LAUNCHES

Designer Blake Kuwahara Launches Own Eyewear Line


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Quick Take: Blake Kuwahara, founder of the multi-disciplinary design agency Focus Group West, has debuted his first eponymous eyewear collection.
Wearer: “The juxtaposition of shapes and colors creates a design tension that is fresh and unexpected,” he added. “I wanted this collection to reflect my own aesthetic sensibility—streamlined and modern, but soulful with an artisanal hand.”
Specifics: The collection includes nine unisex optical and nine sunglass styles. Each style was handcrafted in Japan from richly colored Italian and Japanese acetates with one style incorporating titanium.
Selling Points: Kuwahara has taken classic eye shapes in acetate and embedded them into nontraditional acetate frame casings, creating the look of a “frame within a frame,” Kuwahara said. Additionally, Kuwahara has designed all of the packaging, cases, displays and accessories including a tote bag and hand mirror. Blake Kuwahara Eyewear will be available to a limited number of independent optical shops and lifestyle boutiques across the country in December.
Price Guide: $$$$$
www.focusgroupwest.com


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SECOND LOOKS

CooperVision’s Proclear 1 Day Multifocals Now in 90-Packs


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Quick Take: Originally launched in 2012, CooperVision’s Proclear 1 Day multifocal contact lenses are now available in a 90-pack configuration in addition to the already available 30-packs.
Specifics: By imitating substances found naturally on the outside of every cell, the lens material locks in natural moisture, resists dehydration, and helps sustain the flow of oxygen to the eye. The lenses feature sphere powers from +6.00 to -10.00 (in 0.50 steps after -6.00), a base curve of 8.7 mm, and a diameter of 14.2 mm. With the use of a near boost in the non-dominant eye, the lens can accommodate patients up to +2.50 add. As a result, practitioners will be able to more easily adjust prescriptions, even as they change, contributing to less chair time, more profitable visits, and improved patient satisfaction.
Selling Points: As more daily disposable wearers become presbyopic, the Proclear 1 day multifocal 90 pack provides both eyecare professionals and wearers with a packaging configuration that so many of them are accustomed to. The simplified fitting approach and center-near aspheric design make it easier to fit the right lens for emerging or existing presbyopes. The FDA-cleared indication states that these lenses “may provide improved comfort for contact lens wearers who experience mild discomfort or symptoms related to dryness during lens wear.”
Price Guide: $$$$
www.coopervision.com


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Luxottica Unveils Dolce&Gabbana Enchanted Beauties


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Quick Take: Luxottica has unveiled the new Dolce&Gabbana Enchanted Beauties collection for Autumn/Winter 2014/15.
Specifics: The newest Dolce&Gabbana collection features nine sunglass styles and two optical styles.
Selling Points: Each Enchanted Beauties Collection sunglass model is crafted with sparkling Swarovski crystal flowers on an oversized smoky acetate frame and features gradient-colored lenses with the Dolce&Gabbana logo on the temples. Styles DG4233 and DG4234 each feature a playful animal print and polarized lenses. The collection continues its charm with a vintage design on rounded lenses for styles DG4243 and DG2143. Style DG2144 features a distinct pilot sunglasses shape with an all-metal frame. The collection includes two optical styles, square and cat-eye shaped frames with a mix of vivid color tones and animal prints. Each model comes with a matching case.
Price Guide: $$$$
www.luxottica.com

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Altair Presents Tommy Bahama Autumn 2014 Collection


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Quick Take: Altair’s new Tommy Bahama Collection presents a variety of styles with details including genuine bamboo, coastal colors and island-inspired designs.
Specifics: The collection offers four optical styles and two sunglass styles each for both men and women.
Selling Points: The men’s optical collection includes models TB4029, TB4030, TB4031 and TB4032. The semi-rimless TB4029 frame features a laser-etched basket weave pattern on titanium and acetate temples. Model TB4030 is a sleek, modern “geek chic” frame front, according to Altair. Models TB4031 and TB4032 feature rectangular shapes with bamboo detailing. The women’s optical collection includes models TB5032, TB5033, TB5034 and TB5035. Model TB5032 is built with a stainless steel frame front and hand carved temples with colored enamel end pieces. Model TB5033 comes in a modified butterfly shape with decorative crystals on the temples. Models TB5034 and TB5035 both feature solid rectangular frame fronts and marbleized temples adorned with hand-placed crystals.
Price Guide: $$$
www.altaireyewear.com


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ALSO NEW

Oakley’s Men’s Ophthalmic Release for Fall

Oakley has released four new men’s ophthalmic styles for fall. One of the thinnest, lightest and strongest non-metal frames ever created by Oakley, the Milestone offers an alternative to acetate by taking advantage of the brand’s premium NanOmatter which offers the look of titanium and the feel and function of plastic. The TinCup, an ultra-thin stainless steel frame inspired by Oakley’s best-selling Metal Plate style, offers screwless Hollowpoint hinges designed after hubless motorcycle wheels; while the TinCup Carbon offers the same hinge paired with adjustable carbon fiber temples and an ultra-thin titanium frame. Lastly, inspired by the Junkyard II and Backwind frames, the Trailmix is a lightweight O Matter frame with adjustable C-5 alloy temples and Twin Shock hinges. www.oakley.com

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Modo Debuts New Paper-Thin Titanium Models

Modo has debuted a new generation of its Paper-Thin Titanium collection featuring 11 new styles, including five semi-rimless frames. Each style comes in four colors. The retro-inspired shapes contrast well with the high-tech ultra-elastic polyamide TR 90 inserts with titanium on the upper eye rim and beta-titanium on the lower frame front. Revamped from the original ultra-thin assortment, the frames retain their signature lightness, flexibility and eye-catching colors with super-thin grilamid polymer rings. At 6.8 grams and measuring only 0.6 mm in thickness, the beta-titanium frames offer the ultimate in lightness and flexibility. The collection has an understated, minimalist design that still makes a clear fashion statement. www.modo.com

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Costa's Adds Realtree Xtra Camo to Popular Styles

Costa has announced the addition of its new frame color, Realtree Xtra camo, to select sunglass styles, hats and other gear. The Realtree Xtra camo pattern was created through a patented printing technology that creates a 3D effect with natural elements like tree trunks, large and small limbs, and warm, natural colors. Costa offers the Realtree Xtra camo pattern in several of its most popular premium performance sunglasses, including Blackfin, Fantail, Fisch, Hamlin and Zane. Other features include proprietary hypoallergenic Hydrolite interior lining and temple tips to prevent slippage, frame vents to alleviate fogging on the Fisch and Zane and sturdy integral hinge technology. All Costa sunglasses can be customized in its full array of patented color enhancing polarized 580 lenses. www.costadelmar.com

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