frame introductions

Amy Spiezio

1 Skechers Kids EXPANDS

Viva International Group has rolled out eight new releases for kids from SKECHERS Eyewear, including four ophthalmic styles for boys and four ophthalmic styles for girls. The boys' ophthalmic releases for Summer 2012 have sporty elements and fun details, including rubberized temples and puzzle-piece designs. Rubberized temples add additional comfort to models SK 1034 and SK 1035, which both feature a puzzle design. Model SK 1034 offers a deeper eye size. Colors include satin blue and satin green.

INFO: vivagroup.com

2 KENMARK

MODEL: Thalia Girls
STYLE: Paola
MATERIALS: Metal
SIZES: 44/17-125, 46/17-130
COLORS: Pink, purple, black
MARKET: Girls

INFO: kenmarkoptical.com

KIDS CLUB FRAME INSIGHTS:

ClearVision's 2012 kids' collections, including Op Kids, Jessica McClintock, IZOD Boys, and Digit, have been re-examined and strategically mixed to incorporate a variety of eye shapes and colors to make them more appealing. “ClearVision's latest collection has a look that suits the personal style of today's kid,” says Pam Elfreich, ClearVision's Kids' brand manager. “Forecasting sites and the most accurate data were used to help reinforce our design strategy and determine the biggest trends for kids today. Months were spent drawing, editing, and carefully evaluating concepts until we felt certain we reached the best direction for each brand's consumer.” Highlights of the collections include the following: Jessica McClintock for Girls: Jessica McClintock Girls' styles have “grown up.” A more colorful palette features bright, candy colors of pinks, blues, and purples. Sparkly pop icons of hearts, butterflies, and flowers with glitter and crystal accents are featured. IZOD Boys: Introducing fashion-forward, teen-inspired designs, new temple shapes and heights are explored with narrow eye shapes and on-trend retro looks, bringing variety to the style-conscious boy. Memory metal bridges and rubberized temples provide durability and comfort in classic colors black laminate, green horn, tortoise, brown, chrome, and ink. Op Kids: Today's fashion trends meet retro eye shapes, including a modern girl's Wayfarer, for a more “grown-up” look in a colorful, but muted palette that enhances the depth of each design. Digit: Providing fashion at a value, the collection offers modern, trendy looks of “grown up” eyewear shapes in bright colors, including blues and violets with “cartoony” patterns. INFO: 800-645-3733, cvoptical.com

3 BEST IMAGE

MODEL: Lyon by Plume Paris
Eyewear [Fall Collection]
SIZE: 50/19-140
MATERIAL: Stainless steel
COLORS: Tangerine/pink; green/blue; violet/fuchsia
MARKET: Women

INFO: 800-688-7661; plumeparis.com

4 locked in

Oakley's Switchlock technology has been designed into the new RadarLock sunglass to make lens changes quick and simple. “RadarLock is a game changer that defines our relentless pursuit of innovation,” says Oakley CEO Colin Baden. “This breakthrough product is the ultimate application of Oakley frame and lens superiority. It features a radically new and ingeniously simple system for changing lenses, and it lets athletes lock in the best lens tint to maximize vision and lock out the competition. RadarLock takes the idea of ‘adapt and conquer' to the extreme.”

Heading into the Olympics this month, a number of athletes will go for the gold in London wearing RadarLock, including Bryan Clay, Oscar Pistorius, Mark Cavendish, Lolo Jones, Javier Gomez, Cadel Evans, Kerri Walsh, and many others. The new Oakley design is expected to play a major role in competitions ranging from cycling to track and field, rowing, shooting, tennis, canoe/kayak, and beach volleyball.

INFO: oakley.com

LUCKY KID!

Five new optical designs from Lucky Kid Eyewear from REM Eyewear don't leave style to chance. For girls, Gypsy has temples with translucent flora on a matte metallic frame, Favorite is created from a pretty palette of pinks and blues, and Groovy with a batik pattern that decorates the temples. For boys, Zipper has a metal core temple stamped with a Lucky pattern encased in translucence and Stitch has a double layer of contrasting acetate for a “grown-up” vintage look. INFO: remeyewear.com