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New Hopes

Last year at this time, our editors were hunting ardently, searching for new activity in the optical field to report. What a difference a year makes. Opticians will be pleasantly overwhelmed by the amount of new lines, styles, materials, and technologies presented at this year's International Vision Expo East in New York City.

We saw a hint of all this activity at Silmo, and VEE will bring that experience to the U.S. shores. Watch for Alain Mikli's launch of PACT--a new collection comprised entirely of crystal and black acetate patterns. You'll also be able to get your first glimpse of BCBG frames from ClearVision. L'Amy's Lacoste Sun collection will also make its U.S. debut at the show. Not to mention all of the new frames featured in this issue's Lines and Launches.

It's evident now that the eyewear industry is no longer trailing behind ready-to-wear, as some of the biggest names in runway fashion--Marc Jacobs, Missoni, Michael Kors--are releasing new lines. Also, Larry Leight, co-founder and chief designer of Oliver Peoples, shares with us, in an exclusive interview, the inspiration behind his newest brand, Mosley Tribes.

Much of this trend can be explained by the significant rise in frame sales from 2003 to 2004. Take a look at these stats of total U.S. frame sales. The figures show that the optical industry, which was in the cold last year, has begun a thaw just in time for spring in New York City.