Midwest Lens

With hip-hop and sunglasses existing practically hand in hand, Ivy Shades Eyewear founder/creator Ivy Shades gives you 5 reasons to check out her attention-drawing line.

Written by SOHH for Ivy Shades

1. Fashion Police

I would say the first reason why people should buy Ivy Shades is because of the fashion. It is the brand that represents the unspoken style that some people only dream about. I make it into a reality. That’s reason number one. The crazy thing is I don’t check for anything. I’ve always been into shades for a very long time and people used to call me Miss Shades, jokingly. I had a shades fetish. When I shot a music video in 2010, I told myself, “You know what? I’m not going to buy anymore shades. I’m going to make my own.” People laughed at me, even my entourage. So I started making stuff that I like. I don’t go out and try to see what’s popping. I make stuff that I like and fun.

2. The People

Reason two is because it’s for the people. It’s for the people all over the world. I empower the fashion forward and vision to blossom, to be who they really want to be without being ridiculed. I’ve shipped to Spain, I’ve shipped to Afghanistan and I’ve even shipped to Africa. We’re actually shipping internationally and have been for the last year. I believe my eyewear has hit just about every state in the United States, maybe short of ten. I don’t worry about if people are going to like or not like something. If I have an idea in my head and I think it’ll look hot, I’m going to do it. I don’t think twice with it. I do have an excellent staff and team. I may make 50 designs and only 10 come out from that. I make a lot of shades but now it’s more about what’s going to make the line since we’re on such a bigger scale.

3. Trendsetter

Reason three is because this is a lifestyle. I don’t think my brand will fade away. It is a trend that is here to stay. I love shades. The reason why I say this is a lifestyle is because it was my life before I dropped the limelight. I always felt that I needed shades to complete an outfit whether I’m going to laundromat or other places. I even have shades that I jog in. I have my jogging shades. I’ve made these shades so people can wear them the way I do.

4. Life Is Good

Reason four is life. I would say my brand has brought life back into eyewear game. Period. Me being me, I can’t save your life but I can save your face with these shades. Ivy Shades is for people across the board. You just have to have a sense of style. You can’t be scared of what people are going to think of you. If you want to rock Ivy Shades, rock Ivy Shades. Wear them to the fullest. When you get out of your car, you slam your door harder than you normally would. When you walk into the club or Starbucks or wherever you’re going, you hold your head high. My eyewear fits anybody. If you think you’d look good in it, you’ll look good in it. The models we have are regular people. We didn’t go get Tyra Banks or Naomi Campbell, not to say there’s anything wrong with them because they’re my idols, we have regular models. We’ve had models from teenagers to people in their 30’s who have modeled the shades. If you go to the site, you’re going to like what you see because everybody does. Pick whatever you feel is going to bring out your inner Beyonce. You’ve gotta get what you want to rock.

5. Worlds Of Fun

Reason five is because they’re really fun. At the end of the day, I love what I do because I have a lot of fun with it and it’s a lot of fun for me. I would say this represents crazy, sexy, cool. Most of all, it is all fun. My designs are fun and it’s for people across the globe and all over.

You Decide. Will you purchase Ivy Shades Eyewear?

www.ivyshades.com

Luxottica Group SpA (LUX), owner of the Oakley and Ray-Ban sunglasses brands, rose the most since May 2010 as analysts raised target prices after fourth-quarter sales beat estimates.

The shares climbed as much as 6.2 percent to 25.45 euros and traded up 5.1 percent as of 9:35 a.m. in Milan.

Luxottica, the world’s largest eyewear maker, reported a 12 percent increase in sales. In North America, its biggest market, consumer confidence rose to an eight-month high in December. Bank of America, Intermonte, Cheuvreux, Deutsche Bank and Citigroup analysts raised target prices on Luxottica.

“Luxottica is one of our top picks in Italy and Europe, as it should benefit from a number of catalysts,” Cheuvreux analyst Thomas Mesmin said in a note today, citing worldwide expansion of the Sunglass Hut franchise, its presence in Latin America in wholesale and retail and expansion of the Ray-Ban brand in emerging markets.

The Milan-based company said revenue in the three months ended Dec. 31 rose to 1.51 billion euros ($1.96 billion) after the close of trading yesterday. That exceeded the average estimate of five analysts in a Bloomberg survey of 1.47 billion euros.

The outlook for the retail division this year is “positive,” Luxottica said, citing improved conditions in the U.S. and opportunities in emerging markets for its Sunglass Hut chain. The start of the year “looks promising,” reflecting orders for its products and Coach Inc. eyewear.

The shares have gained 15 percent this year, giving the company a market value of 11.6 billion euros. Its nearest competitor, Padua-based Safilo Group SpA (SFL), owner of the Carrera eyewear brand, has gained 14 percent.

As we age, the possibility of suffering from vision problems increases. For senior citizens, regular eye exams and cataract screenings are important to catch any problems early.

To improve access to proper eye care, Carter Eye Center provides free vision and cataract screening services to senior citizens in the Dallas and Fort Worth metroplex area. Their Mobile Vision Van Teams schedule visits to senior centers, grocery stores, pharmacies and other centrally located venues that are convenient to seniors who live in the area.

There are sites scheduled every day, Monday through Friday. Their team welcomes seniors ages 65 and older on a first come, first served basis from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The mobile vision van is outfitted to screen two people at a time. The screenings — for vision and cataracts — take about 15 minutes per person.

To find out more about their Community Outreach services or schedule a Dallas cataract screening, contact Carter Eye Center today at 214-696-2020.

www.cartereyecenter.com

Fatheadz Eyewear, the leading men’s and women’s eyewear maker that caters to heads of all sizes, announces today the release of its new women’s line, Dea, and the addition of 10 new styles to its men’s line of optical glasses and sunglasses.

Dea is a new line of comfortably fitting sunglasses and prescription eyewear that are fashionable, fun and classy. Shoppers can find Dea women’s sunglasses and prescription eyewear online at http://www.deaeyewear.com . Dea eyewear can also be purchased at Canadian Walmart Vision Centers.

“Sunglasses and prescription eyewear for men and women shouldn’t be offered in a one-size-fits-all model,” said Rico Elmore, CEO of Fatheadz Eyewear. “We are ecstatic that our new line and styles will serve our customer base even better than before, and at an affordable price.”

Additionally, Fatheadz now features six new men’s sunglasses and four new optical glasses, ranging in color and style. They can be purchased online at http://www.fatheadz.com and Walmart Vision Centers across the U.S. Canadian Walmart Vision Centers carry the prescription glasses.

Both Fatheadz and Dea offer impact resistant and polarized lenses to reduce glare from reflective surfaces. Optical glasses are sold with a microfiber cleaning cloth or storage bag, and wired styles come with a hard-shell zipper case.

Fatheadz and Dea eyewear are priced from $29.95 to $79.95, and can be purchased online at http://www.fatheadz.com and http://www.deaeyewear.com .

About Fatheadz Eyewear Fatheadz Eyewear makes oversized sunglasses and optical eyewear for individuals with larger heads, as well as eyewear in standard and intermediate sizes. Founded by a big-headed guy, Rico Elmore, who searched 300 pairs of sunglasses and couldn’t find any that fit, Fatheadz has 24 different styles of eyewear available for purchase online. Dea, the women’s line will offer 24 different styles of eyewear also available for purchase online. For media inquiries, contact Michelle Bower at 317.202.2280 x11 or email at michelle@dittoepr.com. For more information, visit http://www.fatheadz.com/

silverliningnyc:

We’ve been getting a lot of request for styles similar to the frame pictured above on Brad Goreski in a recent episode of his new show on Bravo, Its a Brad Brad World.

Through out the episodes you’ll see Brad in a variety of Silver Lining frames ranging from our own house brand to Versace wayfarers.

We are so pleased to count Brad among our loyal customers.

This vintage Jaguar double bridge aviator is similar to the style Brad Goreski is wearing at the top of the page.

Original Article

Since the first collection in 1999, Roberto Cavalli Eyewear has grown into a multi million dollar license, and has helped the Cavalli Group expand into a true 360 degree lifestyle brand. Following the introduction of Just Cavalli Eyewear in 2005, a collection created for the younger, edgier consumer of the Cavalli Group’s diffusion line of the same name, both collections responded to a shift in style trends, and there was a subtle but notable move away from some of the more classic Cavalli characteristics. 2012 marks a return to those fundamental aesthetics, reimagined and incorporated into updated contemporary shapes. The embelishments and animal prints that were scaled back in years passed, are back, revieved with fresh new faces, as bold and as beautiful as ever.

About Roberto Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli was born in Florence on the 15th November, 1940. He was raised in a surrounding with strong artistic traditions: his grandfather was a Florentine painter from the “Macchiaiolo” movement, whose works can still be seen at the Uffizi Museum. Following in this tradition, Roberto attended the Academy of Art. Capricious, eclectic and original from the beginning, he began his career when he was very young, while still a student, inventing the first of his revolutionary creations: a process of printing on light-weight leather which he was able to do thanks to his meticulous research of fabrics and continual experimenting with new technologies.

In his printing-house - something half way between a craftsman’s workshop and an artist’s studio – he concentrated his studies on the links between art, fashion and painting, eventually patenting the revolutionary process of printing on leather that he had evolved. Over the next ten years he created, almost by chance, what was to become a “must” for the beat generation: for fun, sewing together odd pieces of leather, he invented the first of his patchworks which were a huge success and can honestly be considered true classics. With the Seventies came international recognition and the beginning of a brilliant career. His fashion was unrivalled on the Cote d’Azur. From St. Tropez - where a young Brigitte Bardot walked barefoot in one of his creations - to the catwalks, was just a short step. In 1972 Roberto Cavalli showed his first collection in the historic White Room of Palazzo Pitti, in Florence. At the beginning of the Nineties, the designer re-launched his challenge to the fashion system, assisted by his beautiful wife, Eva Duringer - an ex Miss Universe - who works alongside him. His enormous success, both publicly and with the press, convinced him to take his catwalk extravaganza to Milano Collezioni. In this way he has become part of the Italian fashion system without ever forsaking his own inimitable eccentricity.

Over the years Roberto Cavalli has expanded and, as well as his Womenswear collection, new lines have been launched: Menswear, Just Cavalli, Underwear, Class Roberto Cavalli, Eyewear, Timewear, Roberto Cavalli Angeles and Devils ( for children), and Roberto Cavalli perfume. An inspiration to the international jetset, Roberto Cavalli is taken for granted by stars all over the world. Eclectic, social and ironic by nature, as a designer he sets himself apart through his natural vivaciousness and extreme manners - as well as his renowned hospitality which makes him the perfect host for parties and dinners. As well as his brilliant career as a designer he is equally well-known for his spectacular parties, which are always attended by Italian and international celebrities. Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Alicia Keys, Paolina Rubio, Cindy Crawford, Lenny Kravitz, Bon Jovi, Bono from U2, Anthony Hopkins and Sting are among the artists who appreciate his work and never miss one of his parties. An undisputed phenomenon, nowadays Roberto Cavalli is a mainstay in the Olympus of the most famous international designers. A success for which he prepared, meditated and wholeheartedly deserves.

www.marcolin.com | www.robertocavalli.com

Staying on the cutting edge of fashion means reinventing your look on a moment’s notice. The new XOXO “Impulse” collection includes two looks that will draw the eye of everyone in the room. The electrifying designs of Starlette and Coco make an edgy fashion statement.

Starlette Starlette is a semi-rimless frame with a modified oval eyeshape, spring hinges and adjustable nose pads. Wide angular temples with wild animal prints and two-tone acetate temple tips give Starlette a sassy fashionable edge. Starlette is available in Black Chrome and Brown Gold.

Coco Coco is a handmade acetate frame with a modified rectangular eyeshape. Swirled acetate on the frame’s front and temples and metal XO detailing on the hinges brings a modern twist to a classic look. Coco is available in Plum Swirl and Black Swirl.

Purchase the entire collection and receive an XOXO wristlet and your choice of a counter card or 2-sided poster. For more information, contact The McGee Group at 800-966-2020 or sales@mcgeegroup.com. The McGee Group markets ophthalmic frames, sunwear, reading glasses and cases to all customer groups throughout North America and many international markets including eye care professionals, distributors, large optical chains, mass merchants, and department stores. Since its inception in 1976, The McGee Group has gained recognition as a forward-thinking company by merging innovative technology with fashion, offering high quality products, superior marketing support and value-added customer service. The McGee Group currently manufactures and distributes Vera Bradley Eyewear and Sunwear, Orvis Eyewear and Sunwear, XOXO Eyewear and Sunwear, Argyleculture by Russell Simmons Eyewear, Totally Rimless Eyewear, and Ducks Unlimited Eyewear and Sunwear. www.mcgeegroup.com

C.W. Dixey & Son of London, the world’s oldest independent eyewear company, has a rich heritage of iconic clients. They include legendary explorers, artists and writers, such as James Bond creator, Ian Fleming, as well as emperors, royalty and leaders. However, it’s long-time C.W. Dixey & Son devotee, Winston Churchill who is the inspiration for the company’s first new range in a generation. Recently launched, it is known as Chartwell, named after Churchill’s estate in Kent. The Chartwell Collection pays homage to the legendary spectacles C.W. Dixey & Son designed and made for the former prime minister. Our designers meticulously studied a number of Sir Winston’s frames and have created a faithful replica for the new collection.

Model: Chartwell 01

Featuring eight black or tortoise shell optical frames the collection has a timeless and elegant feel. The key design elements are conserved throughout and the frames are not branded. A simple two white spot motif is marked on the temple tips: just as Churchill personally requested in September 1944. Use of fine materials, limited production, and artisan craftsmanship, ensures our new collection follows in the purest C.W. Dixey & Son tradition. Our ethos has always been quality and exclusivity, and it remains so today. Our eyewear is designed in Great Britain and crafted in France. The Chartwell Collection starts at £440, inclusive of VAT. All our frames are presented with a luxurious leather case, and all patrons are invited to enter their name in into the company archives.

C.W. Dixey & Son History

C.W. Dixey & Son was established by William Fraser in 1777 as an optical and mathematical instrument company. Fraser’s talent was recognised by King George III of England and Royal Warrants and commissions followed. However, the business fell into decline after a member of staff used the premises as a gambling den. It was rescued in 1824 when Charles Wastell Dixey and his uncle acquired the business. Over the next century the family created one of London’s most distinguished companies, earning a reputation for innovation and excellence. Since 1777, we have served seven successive kings and queens of England, the Royal Houses of nine nations, and the emperors of China, France and India. Sir Winston Churchill remained a loyal patron for half a century and our reputation also attracted legendary adventurers, writers and artists such as James Bond creator, Ian Fleming. There are more details of their distinguished clientele on their website http://www.cwdixeyandson.com. More details of the new Chartwell range can be found at http://www.cwdixeyandson.com/, and you can find them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/CW-Dixey-Son/189190261117367. The frames can also be purchased directly from C.W. Dixey & Son. For more information please call +44 (0)1932 867467. www.cwdixeyandson.com

The Reverse concept is based upon the idea of turning the hinge of a frame literally inside out. By exposing the connection between titanium and acetate on an inverted hinge, the ordinary is cleverly elevated into the realm of exceptional.

Reverse 9, a cat-eye optical frame, and Reverse 10, a rectangle optical frame, are the first ladies’ additions to the group. Both styles are crafted from handmade acetate; exclusive new color introductions include peach, russet, seafoam/sand, rose and seaglass. Two new handmade acetate men’s optical styles are also being released this season: Reverse 11, a keyhole wayfarer, and Reverse 12, a rectangle. New color introductions for these frames include noir/grey, steel, walnut/yellow crystal, greige and havana tortoise. www.kataeyewear.com

For over 88 years, family-owned and operated Zyloware Eyewear has prided itself on quality, service and customer satisfaction. Founded in 1923 by Joseph Shyer, Zyloware first made its home in Long Island City, New York. For 87 years, through several expansions and its evolution into the global supplier it is today, Zyloware remained on the same block, just across the East River from the Manhattan skyline. And now for 2012 Zyloware Eyewear announces the January release of new styles from the Sophia Loren, Stetson, Randy Jackson and Via Spiga eyewear collections.

Sophia Loren BR 54 Sophia Loren BR 54 is a full rim metal frame featuring an open metal endpiece adorned with sparkling crystals for a bit of sophistication. The metal temple is also decorated with rows of stones, making this frame an elegant classic. The feminine, oval shape is flattering to a wide variety of wearers, and the BR 54 easily accommodates progressive lenses.

Stetson 285 Stetson 285 is a full rim metal frame embodying the masculine, all-American spirit of the Stetson brand. The combination metal/zyl temple features a metal plaque with a “woven” rope-like design, evoking Stetson’s western heritage. The modified-rectangular shape of the ST 285 works well on a variety of face shapes and ages.

Randy Jackson 1036 Randy Jackson 1036 is a combination frame featuring a sheet metal top and rim wire bottom in a rounded, retro-inspired shape. The sleek, handcrafted zyl temples compliment the frame’s front. The RJ logo plaque in the right temple tip provides brand recognition at first glance. Snap-in nosepads provide additional comfort to the wearer and the RJ 1036 accommodates progressive lenses.

Randy Jackson 3012 Randy Jackson 3012 is a full rim, handcrafted zyl frame in a modern, modified rectangular shape that has a retro sensibility. The decorative metal plaque on the zyl temple gives this frame added design interest, and spring hinges provide extra comfort and easy adjustment for the wearer. The RJ 3012 accommodates progressive lenses.

Via Spiga Nicola Via Spiga Nicola is a semi-rimless metal frame that is petite and feminine throughout. The front features a softened rectangular shape that is sure to flatter any face shape. An all-over zebra cut-out design and sparkling stones on the metal endpiece and temple give this frame a modern, on-trend look. The Via Spiga logo is discreetly placed in the right temple tip for easy brand recognition and the Nicola accommodates progressive lenses.

Via Spiga Lasa Via Spiga Lasa is a full rim metal frame that is fashion-forward and chic. The petite, oval shaped front is feminine and flattering on the face. A repeating pattern of geometric cut-outs on the metal temple gives this frame architectural interest. Snap-in nosepads and zyl temple tips provide added comfort for the wearer. The Via Spiga logo is discreetly placed in the right temple tip for easy brand recognition, and the Lasa accommodates progressive lenses.

www.zyloware.com

Skaga is Scandinavian Eyewear’s very own brand. Solid, genuine and rich in tradition, it has a history that goes back to 1948. This heritage and history that few eyewear brands can compare to means that Skaga glasses are created with real craftsmanship. But they are also visionary, aware and innovative. Through our committed and driven in-house design and product development team, we are constantly looking to the future and strive to remain at the forefront of our industry, whether this means developing materials and technology or design and expression. The combination means that the Skaga brand’s ability to mix tradition with trend is almost unique.

Skaga’s basic collection is broad and classic in both fit and style. The brand is constantly updated with concept collections with a slightly sharper style, designed to appeal to customers who want to create a bit more attitude and add extra emphasis to their personality. This time we gaze out into space. The Milky Way, galaxies, minerals and meteorites have inspired the new Skaga models for January 2012. Patterns from the universe such as glowing skies and crystal formations have been translated into our design of frames. This can be seen in decorations, colors, and facets and in the craftsmanship of the acetates. Combined they give the new Skaga collection it´s own and very unique expression.

Model: Tindra

Model: Nicky

Model: Lovis

Model: Love

Model: Disa

Model: Rasmus

www.scandinavianeyewear.se

ClearVision Optical, a leader in the eyewear industry, is the recipient of HOW Magazine’s 2011 In-HOWse Design Awards , a national level, creative competition that recognizes the best creative work produced by designers working in corporations, associations and organizations. This premiere awards program shines the spotlight on the design industry, giving in-house designers the kudos they deserve. ClearVision, a first time entrant, received the Merit Award for its 2010 Eco Bag in the Business – to –Business category. This high-profile, graphic design award competition is one of several that HOW magazine sponsors each year. Thousands of entries from a broad range of design work were submitted from throughout the United States. Submissions were evaluated by a panel of HOW Magazine judges on their creative excellence.

“This is a tremendous recognition for ClearVision furthering the notion of our company as a growing leader committed to excellence and continued innovation,” says Sheila Haile, ClearVision’s Manager of Marketing & Creative Services. “How Magazine is well recognized in the industry as a powerhouse publication for designers, specifically for its stellar recognition of in-house design studios. Our Marketing team has been working diligently to stay on the cutting edge of the creative process. This win is a true testament of our hard work and dedication.”

In an effort to promote ClearVision’s eco-conscious attitude to the optical industry, the creative team took a unique design approach. The award-winning, reusable canvas tote features an abstract design of ClearVision’s name with an illustration of eyeglasses at the center. An optical illusion, it initially looks like a black- and-white giraffe pattern, keeping it in line with animal print fashion trends. The stylish bag has been tied to ClearVision’s promotional sales programs and is one of the most well-received promotional items in the company’s history. The award-winning Eco Bag appears in HOW’s January/February 2012 issue. This is the third award recognition that ClearVision has received in the last month. Others include: nine MarCom honors and an EyeVote Award – an industry win for the launch of the Marc Ecko Cut & Sew Eyewear brand. For more information on ClearVision Optical, please visit www.cvoptical or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/clearvisionoptical.

About HOW Magazine

HOW Magazine helps designers, whether they work for a design firm, for an in-house design department or for themselves, be more inspired, more creative and more successful. HOW Magazine is a designer’s source for: design inspiration, career advice, business guidance and creative connections. F + W Media is How’s parent company. Founded in 1985, the HOW brand began its life as a print magazine. Today, the brand still includes an award-winning magazine and an impressive fleet of HOW Books, but has grown to encompass a host of products, events and websites created to serve the business, creativity and technology needs of graphic designers, whether they work for a design firm, for an in-house creative department or for themselves. For more information, visit www.howdesign.com

About ClearVision Founded in 1949, ClearVision Optical is an award-winning leader in the optical industry, designing and distributing eyewear and sunwear for top brands, such as BCBGMAXAZRIA, Cole Haan, Ellen Tracy, IZOD, Marc Ecko Cut & Sew Eyewear, Ocean Pacific, Jessica McClintock and Fisher-Price®. ClearVision’s house brands include ClearVision Collection, Junction City and Digit. A privately held company, ClearVision is headquartered in Hauppauge, New York and has more than 250 associates throughout the U.S. ClearVision’s collections are distributed throughout North America and 20 countries around the globe.

Best Image Optical is introducing the (eye)’m inspired campaign. This campaign will run exclusively online and will showcase the artful thought process behind designing a frame. The (eye)’m inspired blog series will give the reader an inside look of the inspiration behind a frame shape or color.

Marketing Manager, Carlos A. Zamora has this to say, “We take pride in the art behind the design and through the (eye)’m Inspired campaign we can showcase it. The inside look behind the frame will reflect the designer’s feelings, memories, and reflection just like a painter, sculptor, or architect.”

All detailed description of the inspiration will be featured in Best Image’s corporate blog (http://bestimageoptical.com/blog/) every two weeks and a shortened description will be featured through Best Image’s social media reach found on: Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube and Google +. An (eye)’m inspired video series will debut later this year.

About Best Image Optical

Best Image Optical is a seasoned design house and producer of eyewear. Their three collections (Dolabany, Mario Galbatti, and Plume Paris) delivers distinctive design and beyond trend styling. Continuously at the fashion boundary, but sane enough to make each style ready for the fashion forward consumer. Their collections are a perfect balance of luxury and casual. The frame’s feature colorful and inspiring temples and impeccable details, in a range of boastful colors. Comfort and fit are integral to the design of all Best Image Optical eyewear. The look of each line is versatile while always maintaining a high standard of functionality and excellence. Most frames can also meet your customer’s progressive lens needs, without sacrificing style and functionality. The Best Image Optical collections have something for anyone possessing distinctive tastes in shapes, patterns, and colors that set these frames far apart from the rest.

bestimageoptical.com

Within the new releases, seven are traditional Exces styles which feature the youthful, colorful, funky design that the brand is known for. The other three styles are Exces “Princess” styles – designs graced with a more classic twist that feature accents such as crystals and resin. A variety of shapes and sizes are featured in the entire new collection, showing an ability to fit standard size faces and tweeners alike. Mixing of materials is commonplace as several styles feature metal fronts with plastic temples. Additionally, all Exces Eyewear styles are carefully inspected to ensure that they meet ESE’s high quality standards.

Exces 3083

Exces 3087

Exces 3088

Exces 3089

Exces 3090

Exces 3091

Exces 3092

Exces Princess 108

Exces Princess 109

Exces Princess 110

“Exces has continued to be a growing Brand for our company,” explains Paul Shyer, ESE President. “We felt it necessary to come out with a particularly large sized release to not only continue to grow the core of the brand, but also to further expand the Princess subcollection as well.”

For more information, contact Eastern States Eyewear at 800-645-3710 or on the web at www.eseyewear.com, www.facebook.com/eseyewear, or www.twitter.com/eseyewear. www.eseyewear.com

Alain Mikli, the iconic French luxury eyewear company, announced the re-opening of its Madison Avenue location. Previously located at 986 Madison Avenue, the shop has now moved to 1025 Madison Avenue between 78th and 79th Streets. Alain Mikli caters to the most sophisticated and chic shoppers who have an affinity for innovative design and technology offering the latest trends in luxury eyewear from the collections of Alain Mikli and Starck Eyes.

Created by world renowned interior designer, Philippe Starck, the new Alain Mikli boutique is a stunning display of sophistication. Situated amongst the most luxurious boutiques on Manhattan’s exclusive Madison Avenue, the new shop is approximately 900 square feet. Featuring clean lines, the modern glass cabinets and displays highlight the eyewear as works of art. The interior is effortless; cream-colored floors combined with warm wood walls create a rich and inviting atmosphere that is both timeless and elegant. Illuminating the boutique is the singular show stopping centerpiece, a magnificent Italian hand-crafted red chandelier from Andromeda Murano.

This eye-catching shop is not a place where people pass by, it is a destination where people go and meet, offering customers a new relationship with their optician. The boutique takes special care with particular attention paid to customers in a spirit of custom-made services, solely dedicated to the sight.

“We are thrilled to re-open our shop on Madison Avenue. Our clients in Manhattan have been among our most loyal and we are so happy to offer them a new beautiful location to shop just in time for the holiday season,” said Sophie Guerard-Raubiet, Vice President of Alain Mikli US Retail.

An optician by trade, Alain Mikli invented a whole new profession: “eyewear designer”. For more than 30 years he has pursued his passion for people’s eyes and how they can look their best. The fundamental idea is quite simple; transform constraint into style, a handicap into an expression of personality. Alain Mikli eyeglasses are a singular combination of tradition and perfection: traditional materials, meticulous production, and unrivaled comfort thanks to a patented system. They are “frames to see as well as to be seen”.

To celebrate the grand re-opening, Mr. Alain Mikli himself made a special appearance at the new shop on December 13th. Alain Mikli is located at 1025 Madison Avenue between 78th and 79th Streets. The boutique phone number is 212-472-6085.

About Alain Mikli

Launched by Frenchman Alain Mikli in 1978, the Mikli brand has become synonymous with luxury eyewear worldwide. Alain Mikli combines stylish but comfortable design with unique, high quality materials to create a look that is both practical and very elegant. Today, its stylish frames and sunglasses are worn by A-list celebrities and movie stars such as Samuel L. Jackson and Meryl Streep. Today there are 25 Alain Mikli shops worldwide: Paris, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, New-York, New Jersey, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Helsinki, Hong-Kong, Macau, Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Taipei and Milan and San Francisco. For more information, visit Alain Mikli’s website: www.mikli.com

OptiSource International is pleased to announce that the Snapit Frame Screw — for which OptiSource has exclusive distribution rights in North America — has been awarded U.S. patent #8070403 for utility, also referred to as a patent for invention. The U.S. Patent Office decisively granted the patent based on more than 60 claims. Snapit was also awarded Australian patent #2011101044; additional patents are pending in more than 30 countries and issuances are expected shortly. Innovative, time-saving Snapit screws – used in hinges and eyewires for repairs, assembly, and mounting – take the pain out of eyeglass repair, and have become one of the most talked-about products in the optical industry. In the 18 months since OptiSource International introduced Snapit at the 2010 Vision Expo East in New York, more than 2.5 million have been sold. OptiSource sells Snapit’s 26 hinge and eyewire designs. Plans are in place to grow the Snapit line to approximately 40 screw sizes that will fit every type of frame.

“Snapit’s patent award illustrates OptiSource’s commitment to bringing innovative lens processing products to market,” said Daryl Squicciarini, vice president of OptiSource. “It further strengthens OptiSource’s position as the solutions-based supplier for ECPs and wholesale labs. We are excited for the patent issuance – it was long overdue.”

The wait to receive the patent has allowed several other companies to introduce Snapit imitations to the marketplace. According to the inventor, patent infringers – manufacturers, distributors, and users will be pursued.

“The fact that you can get a patent on a screw in the year 2011 is incredible — with all of the thousands of people who use little screws, nobody’s ever thought of this before,” said Snapit inventor Nancy Tedeschi. “Once we introduced Snapit, similar products began coming out of the woodwork. Now that Snapit is patented, if someone infringes on that patent — not only manufacturing an imitation but selling it and using it as well — we plan to take action.”

Since its launch, Snapit has won the top prize and the People’s Choice Award at the National Invention Contest sponsored by the Inventor’s Club of Kansas City, received the Award of Excellence from the Optical Laboratories Association, and won both the 2011 Award of Excellence for the Australia Optical Association and the 2011 National Hardware Retailers Choice Award. www.1-800-optisource.com

Best Image Optical Inc. continues to grow their Dolabany Collection by adding a new crop of modern and retro frames. The winter collection includes oversized retro frames, sharper cat-eyes, use of stainless steel on modern frames, semi-rimless, darker Italian zyl color tones, thicker frames, and gradient tones. Information on their Winter Collection is below:

Model: Abyss | Colors: Black/Lime, Brown/Beige, Wine/Teal | Size: 47-15-135 | Market: Women

Model: Daphne | Colors: Brown/Khaki, Violet/Purple, Black/Lavender | Size: 51-16-138 | Market: Women

Model: Fusion | Colors: Tiger Olive, Ebony Demi, Honey Demi, Olive Streak | Size: 52-17-145 | Market: Unisex

Model: Granite | Colors: Olive Swirl, Black Crystal, Purple Swirl, Caramel Swirl | Size: 47-21-140 | Market: Women

Model: Niko | Colors: Black, Olive Streak, Amber Beige | Size: 56-16-147 | Market: Unisex

Model: Pixie | Colors: M.Pink, M. Green, M. Brown | Size: 51-17-135 | Market: Women

Model: Rachet | Colors: M. Gun, M. Black, M. Brown | Size: 52-19-140 | Market: Men

Model: Romco | Colors: Black, Black C., Brown C., Purple C., Mahogony Smoke | Size: 51-18-140 | Market: Unisex

Model: Savvy | Colors: Wine/Teal, Black/Lime, Brown/Beige | Size: 52-16-135 | Market: Women

Model: Tinsel | Colors: M. Brown/Mustard, M. Black/Teal, Grey/Black | Size: 53-18-135 | Market: Unisex

About The Dolabany Collection Dolabany frames are handmade in a variety of shapes and colors. Comfort and fit are always an integral part of the design features of each and every Dolabany frame. The look of the line is versatile, while always maintaining a high standard of functionality and excellence. The entire Dolabany Collection has something for everyone possessing distinctive tastes, and seeking a retro or modern style. www.dolabanyeyewear.com

Chloé announced a newly signed license agreement with Marchon, one of the world’s most prominent eyewear companies. The license will grant Marchon the rights to manufacture and distribute the sun and ophthalmic collections under the renowned Chloé brand. The first deliveries will be effective from the 1st of September 2012, formalizing the beginning of a relationship between these two global players in the luxury business.

Geoffroy de la Bourdonnaye President said “Chloé is proud to partner with Marchon whose optical expertise and worldwide vision will allow women who love the effortless and graceful silhouette of Chloé to enjoy the most technically advanced and stylish eyewear”

The Chloé Eyewear Collection captures the fluid femininity of the brand, taking inspiration from their seasonal RTW collection, accessories and iconic pieces which showcase the Chloé brand’s superior use of foundational colors and textures.

Claudio Gottardi, Marchon President and CEO said, “This partnership is an exciting one for us.  We are extremely excited to be adding Chloe to our expanding global portfolio and attracting new female customers.  The dedicated Chloe consumer appreciates luxurious sunwear and eyewear and we are looking forward to leveraging the brand DNA  as we translate the delicate femininity from the ready-to-wear to our new collection.”

The Chloé collections will be sold in Chloé boutiques, department and specialty stores, and select optical stores worldwide.

Millions of people worldwide live with type 1 diabetes, a chronic medical condition that requires constant, daily vigilance to maintain proper health. People who have type 1 diabetes must check their blood sugar (glucose) levels multiple times a day, which can be an unpleasant, painful process. Researchers at the University of Washington are developing a solution that would painlessly monitor glucose levels through tears rather than blood and provide feedback to the patient immediately, should a problem begin to develop.

Diabetes is a potentially devastating disease with no known cure. The pancreas of a person who has type 1 diabetes does not produce insulin. The failure to strike the right balance between food and insulin intake can lead to extreme physiological reactions—from crying jags to loss of consciousness. The long-term effects of uncontrolled blood glucose imbalances can be even more devastating.

Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring
Today, people with type 1 diabetes use needles to prick their fingers multiple times throughout the day, every day, including meal times, to collect blood samples that allow them to monitor and maintain healthy glucose levels, which is critical to reducing the impact that diabetes has on the patient’s health. The never-ending, daily blood draws are not only unpleasant for the person with diabetes, but they also provide limited information.

Researchers from the University of Washington (UW) and Microsoft Research Connections are working together to develop a non-invasive, technological solution that promises to improve both the health and overall quality of life for people who have diabetes: a contact lens that monitors blood glucose levels. This innovative solution represents a trend in technology called the natural user interface (NUI).

NUI technology can benefit the user without being obvious or intrusive. This has tremendous potential in the healthcare industry, where technology is a necessary, but not always pleasant, part of a patient’s diagnosis and care.

The contact lens NUI would replace the blood tests and provide real-time feedback regarding fluctuations in glucose and insulin levels to the wearer, allowing the user to react quickly—for example, by increasing insulin intake or eating a piece of candy to raise their blood sugar level. If such fluctuations are not detected by a blood draw, the person may experience physical symptoms including blurry vision, nausea, emotional instability, and loss of consciousness. Babak Parviz, a Researcher at the University of Washington, and Desney Tan, a Senior Researcher at Microsoft Research, are developing the “functional lens,” a contact lens that would address all of these issues and more. As envisioned, the lens would be worn daily, just like regular contact lenses. But in addition to (or instead of) correcting vision, the lens would monitor the wearer’s glucose level through their tears.

“What is inside the blood, to a degree, appears on the surface of the eye,” Parviz explains. “So there is a reflection of the body chemistry directly on the surface of the eye. If you have a contact lens that can sample that surface, analyze it, and maybe send out the information through a radio, this contact lens, in principle, can give us information about what’s happening inside the body without actually going into the body or collecting a blood sample.”

The lens has the potential to help people like Kevin McFeely, who has lived with type 1 diabetes for three decades, and his two younger children, ages 10 and 7, who were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes three years ago.

Denim shirts are a classic American piece, favored throughout the years by cowboys, rock stars, and lumberjacks alike. As versatile as jeans, denim shirts can be worn with khakis, corduroys, or even your favorite old blues for the double denim look.

Keep it casual by choosing a denim shirt with western-style snap buttons. Chambray, a lightweight fabric resembling denim, also gives a relaxed feel. According to Men’s Health, denim shirts can also be dressed up several ways. Pair yours with a slim tie that’s knit, wool, or cotton. Or, try a gray denim color for a unique, sophisticated look. Make a resolution to try this trend during the chilly days of January: wear your denim shirt under a sweater or topped with a cool blazer.

Complete any of these looks with IZOD LX 754, a stylish blend of classic design and modern luxe. This men’s Navigator style features a double bridge and custom leaf spring hinges that are as technically appealing as they are durable. The LX 754 is available in Chrome and Black.

View the style: IZOD LX 754:

http://www.cvoptical.com/OurBrands/Catalogs/2012Catalog/2012CVOCatalog.pdf#page=102

Model: Royce by DITA