]NEW YORK—Safilo hosted the first Carrera Ignition Night in the U.S. on May 7, following similiar events in Milan, Madrid and Sao Paolo, Brazil.

Held in NYC’s first skyscraper, 5 Beekman, the last event the venue will see before it is turned into a luxury hotel in the Financial District, the venue provided the perfect historical setting for Carrera’s special installation. The brand took guests on a journey through its history, from its origins in 1956 and the roots of the brand’s name – the “Carrera Panamericana” road race – to the present day rediscovery of its authentic “racing attitude.”

Celebrities, industry executives and society influencers alike enjoyed Carrera’s unique “You race or you don’t” brand experience, including Olivia Wilde, Louise Roe, Derek Blasberg, Dani Stahl and Robert Verdi, as well as music from DJ Kayper, The Dolls: Mia Moretti & Caitlin Moe and Capital Cities.

Carrera’s 2013 eyewear collection was on display, influenced by the brand’s new identity, and unveiled its re-branding through its four new philosophies: Icons, Muses, Craze and Active.

Additional Carrera Ignition Nights will be held in London and Beijing in June and September, respectively. ■

   
(L to R) Nordstrom’s Lisa Bender, Jenny Wade and Lynne Jackel with Safilo’s Vince Mangione, Solstice’s Michael Yount and Cindy Solloa also of Nordstrom enjoy the festivities.
(L to R) Robert Eggett and Dick Russo of Safilo USA share cocktails and conversation with Ed Greene of The Vision Council.
(L to R) Safilo USA’s Ross Brownlee, Robin Ettinger and Roberto Risi near the history of the brand display.


     
 Actress Olivia Wilde wears the Carrera 5000S.
 The group Capital Cities performs.
 Fashion personality Louise Roe on the step-and-repeat with Safilo Group’s Roberto Vedovotto.