lines and launches
by joanne f. schell

TB 34SA (top( and TB 30SA

Bahama Mama
ALTAIR UNVEILS TOMMY BAHAMA SUN

Since 1992, Tommy Bahama has promoted relaxation as a way of life. This laid-back state of mind is echoed throughout the island lifestyle brand and is the design philosophy behind Altair Eyewear's Tommy Bahama Sunwear Collection. The grouping is consistent with the recently released ophthalmic line and features oversized round and square shapes. Double-bar aviators, almonds, sport wraps, and trendy rectangles are crafted in titanium, stainless steel, monel, grilamide, acetate, and leather. Tropical colors highlight the models and include matte plum, jade, coral spice, and abalone cream. The sunglasses are wholesale priced from $75 to $90. Point-of-sale support is available, such as an 18-piece wood, brass, and beveled glass locking counter display, a wood counter sign, faux croc cases in multiple colors, and cleaning cloths. For more information, contact Altair at 800-505-5557.

MJ018S (top) and MJ006

Marvelous Marc
SÀFILO PRESENTS MARC JACOBS

Marc Jacobs is one of the hottest designers of the new millennium, with his name on everything from ready-to-wear to perfume. Now Marc Jacobs eyewear can be added to the mix. Presented by Sàfilo USA, the initial collection contains sunwear and prescription frames that are defined by a clean, linear design with sophisticated and unusual details. The sunwear is marked by Jacobs' signature padlock design, seen on many of his handbags and other accessories. The frames invoke a vintage feel and incorporate plastics and metals in aviator styles, cat eyes, and rectangular shapes. Ophthalmic styles offer designs in acetate and stainless steel. Wholesale pricing ranges from $115 to $130 for sunwear and $75 to $95 for ophthalmic. For more information, contact Sàfilo Group at 800-631-1188.

MKS404 (top) and MK513

A National Treasure
MARCHON PREMIERES MICHAEL KORS

Michael Kors Eyewear takes modern American luxury sportswear and translates it to the eye. Sleek, sexy, sophisticated, yet timeless designs combine European glamour with American practicality. The collection, which includes both ophthalmic and sun styles, artfully mixes textures and materials in a rich palette that includes bordeaux, golden brown, amber tort, and gray. Teacups and geometric cat eyes are combined with classic shapes to form a well-rounded collection. Each frame includes the Michael Kors logo in a unique setting--some are engraved, while others host logo plaques and inlaid emblems. The collection ranges in wholesale price from $85 to $125 for sun, and $90 to $114 for ophthalmic. P.O.P. support is available, including an eight-piece display, nameplate, ophthalmic and sun countercards, and 36" x 24" banner. For more information, call Marchon at 800-645-1300.

L4109A (top) and L408G

Another Option
COCOONS INTRODUCES POLARÉ CLIPS

Live Eyewear introduces the Cocoons Clips collection featuring optically correct Polaré lenses. The polarized clip-ons are available in four basic shapes: Square, round, rectangle, and oval. Each shape will have a number of variations to create 35 unique styles in eye sizes ranging from 44mm to 56mm. Each style is available in gunmetal or bronze, traditional colors that compliment any frame. Made from monel and stainless steel with a FreeFlow spring bridge, the universal clips are available with gray or amber Polaré lenses. The clips wholesale for $14.95. At the opening of a Cocoons Clips account, retailers will receive a custom fitting kit that is designed to display the collection and makes fitting and selection simple with an integrated sizing guide. Each clip includes a custom logo hard case. For more information, call Live Eyewear at 800-834-2563 or visit www.liveeyewear.com.

MI511 (top) and MI008

Urban Legend
ALLISON LAUNCHES MISSONI

Flashy, urban, and revolutionary style is seen in the new Missoni Eyewear collection from Allison USA. A long-time pillar of the prêt-à-porter industry, Missoni has paired with Allison to create a collection that bonds its fashionable history to eyewear. Super bright hues such as orange, turquoise, and pink are blended into the traditional Missoni swirl pattern in ocean blues, reds, bright greens, and yellows. Other designs are paired with crystals in oversized plastic frames. A men's sun frame offers removable colored end pieces that can be changed to match any ensemble. Wholesale pricing ranges from $64 to $239, depending on the detail of the frame. P.O.P. support includes showcards, a four-piece display, and hard cases featuring famous Missoni designs. For more information, contact Allison USA at 877-255-5757.