lines and launches
by joanne f. schell • photography by peter baker

MB50701(top) and MB00602

A Star is Born
ALLISON INTRODUCES MERCEDES-BENZ EYEWEAR

Mercedes-Benz Eyewear by Allison has taken the high performance and technology behind the automaker's name and transformed it into sun and optical styles. Both metal and acetate frames have been created in traditional shapes that are combined with high fashion. Classic end pieces have been mixed with rubber nosepieces that allow wearers to create a custom fit. The Mercedes star logo is discreetly shown above the bridge of each frame. The sun collection offers three specialized lenses: ProGolf lenses that enhance contrast during play; Skylet Road with 80 percent light reduction; and Polarized for glare reduction. Wholesale prices range from $89 to $158. P.O.P. is available, including show cards, a poster, and a four-frame display. For more information, contact Allison USA at 877-255-5757.

ecko 4000 (bottom) and ecko 4002

Back to School Cool
VIVA LAUNCHES ECKO UNLIMITED KIDS

Fun, colorful, and youthful, the ecko unlimited kids collection from Viva International Group mixes hip styles with durable construction. The premiere grouping includes three brilliant frames that combine metal and acetate. Double laminate temples incorporate a recessed stripe in pronounced colors and feature the ecko rhino logo filled with epoxy. This unisex grouping comes in colors that are appealing to both boys and girls, such as brown, lavender, wine, blue, gunmetal, and pink. Frames in the initial collection wholesale for $37.95 each. A "Rhino to Go" kids merchandising kit includes a two-piece box set, a standing red rhino statue, and a gray mini rhino stress ball. For more information, contact Viva International Group at 800-345-8482.

2520 (top) and 1818

A Fresh Start
L'AMY REVIVES LACOSTE SUNWEAR FOR MEN

The new Lacoste men's sunwear collection by L'AMY was inspired by the fashion of sport, at a time when sport was more formal, more quiet, more sophisticated, and when players dressed in a more understated manner. The collection is divided into three segments: Aviator, Spectator Sport, and Legacy. Ranging from modified aviator metals to rich, handmade laminated zyls and bold chrome designs, each of the seven frames in the initial launch offers elegant styling for men of all ages. Wholesale prices range from $65 to $68. New point-of-purchase support will include ellipse countercards, a 12-piece lockable vertical display, posters, and brand plaques. Contact L'AMY for more information at 800-872-7377.

J100 (bottom) and J104

Sun Time
TURA ROLLS OUT TOURNEAU SUN

Tourneau, the world's largest watch retailer, has joined with Tura to introduce its new sunwear collection for men. The grouping features 12 retro modern designs equipped with SOLA's Tri-flection-coated polycarbonate lenses. Created for the new active lifestyle, the functional and fashion-forward collection allows the wearer to transition seamlessly from work to play. Designs range from retro zyls to contemporary metals incorporating aluminum for a sporty look and a light feel. Wholesale prices range from $69.95 to $79.95. P.O.P. is available to support the collection, including frame displays, countercards, six-piece frame tower, and a wood logo ID block. A magnetically sealing frame case and cleaning cloth are provided with each frame. For more information, contact Tura at 800-242-TURA.

TS09 (top) and TS01

Sweet Petites
REM EYEWEAR PRESENTS JONES NEW YORK PETITES

Small sizes are not limited to juvenile consumers. But when it comes to finding eyewear, smaller adult women often struggle to find elegant styling that is flattering to their features. Jones New York has tapped into its understanding of the petite adult woman with the Jones New York Petite eyewear collection by REM Eyewear. Expected to appeal to the 14 and 18 percent of the women's market requiring smaller frames, the styles provide tailored and modern classic shapes in petite sizes. Carefully designed to be flattering, the three flat metal, two semi-rimless, and two handmade zyl styles are not downsized Jones New York frames. Rather, some characteristics of that collection are adapted and reinterpreted in petite sizes. P.O.P. materials include a logo plaque, a one-piece cube, a countercard, a one-piece image display and a poster. Wholesale prices range from $49.95 to $54.95. For more information, contact REM Eyewear at 800-423-3023.