers license and their reading vision,” says Michael Larsen.

A turning point in eye care
The data for the study is provided by Danish Association of the Blind, which membership enrollment during the period of 2000-2010 was charted and categorized by diagnoses.

“The reduction in new cases of blindness is a turning point for eyecare in Denmark. We look forward to seeing further progress in eye research, especially in the hereditary eye diseases that cause blindness in children and young adults,” says Thorkild Olesen, Chairman of the Danish Association of the Blind.

www.ku.dk

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Lanvin Presents First Eyewear Optical Collection From The De Rigo Group

February 20th, 2012

After the recent debut of its 2012 Sunglasses Collection, Lanvin is pleased to present its first eyewear optical collection in partnership with the De Rigo Group, under the creative guidance of the imaginative Alber Elbaz.

Perfectly in line with the Lanvin style, the new exclusive glasses for men and women successfully interpret the tradition of this French Maison, which is given a modern twist with a mixture of both retro and contemporary details.

The models of the Lanvin eyewear collection reveal the brand’s special attention to research into materials and its extreme eye for detail. Horn is the star of the collection, together with gun, bronzed and golden metals featuring a special antique finishing. Jewel details along with screws, nails and small studs are the exclusive features that turn each Lanvin model into a unique and inimitable accessory. The color palette is rich in natural beige and brown nuances, though also ocean blue hues, which embellish even the classic and timeless black and havana with innovative color combinations.

www.derigo.com

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Craftsman Attention and Couture Savoir Faire-Valentino Eyewear 2012

February 17th, 2012

Contrast is an essence of modern life and style is its synthesis. Keeping today’s women in mind, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, the Creative Directors of Valentino, blend delicacy and strength, past and present. The Maison’s proverbial romanticism and spirit have found a new balance: a dimension that is both ethereal and resolute. The launch of the Valentino Eyewear collection in January 2012 reflects this plan to create a system of strong elements that convey a message. As always, craftsman attention and couture savoir faire are prominent aspects. Aesthetics and technique go hand in hand, because innovation cannot exist without acknowledgement of the past.

Vintage shapes, distinctive silhouettes, and striking contrasts characterize the Valentino Eyewear S/S 12 collection. It features iconic elements of Valentino style interpreted by Chiuri and Piccioli: lace, precise yet feminine lines, and studs. Lace subtly appears on transparent acetate, shadow-like with a hint of color. Metal studs and inserts accent the shape of the lens. The striking, iconic Valentino “V” becomes a functional element or distinctive detail. Frames are oversized, with curvy silhouettes or sharp architectural shapes. A sublime expression of design and craftsmanship, the collection offers endless possibilities.

Model: V611S
Design and decoration are combined in an unusual way in this vintage-style model that is the quintessence of femininity. Lace hidden on the bridge and temples by shadowed nuances create saturated yet delicate color. This model is available in grey, brown, and burgundy.

Model: V606S
Tiny lustrous studs are rhythmically arranged along the top of the frame to accent this oversized square model. The iconic “V” on the temple is a functional hinge that is also accompanied by the logo.

Model: V102S
The distinctive shape of this small design gem is accentuated by contrasting materials. Shiny studs travel along the front of the shield with injected sides. The narrow metal temples have metal V end tip engraved with a metal “V” end tip. This model is available in black and in the combinations of black/grey, havana/brown, and havana/gold.

Model: V603S
A fine line of chromed metal travels along the top of this injected frame with oversized round lenses and forms the iconic “V” on the bridge. Available in black, gold havana, dark havana, ivory havana, and red, this model features a subtle contrast between curved lines and sharp angles.

www.marchon.com

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