‘Sunglasses’
Augen’s innovative eyewear, pictured here, was developed for a nonprofit children’s program in Mexico by Augen and fuseproject, a product design firm in San Francisco. It won the largest and most prestigious product design award, the international Index: Award, on Sept. 1 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The Index: Award is conferred for design that vastly improves the lives of people all over the world.
(Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology. By Andrew Karp.)
Index received nearly 1,000 design nominations from 78 countries for the 2011 competition. The award panel chose 60 design finalists, from which the five top winners were selected. The eyeglasses developed by Augen Optics and fuseproject for the Ver Bien Para Aprender Mejor program—or See Better to Learn Better—won the top award in the Body category, which recognizes significant enhancements to the physical challenges of daily living.
The durable split-construction eyeglass frames, called Vigeo, were developed in conjunction with Yves Béhar of fuseproject and are specifically designed for students ages six to 18 years old.
Additionally, Adlens and Vision for a Nation won a place in the Index: Awards global exhibition tour which will visit 12 countries around the world and be exhibited in prestigious public spaces. The exhibition materials will be available to schools globally, as part of Index’s commitment to educating the world’s children about the benefits of design to improve life.
GUNNAR OPTIKS TEAMS WITH LG ELECTRONICS TO CO-PROMOTE 3D EYEWEAR
Gunnar Optiks has formed an alliance with LG Electronics to co-promote Gunnar’s premium 3D eyewear to consumers who have purchased LG Cinema 3D HDTVs. The cooperation represents the first time that optical equipment used by professionals in the entertainment industry will be available to consumers for use with 3D TVs, according to Gunnar Optiks. Joint promotional initiatives, primarily encompassing digital marketing elements, will be executed in the U.S. to position Gunnar’s 3D eyewear as a premium accessory for LG Cinema 3D customers.
Originally introduced in January 2010, Gunnar’s 3D lens is RealD-certified for use in theaters.
“Achieving the highest laboratory-tested light transmission and highest measured optical resolution, our 3D eyewear has provided both professionals and consumers an optimal visual experience in theaters,” says Rob Aarnes, president at Gunnar Optiks. “Together with LG’s experience in 3D TV technology, this unique combination of innovation is now available in the home for consumers around the globe. We’re pleased to align our efforts to reinforce our belief that the future of 3D lies with LG’s passive Cinema 3D technology.”

(Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology.)
Lollapalooza, a music festival held in Chicago’s Grant Park, is famous for the diverse mix of prominent and emerging bands and artists gracing its stage each year. This year’s lineup included Eminem, Foo Fighters, Coldplay and My Morning Jacket. Ogi Eyewear had the right idea teaming up with Chicago sunwear store, Lumier, to bring some of the hottest trends in sunwear to the world’s leading musos. Following their performances, many artists headed over to the backstage boutique, where Ogi showed off styles from Ogi Eyewear and Seraphin. “Ogi, I’d love that.” All wishes granted.
SunScreams: Return with 20/20 for a second shine in Hawaii where it must be noted that sunwear is NO substitute for... proper SUN screening. And sport sunglasses continue providing minimal statements on maximal faces. When in doubt go for a simple aviator or even better, a sleek pilot frame. Also noted: the Gracious-Kelly is great with bangs and the Ray-Ban Wayfarer with complete class.
(Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology. By James J. Spina.)
There’s nowhere to hide from the sun in the desert... which makes it the perfect destination for a high fashion photo shoot featuring the latest trends in sunwear. For the second time, Marchon Eyewear collaborated with Vogue Italia to create “Desert Sun,” a special editorial spread showcasing the latest designer eyewear from Marchon. Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, directed each photograph in the presentation. Acclaimed for her artistic direction, Sozzani paired sunglass styles from Fendi, Emilio Pucci, Jil Sander, Diane von Furstenberg, Karl Lagerfeld, Lacoste, Michael Kors, Nike and ck3D with each brand’s signature styling.
(Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology. By Christine Yeh.)
Shot on location in scenic and increasingly trendy Palm Desert, Calif., the spread is a fashion feast for the eyes—and it’s no mirage. The jet-set styling and lush imagery conjured by the desert backdrop leave us thirsting to be in the sun. Strand us any day in this desert… just give us stunning sunwear to shield us from the desert sun and admiring stares.

THE SUNNY SIDE
Clearly there’s still sizzle in the sunglass business, which is reflected in a variety of statistics. Consumers appear to be more knowledgeable about sunwear products than they were in the past with 62 percent of the respondents saying their customers/patients are better informed about sunwear products than they were five years ago. The advantage of better educated customers is they are often willing to purchase premium products that have increased functional benefits.
For example, premium lens materials are increasingly contributing significantly to the bottom line. Findings for the 2010 survey indicate polycarbonate and standard (CR39) plastic lenses account for nearly equal shares of Rx sun sales (polycarbonate comprises 40 percent of Rx sun lenses dispensed by survey participants and plastic, for 41 percent). High-index plastic represents an additional 15 percent. Five years ago, in 2006, standard plastic was the clear winner, accounting for 54 percent of Rx sun lens sales and polycarbonate, only 32 percent. With plano sunwear sales, too, polycarbonate lenses continue to make gains, comprising 42 percent of plano lenses dispensed in 2010, up from 35 percent in 2006.
Customized Rx sun lens programs also contribute positively to market share. Of those surveyed, 47 percent say they participate in prescription programs offered by name-brand sunwear/sport glasses companies. These programs duplicate proprietary performance-oriented features in prescription lenses.
The performance factor brings up another aspect that has been beneficial to the sun business. The past several years have witnessed a definite merging between fashion-oriented and sport-oriented sunglasses. Fashion sunglasses, although designed for street and urban wear, often are available with a variety of performance features including polarization and grippable, rubberized bridges and temple tips. And manufacturers are dressing up sport glasses with hot colors and contemporary shapes without sacrificing performance. In fact, half of the survey respondents feel the lines between fashion and sport sunwear are blurring; 57 percent believe this is helping the sales of Rx and plano sunglasses. Only 7 percent feel the merging is hurting their sunwear sales. Actually the blending of the two categories should be beneficial to both sunglass and sport glasses sales. Those individuals—frequently women reluctant to wear sport glasses because in the past they often seemed bulky and unattractive—now have many fashionable options available. Performance features, on the other hand, appeal to those who may not be athletes, but think of themselves as having an active lifestyle.
Still another factor pointing toward positive news for the sunglass business is, on the average, participants say Rx sunglasses accounted for the majority (57 percent) of total retail sunwear only dollar sales in 2010, significant because Rx product commands the highest price points in the sunwear category. Also those polled report 43 percent of their patients requested the plano sunwear they purchased be fitted with Rx sun lenses.


Attendees received two ABO education credits, as well as professional vouchers to try Transitions XTRActive and NuPolar Trilogy lenses for free. At each event, ECPs had a chance to win a popular prize, such as an Amazon Kindle, no purchase necessary. At the Utica, Mich. seminar on November 3, Gayanna Gonzalez, Baldwin Eye Care in Lake Orion, Mich., was presented with a Kindle by Herb Fletcher, regional lens consultant for Younger Optics, and Erin Zonta, NuPolar marketing manager for Younger Optics.
Scandinavian Eyewear reintroduces its Birka line to the U.S. Market. Included are 25 new styles for men and women, each offered in one size and two colors. The focus is on clean, wearable shapes accented with textured and patterned temples in contrasting shades and such design details as open outer eye rims. Frames are made of titanium, stainless steel and acetate. Colors range from rich shades of blacks and browns to reds and purples in matte and shiny finishes, often paired with silver or gold temples. Many styles are suitable for progressive lenses.
(Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology.)
Photographed by Matt Lambros/Black Box Studios
PHILOSOPHY:
“The collection, which is VSP approved, is perfect for current economic conditions, catering to a younger, price-conscious consumer base,” says Nils Fredriksson, Scandinavian Eyewear sales manager North America.
INSIGHT
Scandinavian Eyewear is a Swedish company that has been making eyewear since 1948. With its classic Skaga brand, the company has made its mark on Scandinavian eyewear, offering simple, but elegant design solutions with an emphasis on quality, function and attention to detail.
In 1880, in the heart of France’s Jura region, Jules Morel created his first eyewear line. Now the Marius Morel 1880 collection has been reworked and is reintroducing the elegance of those first designs. Twenty-six styles are currently available, redefining the concept of modern retro chic. Included are acetates, metals and acetate/metal combinations in such shapes as pantos, cat eyes, butterflies, clubmen, rectangles and ovals. Some designs are rimless. Colors consist of tortoise, amber, black/crystal, purple/brown and brushed steel. (Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology.)
Photographed by Matt Lambros/Black Box Studios
PHILOSOPHY:
“Faithful to the spirit of the 1880 Collection, the new releases offer ECPs the opportunity to rediscover the elegance of those very first designs: authentic products subtly modernized through the interplay of size and detail and, of course, the use of today’s technologies,” says Amelie Morel-Martin. INSIGHT Four generations of the Morel family have followed in the footsteps of Jules Morel, evolving and managing both technological and creative changes. In 1993, the company founded its U.S. branch and experienced new international growth. In 1997, Morel created its first brand, Öga, a refined line with Scandinavian design inspiration. Today, the fourth generation of Morels—Jérome, Francis and Amélie—manage the company.










