Wilton, Conn. – Januar, 2012. New York fashion house Nicole Miller and L’AMY America are pleased to announce the signing of a global agreement for the design and distribution of ophthalmic, sunwear and readers for Nicole Miller, Nicole by Nicole Miller and Nicole Miller New York brands. “I have always been attracted to L’Amy’s quality and reputation,” says Nicole. “Their attention to detail is incredible, as is their ability to captures a brand’s ethos. I can’t wait to share my new eyewear with my customers.” Nicole Miller is a fashion designer with a modern, ageless aesthetic. Her silhouettes are artfully draped to achieve a unique body consciousness. Her signature is feminine, sexy and refined. Miller draws inspiration from a wide range of influences including cinema, contemporary art, mid‐century architecture and exotic cultures. She is known for elements of whimsy and surprise, and is the preeminent new york‐based designer among global fashion’s print and colour elite. The eyewear collection will be launched with 34 styles of ophthalmic and sunglasses and will be previewed at the International Optics show (MIDO) in Milan and the International Vision Expo...

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. 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...

Hauppauge, NY – January 2012 – Eyewear industry leader, ClearVision Optical expands its Marc Ecko Cut & Sew eyewear brand with 5 new, trend-setting designs. The new optical looks enhance the collection targeted to the 20-40 “ME guy” who is young in spirit, masculine, and pays meticulous attention to detail.   Bold in shape and modern in design, the 2012 Cut & Sew Eyewear releases are stylish with an edge incorporating industrial and architectural references that continue to give the collection a sexy, stealth and authentic feel. Maturing its design direction, ClearVision introduces intricate new textures, expressive patterns and interesting materials to intensify each highly-wearable style.  The stylized components include:  “geek chic” embellishments with a slick, modern edge; knurled metals for distinction; and innovative patterns, including Windsor rim wraps for a contemporary look with a vintage vibe. In addition, the 2012 collection introduces its “new black” – a carbon fiber pattern that’s high end and on trend with many high-end fashion houses. Marc Ecko Cut & Sew continues to be one of the most stylish men’s eyewear collections available....

Columbia’s Eliminator Sunglass collection introduces 10 new performance models for Spring 2012. All models feature Columbia’s Eliminator polarized lens technology and are made of, or partially made of, Hyperlite 90™ (H90), Columbia’s proprietary injection-molded propionate, which is lighter in weight than most traditional Grilamid/TR90 -type materials. “Two of our new 10-model offering, Padre and Seneca are combination stainless steel doublebar designs with bi-injected rubberized, H90 temples,” said Worldwide Business Unit Manager, Connie Reiss. “We’ve taken traditional classic aviator/navigator styling and combined it with high-performance, sport functioning temples. The dual colorations provide an interesting pop of color, yet aren’t too aggressive as to offend more conservative tastes. It’s tradition with a twist,” said Reiss. “But most importantly, unlike a traditional full-metal aviator or navigator, which can be heavy on the face, our H90 temples provide a super-soft touch against the skin and are very lightweight for long-wearing comfort.” Columbia Sportswear’s product development heritage dictates function first. All Columbia products, eyewear included,...

  ROMCO by the Dolabany Eyewear Collection in Mahogany Smoke A Best Image Optical eyewear designer had this to say about designing the frame: Concept “The idea behind the ‘Romco’ frame was to create a unisex bold frame that will enhance both casual and professional styles. Its shields and thick bridge were incorporated in its design to give it some vintage flare.” Colors “The gradient color goal was mahogany red and grey. The color combination reminded me of the fall season in Central Park, New York. How the autumn foliage can reach a dark red color tone is beyond me. The acetate was carefully chosen to reach a beautiful color combination between a worn type mahogany wood panels and the smoke gradient color of one of my favorite animals, the Gray wolf.” Shape “Romco’s shape is a basic block frame. This is my favorite shape when I ‘m focusing on gradient color tones because I can easily transition the colors. Plus, I’m a big fan of big vintage frames.” For more information on the Dolabany Eyewear Collection visit bestimageoptical.com or read more from Best Image Optical’s (eye)’m inspired blog.  

DENVER, CO – Rudy Project North America, the undisputed leader in prescription sports eyewear, has announced a complete overhaul of its Authentic Sun Rx program for 2012. The new program dubbed, “Making Rx Sports Easy” features Rudy Project’s first ever product catalog for eye care professionals, dedicated solely to prescription sports eyewear, as well as a consumer Rx catalog that explains the features and benefits of Rudy Project’s Rx sports line. “We are a consumer focused company and our customers requested that we simplify our program,” remarked Brad Shapiro, Co-Founder and Principal of Rudy Project North America.  The Rx Catalog covers everything from A to Z with regard to the Rudy Rx program, including details on how to select the right lens for your patients, special considerations for dispensing 8 base interchangeable Rx lenses, prescription compensation, how to file a VSP claim for Rudy prescription eyewear, a new simplified and condensed price list, and much more. According to Shapiro, “a unique aspect of Rudy Project’s Rx program is that it offers a sport Rx option for every patient, regardless of budget – from two free-form lens designs to Rx clips...

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. 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...

Miami, FL., January, 2012 – Best Image Optical has reserved exhibition space at Vision Expo East during March 23-25, 2012 at Booth #848 in Javits Center, New York, New York. At Vision Expo East, Best Image will light up their booth to display their latest collections, including their new 2012 spring collection. This year’s booth theme is a, ‘Lighted Retro New York Style living space’. To stay up to date with the latest Best Image/Vision Expo developments, look out for Best Image’s ‘Retro Subway’ ads found online and in print in the coming weeks. Best Image Optical has also partnered with C&E Vision’s ‘Soaring to Great Sights Sweepstakes” where attendees can collect vouchers at Best Image’s booth (#812) for a guaranteed prize. More information on this sweepstake here:  www.playatcev.com. To promote Best Image’s VEE attendance, Best Image Optical will launch the following promotional materials in the month of February: “Eye Candy” themed Spring/Summer Collection Retrovision Videos Show/Booth Giveaways The Vision Expo Show Special are: Show Special #1: Purchase 18 frames from one or in combination of any our three collections (Dolabay, Mario Galbatti,...

Marietta, GA (January 2012) – For 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 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 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 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...

Port Chester, NY – 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...

Miami, FL., January, 2012 – Best Image Optical is introducing the (eye)’m inspired campaign. This campaign will run exclusively online and will showcase the artful thought process behind designing a frame. The (eye)’m inspired blog series will give the reader an inside look of the inspiration behind a frame shape or color. Marketing Manager, Carlos A. Zamora has this to say, “We take pride in the art behind the design and through the (eye)’m inspired campaign we can showcase it. The inside look behind the frame will reflect the designer’s feelings, memories, and reflection just like a painter, sculptor, or architect.” All detailed description of the inspiration will be featured in Best Image’s corporate blog (http://bestimageoptical.com/blog/) every two weeks and a shortened description will be featured through Best Image’s social media reach found on: Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube and Google +.  An (eye)’m inspired video series will debut later this year. About Best Image Optical: Best Image Optical is a seasoned design house and producer of eyewear. Our three collections (Dolabany, Mario Galbatti, and Plume Paris) delivers distinctive design and beyond...

Contrast is an essence of modern life and style is its synthesis. Keeping today’s women in mind, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccccioli, 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 Piccccioli: 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...

  Sir Elton John wearing hand-made eyewear by Alain Mikli to the Golden Globes. Product Information: Style: AL0721 Material: Cellulose Acetate Available at Alain Mikli boutiques Beverly Hills, New Jersey, New York and San Francisco Mikli.com

“Space disco” is the design theme for the spring/summer Skaga collection. Our creative design team has looked to the skies for inspiration for yet another collection from Skaga with a completely unique style. The winter street has been sprinkled with sidepieces and corners, the feeling of minerals can again be found in the way the acetate has been worked, and glitterball mirrors are reflected in the faceting on two men’s styles. Together with galaxies and meteorites they reappear in our theme and can be seen in our unique interpretation of Skaga’s new styles. Glimmering skies in in the macrocosmos, and crystal formation on a molecular level have been our inspiration for nearly 18 months, from the first line we drew for our spring/summer collection. “Space disco” is the result of sound design and product development work, where an instinct for fashion has been brought together with skilled craftsmanship to create an exciting and colourful collection. Skaga 3835 DISA. A generous titanium front in a rectangular shape. The acetate sidepieces have a geometric pattern milled in facets. The different layers of colours come out in matt and gloss creating a play on light and colour. Colours:...

Inspired by the beauty of the Kanawha river in West Virginia, the Orvis Kanawha collection features styles perfect for the man who respects superior quality. Sawback, Columbia and Olympic feature spring hinges for additional flexibility and comfort, as well as masculine design elements that will fit an outdoor lifestyle. Sawback is a semi-rimless frame with a rectangular eyeshape and adjustable nosepads. The frame is pure titanium and features a masculine temple pattern inspired by Orvis fishing rods. Sawback is available in Brown and Gunmetal.   Columbia is a full-rim metal acetate combination frame. The modified rectangle eyeshape and thick high bridge give the frame a modern look. The metal front contrasts with matte finished acetate temples, featuring a carbon fiber inlay. Columbia is available in Black and Brown. Olympic features a sharp, modern rectangle eyeshape with a high bridge. A modern combination frame, Olympic has a two tone acetate front, acetate temple tips and a wood grain laser finish on the outside temple. Metal accents and subtle Orvis branding complete the look. Olympic is available in Black and Brown. The Kanawha Collection  comes with an Orvis branded eyewear...