lines and launches

Sports, History, and Style

The latest launches, including Nike Vintage from Marchon, Morel 1880 from Morel, Club Level Design XL from Silver Dollar Optical, Charmant's Ad Lib, Oliver Peoples' latest Limited Editions, and Tura's Marc O'Polo line

By Amy Spiezio

Ready, Set, GO!
MARCHON LAUNCHES NIKE RETRO

Rolling out just in time for spring's longer days and brighter sun, Nike has released a series of shades that marries the best of both worlds—Nike's specialized technical features are now no stranger to stylish vintage shapes through Nike Vintage Vision. Inspired by European skiers and Hollywood icons such as Steve McQueen and Paul Newman, the vintage shades that lend an old-world cool are now equipped with technical functions that fuse sports and style to a chic, macabre precision.

Nike Vintage Vision Vintage 72 lineup consists of colorways Havana, Nero and Gaillo, and Nero. The Vintage 72 is inspired by 70s sunglasses styles and are recovered from archival models. They 72 shades come in different matte and tortoiseshell finishes and are matched with different colored lenses. The shapes are reminiscent of roomier aviators but in retro plastics instead of metal. For Nike fans and style fans alike, these should be pitch perfect for the summer days.

INFO: 800-630-6680, marchon.com

RX OPTIONS

While Nike is exploring its roots, the line is also pushing into the future with new prescription lens programs. The new program combines industry-leading materials, lens processing, and ease of ordering, so that eyecare professionals can offer customers the Nike sunglasses with the lenses they want. The program is available through Eyefinity, and non-members can use the promotion code: NIKE to join for free during the Nike Rx Program launch.

"Now, throughout the Nike Rx program, 90 percent of the Nike sunglass line is Rx-able. Using superior materials, such as Trivex lenses and digital free-form technology, a customer can get their Nike sunglass with a wide range of Rx's and Nike lens tints," says Andy Skitmore, senior vice president for Nike Vision.

INFO: 877-448-0707, eyefinity.com

Time Capsule
MOREL LAUNCHES MARIUS MOREL 1880 COLLECTION

In 1880, in the heart of the Jura region, Marius Morel created his first eyewear collection. The Marius Morel 1880 collection reintroduces the elegance of these first designs: authentic products subtly updated in terms of volumes and details and reinterpreted using today's technology.

The styles of the 1950s have been reworked within the Ernest concept which is available in three styles: two acetate and one combination version with wide temples. A bold rectangular pantos shape for men and a butterfly shape for women does justice to all eyes. The frames are available in tortoiseshell, amber tortoiseshell, black crystal and purple brown for the women's model.

Other styles in the collection for men and women are constructed in acetate and titanium for maximum quality and design delivery. Each of the "1880" models redefine the concept of modern retro chic. This spirit is conveyed at the point of purchase using a black and red dressing room concept.

INFO: 800-526-8838, morel-france.com

Big Looks
CLUB LEVEL DESIGN ADDS XL GROUPING

Silver Dollar Optical recently added "XL" to their already popular Club Level Design collection. CLD XL is designed for the man looking for larger, stylish frames.

To accommodate the need for a comfortable fit, these frames offer eye sizes ranging from 57mm to 60mm, along with longer 150mm temple lengths, larger bridge sizes, and spring hinges.

This release consists of nine metal and titanium rectangular shapes, including a flat metal and a semi-rimless. With a color palette of stylish hues such as almond, russet, ash, steel, gunmetal, slate, black, moss, and forest, these frames are sure to meet the demand for fashionable yet comfortable big men's frames.

INFO: 800-962-3200, silverdollaroptical.com

GREAT FINDS
TURA UNVEILS MARC O'POLO COLLECTION

The new Marc O'Polo optical styles from Tura are fashionable and timeless while creating a natural, easygoing look. Marc O'Polo is a modern casual brand in the premium lifestyle segment with fashion apparel made of mainly natural fabrics, and it is now extending into the U.S. optical arena. The collection consists of ophthalmic eyewear and sunglasses.

INFO: 800-242-8872, tura.com

Free Style
CHARMANT GROUP ROLLS OUT AD LIB

The Charmant Group expands its brand portfolio with the introduction of Ad Lib. Ad Lib was inspired by today's technology, and frames are made of titanium and feature a unique hinge system constructed from Excellence Titan material, Charmant's proprietary new material. The hinge design provides flexibility and great wearing comfort in addition to being a visual design accent. The collection consists of eight men's styles that are sleek, clean, and modern. Each frame is packaged in a contemporary gray nylon semi-hard case with an orange strap. Merchandising materials include a three-piece display and countercard.

INFO: 800-645-2121, charmant-usa.com.

Private Collection
OLIVER PEOPLES RELEASES LIMITED EDITION

Oliver Peoples is re-releasing three of its classic styles in a limited edition run: OP-505, 1955, and O'Malley. "When I recently uncovered my personal archive of original Oliver Peoples designs from our first few years in business, the response was overwhelming, and I realized the demand and interest in these iconic styles was incredibly strong," says Larry Leight, Oliver Peoples' founder and creative director. Packaging for the Limited Edition Vintage Re-Release set will include a case, a rice paper box, and a "Working Opticians" cloth inspired by one of the original Oliver Peoples advertisements. In coordination with the frame re-releases, Oliver Peoples will introduce a line of vintage-inspired glass and glass photochromic X-fire lenses. The colors have been precisely matched to the original lenses from Leight's personal archive.

INFO: 888-568-1655, oliverpeoples.com