Eyeglasses.com Blog

Articles for May, 2010

Walman Tees Off With Callaway Walman Optical has entered into a license agreement with the Callaway Golf Company to promote the Callaway Sunwear collection featuring the technologically advanced Neox Transitions SolFX outdoor lenses. Under the terms of the agreement, Walman will develop and distribute Callaway branded sunwear and ophthalmic fashion frame collections. In addition, Walman Optical has exclusive marketing, sales and distribution rights to the Neox Transitions SolFX lens (Link: Golf Sunglasses). “The Callaway brand will be a cornerstone collection, allowing us to expand our premium branded frame offerings in the future,” says Marty Bassett, president and CEO of Walman Optical, which is based in Minneapolis. The combination of our proven success in digital free-form lens processing and the cutting edge Neox Transitions SolFX technology provides us with an outstanding product for the active outdoor consumer segment.” Walman Optical plans to launch the Callaway sunwear line and the Neox Transitions SolFX lenses simultaneously in April 2010. The Callaway branded men’s ophthalmic frame collection is slated for a May 2010 introduction. Both lines will be distributed exclusively by Walman Optical’s Imagewear, Walman Ophthalmic and Soderberg Ophthalmic divisions. Transitions And Vidaysalud.Com Unveil New Salud Visual Channel Transitions Optical, Inc. is partnering with Aliza Lifshitz, MD, through VidaySalud.com to reach Spanish-speaking consumers about the importance of protecting and preserving their sight, and the sight of their families. Representatives from Transitions Optical joined Dr. Aliza at Milagro Charter School in Los Angeles in February to unveil the Salud Visual channel, the first online channel in Spanish written for U.S. Hispanic audiences. Hosted on www.vidaysalud.com, the new channel provides eye health information from a medial, yet user-friendly point-of-view and will include information relevant for adults and children. “There’s no question that healthy vision is instrumental in a child’s learning and developing process,” says Manuel Solis, multicultural marketing manager, Transitions. “The new Salud Visual channel educates Hispanic parents about the important role vision plays in a child’s life—in the language they feel comfortable with most—and encourages them to set up regular eye exams for their children.” The Salud Visual channel will be updated regularly with new articles and will also feature a number of animated videos, developed by Transitions Optical, to reach younger viewers and their parents about eye health topics in a creative, appealing way. Eyecare professionals can also link to the channel on vidaysalud.com as an added resource for their Spanish-speaking patients. While at Milagro Charter School, Transitions representatives also reinforced to students how important healthy vision is to learning and reading, donating more than 150 Spanish and bilingual books to the school’s library on behalf of the company. SoCal Practices Score with Zeiss Individual and Transitions Five practices enjoyed a private tailgate party and a San Diego Chargers game at Qualcomm Stadium as winners of the “Charge into the Revolution” promotion from Carl Zeiss Vision, Perfect Optics and Transitions. “Charge into the Revolution” gave Perfect Optics customers the opportunity to earn points for every pair of Zeiss Individual progressive and Zeiss Individual single vision lenses. Practices could score a “touchdown” by dispensing a pair of Zeiss Individual progressives with PureCoat by Zeiss AR, an “extra point” by adding Transitions, and a “field goal” for dispensing a pair of Zeiss Individual single vision lenses with PureCoat by Zeiss and Transitions. The five practices with the most points at the end of the promotion period received four tickets for the tailgate party and the game. “Because Zeiss Individual lenses are precisely personalized, we wanted to give our top Individual users a personalized experience,” says Adam Winkelman, partner and co-founder of Perfect Optics. “That’s why we gave them a private tailgate party and sported the personalized Chargers jerseys. And we’re very pleased with the growth we have seen in Zeiss customized lenses and Transitions during the promotion period.” The winning practices were: Barry Mozlin OD, Richard Skay, OD, Point Loma Optometry, Mira Mesa Optometry, Tony Pham, OD and Greider and Associates. WOS Releases Redesigned 2010 Catalog Western Optical Supply (WOS) has redesigned its 2010 catalog to provide more “how to” information about its extensive line of unique dispensing hand tools and accessories. Over 35 new tools included in the expanded line up, including many pliers that are available with a foam grip or enhanced steel grip in addition to the traditional vinyl. For more information or to request a catalogue, contact WOS at www.westernoptical.com or contact your WOS distributor. ­

TRUSSARDI SIGNS WITH CHARMANT» Charmant Group and Italian fashion-brand Trussardi have signed a licensing agreement for Charmant to produce and distribute Trussardi ophthalmic frames and sunglasses, starting Spring/Summer 2011 (Link: Charmant Eyewear). Beginning as a glove producer specializing in leather goods, Trussardi has a nearly 100-year history in luxury clothing and accessories for men and women. REVOLUTION LAUNCHES AFFLICTION» Revolution Eyewear (Link: Revolution Eyewear) introduces Affliction Eyewear (pictured). Affliction apparel is a premiere brand of mixed martial arts-inspired lifestyles. The inspiration for the eyewear is centered on developing a line that creatively complements the aggressive nature embodied by the live-fast lifestyle of Affliction apparel. Affliction Sunglasses feature elaborately designed temples that use metal, Swarovski crystals and materials such as wood in addition to zyl and monel. LIPSTICK FOR REM» Rem Eyewear introduces Lipstick Eyewear (pictured), a house brand targeted to women 18 to 45, who wear the latest trends with their own stylish twist. Included are seven metals and three acetates offered in vibrant colors and striking patterns. WALMAN INKS AGREEMENT WITH CALLAWAY GOLF»Walman Optical has entered into a licensing agreement with the Callaway Golf Company to promote the Callaway Sunwear collection, which features the technologically advanced Neox Transitions SolFX outdoor lenses. Under the terms of the agreement, Walman will develop and distribute Callaway branded sunwear and ophthalmic fashion frames. Additionally, Walman Optical has exclusive marketing, sales and distribution rights to the Neox Transitions SolFX lens. Callaway Sunwear and the Neox Transitions SolFX lenses are launching simultaneously this month. The Callaway branded men’s ophthalmic frame collection is slated for May 2010. Both lines will be distributed exclusively by Walman Optical’s Imagewear, Walman Ophthalmic and Soderberg Ophthalmic divisions. MARCOLIN AND KENNETH COLE RENEW LICENSE» Marcolin Group and Kenneth Cole Productions announce the advanced renewal of their licensing agreement for the production and distribution of ophthalmic frames and sunglasses under the Kenneth Cole New York and Kenneth Cole Reaction labels through 2014 (Link: Kenneth Cole Eyewear). MONDOTTICA IN AGREEMENT WITH CHRISTIAN LACROIX» World-renowned fashion house Christian Lacroix has entered into an exclusive, multi-year, international agreement with Mondottica International. The license covers all markets and includes both women’s and men’s sunglasses and ophthalmic frames. TREVICOLISEUM TO DISTRIBUTE NATIONAL LENS»TreviColiseum of Italy has entered into a North American agreement with National Lens for the distribution of TreviColiseum Eyewear. Included are three collections: Cotton Club (pictured), Clark and Coliseum. Targeted to men and women, the frames are made of acetate and titanium and feature wood trim. SEEQA TO DISTRIBUTE RED EYEWEAR» Montreal, Canada-based Seeqa International is now the North American distributor of Red Eyewear (pictured), a Dutch label that produces funky and distinctive children’s frames. Included are styles made from both acetate and metal that are characterized by fresh colors and innovative designs. ENGLISH LAUNDRY EXPANDS INTO EYEWEAR» Known for its classic English rocker look, the Los Angeles-based English Laundry adds a 24-piece eyewear collection, paying homage to classic styles of the 1950s and 1960s. Created by Christopher Wicks, owner and designer of English Laundry, each frame is available in two to three colors and is hand tooled. � -Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing. By Gloria Nicola.

South by SouthWest just keeps growing. One would be hard pressed to find a more important stance for a social festivity meeting the needs of a nation, a world and message saying music is the common language of the heart and soul. So stated it’s nice to note this ongoing gathering in 20/20 by observing the now annual success of The Carrera Cafe at this year’s SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas. The festival this year was highlighted by a timely tribute to the recently deceased Alex Chilton of Box Tops fame and Big Star infamy. Below are some nice celebrity designer eyeglasses. 


Big Star’s Jody Stephens and Andy Hummel, aided by Jon Auer, and Ken Stringfellow organized an all-star tribute to Chilton. Show highlights included performances of classic Big Star songs by Evan Dando and a particualrly rousing performance of September Gurls by Susan Cowsill and the Watson Twins with Hummel on guitar. 

Carrera hosted its ongoing Escape serving as the ultimate oasis for musical artists, VIPS and media at the newly renovated Cedar Door. Estelle, Macy Gray, “Entourage” actor Adrien Grenier AKA Honey DuContra with his band the Honey Brothers, celebrity DJ Steve Aoki, and various up-and-coming musical artists all stopped by to share some insight on why Austin might easily be the vibe center of the music universe. 

Featuring an array of services ranging from massages and hairstyling to a live tattoo parlor, the 2,000-square-foot outdoor retreat served as a centralized hub where press had the opportunity to meet and interview artists and celebrities, and where all festival VIPs could unwind. The venue also featured live music by notable DJs and various music artists who stopped by to perform exclusive acoustic sets. 

Launched in 2009, The Carrera Escape began in New York as an answer to a much-needed urban retreat. It continues to refine the idea of a “stay-cation” and has evolved into a special getaway for celebrities and tastemakers.  In addition to this stint in Austin, the Escape will visit five major cities this summer: New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Miami.     

 

Sun’s Anatomy» Katherine Heigl (1), late of “Grey’s Anatomy,” wearing Ferragamo style FE 2165 from Luxottica... Get on Board» Actor Kurt Russell (2) in Karavan 5357/5424 from Europtik… Award Winner» Academy-award winning actress,Meryl Streep (4) in DVF 1000 from Diane von Furstenberg’s debut ophthalmic collection from Marchon. Streep, who was nominated for an Academy Award this year for her role in “Julie & Julia,” holds the record for the most Oscar nominations—16—however, she’s only won twice, that last win coming in 1983. She’s also won seven Golden Globe Awards... Glorious Eyewear» Actress Diane Kruger (5), who appeared in the Oscar-nominated film “Inglourious Basterds,” wears Jason Wu Seberg sunglasses… Ambassador» Angelina Jolie (6), with her ever-present brood in tow, sporting Ferragamo style FE 2166 from Luxottica… G.Eye» Korean actor Byung-Hun Lee (7) inPhillip Lim Lance. Lee appeared in last summer’s blockbuster movie “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” and is set to appear in the sequel… Icy Eyes» Love him or hate him, you can’t help but notice figure skater Johnny Weir (8). The three-time U.S. National champ wears Karl Lagerfeld681S-001 from Marchon. Weir, who competed in the winter Olympics in Vancouver, was recently seen on the reality TV show “Johnny Be Good,” which aired on the Sundance channel… Simply the Best» Actress Eve Best (9), who plays the fashionable Dr. O’ Hara on the hit Showtime series “Nurse Jackie,” wears Gucci sunglasses GG3017S. The shades received a lot of screen time this season, but unfortunately, because of the long lead times it takes to produce the shows the glasses are no longer in the line. However, Best is a fan of Sàfilo brands having worn the Dior Cherry Tree and Jimmy Choo JJ sunglasses during last season.

Grin and Bear It: When you are a mile high, sun and snow get the chance to mix it up royally so that’s just what Big Bear native Christie Walker captured here for a sunwear/funwear ranging from loudly logoed temples to just the white choices when it comes to slope-chic. Are we out-of-season? Never. In fact, we’ve got more pigtails, so to seek, next month. It's great to see special people wearing interesting eyeglasses frames.   

MONDOTTICA SIGNS WITH ANNA SUI » Mondottica signed an agreement with fashion designer Anna Sui for an eyewear line, which will consist of 14 ophthalmic frames and 15 sunglasses and be available to the market in 2010. The eyewear will incorporate the same fanciful details that have defined the Anna Sui brand since its beginning. 

SIGNATURE RENEWS CUTTER & BUCK » Signature Eyewear has renewed its Cutter & Buck Eyewear license, originally signed in 2006, through December 2011 to design, manufacture and distribute the brand’s ophthalmic and sunglass collections globally. 

KATE SPADE ADDS PETITES »  Sàfilo USA introduces two petite ophthalmic styles (pictured) to its Kate Spade collection (Dani, semi-rimless; and Rennie, fully rimmed). These styles were designed to fill a niche in the market for petite women in need of progressive lenses. Eye sizes are 45mm and 46mm, both with a B measurement. 

ORANGE 21 IN LICENSING AGREEMENT WITH O’NEILL » Orange 21, owner of the Spy Optic brand of sunglasses and goggles, has signed a global licensing agreement with O’Neill for the design, development, marketing and sale of a line of O’Neill branded sunglasses and snow goggles expected to launch in March. O’Neill, founded in 1952, is one of the original California surf, snow and lifestyle brands. 

ITALIA INDEPENDENT PARTNERS WITH ALFA ROMEO »  Italia Independent, the style project brand founded by Lapo Elkann, signs an agreement with Alfa Romeo for the design, production and distribution of eyewear to celebrate the Alfa Romeo centenary. The Alfa Romeo Centenary Edition is a limited edition collection consisting of three designer eyeglasses, which will be available in March.                                    

 

Under a worldwide licensing agreement, Gripping Eyewear Inc. (GEI) launches the first Paris Hilton Sunglass collection. Included are 12 styles that reflect the many factors of Paris—from Red Carpet glamour to classic sophistication to casual and playful everyday wear. Each style is available in three to four colors coordinated with patented lens wraps and magnetic visor clips. All of the sunglasses feature magnets on the temples with iconic references to Paris. The magnets allow the glasses to be secured to almost any metal surface, including the visor clips and displays. PHILOSOPHY: “It’s no secret I adore sunglasses and I’m incredibly excited to finally have a collection of my own,” says Paris Hilton. Jimmy Jongeblood, president and CEO of GEI, adds: “Paris personally worked with our designers on each concept and closely directed the look of the designer sunglasses. She prides herself on knowing her fan base and wants to meet their every expectation. This brand represents beauty, elegance and an exquisite fashion sense—the sunglass collection embraces these values with the quality, technology and production expertise of GEI.” MARKETING: Merchandising materials include visor clips, sunglass lens wraps, made of high-fashion fabrics that only wrap the lenses (various options are available), patented sunglass stands, in-store displays, two- and four- piece leather gift boxes, posters and countercards. PRICE POINT: $$ to $$$. For additional information, contact Gripping Eyewear, (800) 400-0166; web site:www.grippingeyewear.com INSIGHT Paris Hilton is an American socialite, heiress, media personality, model, singer, author, fashion designer and actress, who enjoys iconic celebrity status around the world. —Article reprinted from 20/20 Magazine with permission from Jobson Pubishing.�

Adidas Eyewear presents Ambition, its new, sport-inspired ophthalmic collection, available from Silhouette Optical. Addressing the active individual and incorporating high-end materials and innovative technologies, Ambition delivers the style, durability and comfort consumers have come to appreciate from Adidas Eyewear’s sport-performance sun styles. Included are four SPX full-rim frames and two nylor styles made of Performance Steel and SPX. All models feature the new Hybrid Memory Hinge, which adapts to the wearer’s head size without pressure and is designed to always return to its desired position. Temples are made of Performance Steel wrapped in an integrated cover of SPX and Traction-Grip. Temples can be adjusted and the tips can be hand contoured to fit as paddle temples or bent behind the ears. The SPX styles also incorporate adjustable Ergo-Grip Nose pads. � PHILOSOPHY: “Ambition brings the benefits of true sport-performance features to the ophthalmic sector and offers the look, convenience and reliability that will quickly make this collection essential to the lifestyles of sport enthusiasts,” says Rocky Fresh, Adidas Eyewear USA brand manager. Jeff Ravreby, U.S. Optical Division manager for Adidas Eyewear, adds, “Having this ophthalmic collection is a must for any optical practice serious about serving its sport-minded clientele.” MARKETING: Merchandising materials include a 12-place rotating display, window displays, posters and image cards, all featuring athletes in the black-and-white Adidas motif. PRICE POINT: $$$ to $$$$. For additional information, contact Silhouette Optical, (800) 223-0180; web site:www.silhouette.com or www.adidas.com/eyewear INSIGHT Ambition offers both five-base and eight-base lens designs. The eight-base styles, taking their direction from performance sunglasses, speak to the sport-minded consumer, offering a dynamic shape and maximum field of vision, which allows individuals to express their sporting lifestyles both on and off the field. -Article Rewritten from 20/20 magazine with permission from Jobson Publishing

Revo is headed to the mountain top. The performance eyewear maker was a supporting partner and exclusive eyewear provider for last month’s philanthropic expedition, Summit on the Summit: Kilimanjaro. 

Grammy-nominated musician, Kenna (top right), masterminded the expedition, which was an ascent of Tanzania’s highest peak to raise awareness of the clean water crisis that affects more than one-billion people worldwide. The expedition raised funds for the Children’s Safe Drinking Water Program, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Water For People’s PlayPumps Technology. 

Kenna’s approach to driving social and environmental change inspired many of his influential friends to join the 19,340-foot climb including actress Jessica Biel, hip hop artist Lupe Fiasco(right), actor Emile Hirsch, musician Santigold, Ambassador for Water Keeper Alliance Kick Kennedy and Revo Ambassadors Alexandra Cousteau and Jimmy Chin (top left). 

 
Group photo © Michael Muller; Kenna © Jimmy Chin; large image of climbers and Lupe Fiasco © Nick Pacelli. 

“I have always believed that a single individual with passion and vision can have a tremendous impact on the world,” says acclaimed mountaineer, photographer and environmental activist Jimmy Chin. “When Kenna explained what he was trying to do, I knew he was going to make something great happen.” The team reached the summit after six intense days of enduring weather conditions ranging from snow to hail to rain, as well as dealing with the effects of altitude sickness. 

In keeping with the spirit of the expedition, beginning last month and concluding March 22, World Water Day, Sunglass Hut will donate 15 percent of proceeds from online sales of Revo Abyss and Belay designer eyeglasses to Summit on the Summit: Kilimanjaro beneficiaries.    

 —Article rewritten from 20/20 magazine with permission from Jobson Publishing. By Jackie Micucci