2014 and 3006

A Legend Lives On

Luxottica launches the Chanel ophthalmic collection

Coco Chanel was one of the first female haute couture designers to make her mark in Paris. She rose to the top by stressing function and comfort in all her apparel. Luxottica has continued Chanel's tradition of combining function with fashion with its newly released Chanel ophthalmic line for both men and women.

Many styles feature a distinctive three-piece mounting-that incorporates the classic double C logo-to ensure a lightweight and comfortable fit at the bridge. In bolder zyl styles, Chanel is spelled out, traveling the length of the temple. Frame silhouettes range from narrow rectangles to slim, modified cateyes, and larger ovals. Colors are inspired by The House of Chanel's current ready-to-wear collections, which include translucent blues that turn to lilac, and pastel pinks that transform to lavender. Hints of gold and black appear and disappear on clear, crystal frames. Many styles are similar to the Chanel sunwear collection, which was launched in January.

The line consists of 17 styles that include seven metals and 10 plastic models. Wholesale prices range from $66 to $81, and there is a full range of P-O-P materials, including a Chanel mirror, nine-piece display case, and a Chanel logo display stand in white or chrome. Call 800-422-2020.

RG181/S and RG45

Italian Innovation

Euro-Frames Eyewear premiers Romeo Gigli

The Italian designer Romeo Gigli first got noticed in 1986 for the jackets and overcoats he designed with very discreet shoulders-when padded shoulders were all the rage. From that point on, Gigli garnered a reputation for his expressive design that doesn't follow current fashion dictates. And his new eyewear collection, distributed exclusively through Euro-Frames Eyewear, stays true to his design sensibility.

The line features 20 ophthalmic styles and 30 sunglasses. Frame materials range from titanium, palladium, and stainless steel to plastic and metal combinations. A signature shield style has side lens temples and comes in brown, matte black, or night blue. Other shapes include wraps and geometric metals. There are tri-color laminates as well as natural metal tones. All Romeo Gigli sunglasses have special Omicrom CR 39 lenses that provide 100 percent UV protection.

Wholesales for the ophthalmic line range from $74.95 to $99.95. Sunglasses wholesale from $59.95 to $125.95. Merchandising materials include two small countercards, double-sided posters, aluminum blocks with logos, and a staircase display. For more information, call 800-422-2773.

Genesis 55 and Genesis 73

Minimalism at its Best

Cottet Morel USA introduces Lightec

Clean, minimalist design characterizes Cottet Morel's new Lightec ophthalmic collection, since all styles are made of Hightec Nibrodal titanium and feature a no-screw temple. According to the company, the eyewear's exclusive titanium metal increases the longevity of the frames due to its elasticity; its minimal weight offers more comfort to the wearer; and the no-screw hinge eliminates the problem of loose temples.

There are 12 styles in the collection with colors ranging from gold, silver, brown, and black to dramatic hues such as navy, metallic, rose, and blue grey. Flex hinges, ultra-thin nose-pads and sleek temples enhance the collection's minimalist styling. Lightec is available to dispensers at prices ranging from $39.95 to $44.95.

Merchandising materials include a three-piece frame display in a light, unobtrusive design. For more information, call 800-526-8838.

Comet 973 (top) and Generation 015 (bottom)

Let's Play Lotto

Cadore Moda launches Lotto sunwear

Lotto has been a premier sporting goods company in Italy, specializing in sportswear, since 1973. Today, Lotto is known in the sport world for its technological research and design innovation. The company's double diamond logo represents two playing fields-one for soccer, the other for tennis-and it symbolizes the fundamental pillars of its business. World-renowned champions like Boris Becker, Martina Navratilova, and John Newcombe have worn and endorsed the Lotto brand.

Now Cadore Moda has partnered with Lotto to introduce a sunglass collection. It includes 10 styles with each style available in colors such as blue, burgundy, grey, pearl, and yellow. All Lotto lenses feature anti-reflective coating. And many styles feature blue and yellow tinted lens options. Wholesales range from $40 to $80. P-O-P materials include a six-foot, 18-piece display stand, a four-piece table top display, and two different countercards. All sunglasses are sold with a cloth pouch that can be used as a cleaning cloth. For more information, call 800-716-0161.

Action 202 and Adventure 205

High-Tech Driving Equipment

L'Amy adds high-performance collection to Jeep

For those who want superior lens performance, L'Amy now offers the latest Jeep automotive technology in a sunglass collection that is as an offshoot of its existing Jeep line. Jeep Driving Equipment sunwear features the exclusive Jeep Driving Lens technology that was developed by Sola Sunlens.

This plastic lens technology selectively filters the full spectrum of available light. It significantly reduces short wavelength blue light, which results in enhanced vision and improved depth perception. A color filter in the lens enhances red wavelengths to highlight red traffic signals. Jeep Driving Equipment is divided into two groups, and includes nine styles. Each style comes with a hard case and wholesale from $32.95 to $47.50. P-O-P materials include small countercards, posters, a three-piece display, and a 24- or 48-piece freestanding rotator. Call 800-243-6350. EB