What's New in Eyeglass Frames
Teka Eyewear: Eclectic Materials
and Sophisticated Styling
NEW YORK CITY, March 2010 — Teka Eyewear uses unusual materials such as buffalo horn, leather, aluminum and exotic woods, emphasizing craftsmanship and elegant styling.
The company's frames won Best New Product awards at both the spring and fall International Vision Expo conventions last year.
Teka Eyewear's tagline reveals its design philosophy: "Frames That Demand Respect ... Because You Deserve It."
Here is an interesting new style for women: the TK107 frame with tiny stones embedded in airy rings on the temples. The frame is lightweight and appears almost rimless from the front.
Other frames are more unisex, with simple horn or wood temples and plain metal fronts.
You'll find Teka Eyewear in optical stores nationwide. Please click here for a closeup photo of the TK107 frame.
Classic Eyeglass Frames for Giorgio Armani Fans
MILAN, Italy, March 2010 — "Sober and powerful" is how Giorgio Armani Eyewear describes the 13 men's styles in its latest collection. Armani fans will notice that the line has returned to its roots, with ruthlessly precise shapes and pure colors.
Shown here is GA788, a 1950s square-shaped frame with a light steel front and plastic trim on the top rim. Color combinations are palladium with a black front, light gold with a dark Havana front and light gold with a horn-ruthenium front.
Other featured styles include: GA786, an acetate plastic frame with a round eye shape and key-shaped bridge, in horn-green, horn-honey or havana; and GA783, another 1950s shape in thick plastic that comes in dark Havana, light amber, honey, black, blue or dark orange.
While these styles are designed for men, women can wear them, too. The new collection also includes a women's butterfly-shaped design in four color choices.
Please click here for more photos.
Frames by Boucheron Paris Express Themselves With Luxury Materials
PARIS, February 2010 — Partnered with Gold & Wood, world-renowned jewelry company Boucheron added four new lines to its luxury eyewear collection.
Founded by a French family dynasty in 1858, Boucheron launched its first eyewear collection in 1994. This year's new styles feature wood, buffalo horn, gold and precious stones.
Shown here is "Fusion" in aubergine/gold. Four rim styles in nylon or full-rimmed rectangles are available for men and women. Sunglass styles for men in rectangular and aviator rims are also available.
Also shown is "Ava," named after 1950s Hollywood star Ava Gardner. Designed for women, the Ava line features four prescription eyewear styles in hues such as satin bronze and matte gold, and three sunglass styles in wood.
"FrouFrou" eyewear in cherry/transparent white horn is shown last. Also for women, the line comes in rimless frames in wood, and rimmed or semi-rimmed frames in metal.
Please click here for a closeup photo.
Clever Contrasts in New Frames From Humphrey's Eyewear
GLEN COVE, N.Y., January 2010 — New styles from Humphrey's Eyewear include this stainless steel semi-rimless eyeglass frame for women, modeled here by Keisha Buchanan, the singer formerly of Sugababes.
The frame is very lightweight for comfort, with a black front and a bold combination of black and white elements in the temples.
Other frames in the collection include full and semi-rimless styles, in stainless steel and acetate plastic, some with cut-outs in the temples and hinge areas.
They feature lively colors ranging from red to violet-pink and patterns such as a wave design. Some colors are iridescent.
Please click here for a closeup photo.
For Finicky Wearers, Here Is Bespoke Eyewear Made Just for You
LONDON, January 2010 — Have you ever wished you could get an eyeglass frame custom-made especially for you?
Tom Davies Bespoke Eyewear can grant your wish with its unique method of customizing frame elements so they fit and flatter like a well-tailored suit.
The term "bespoke" describes apparel that is custom-designed and measured for a particular person, not cut from a pre-existing pattern. British optician Tom Davies has extended this concept to eyewear as well, so you can get the look that suits you best.
Here's how it works: You visit a participating optician, who shows you various frame options, including colors, shapes and materials. You choose what you like, and the optician takes your photo as well as precise measurements of your face. Then the optician inputs the information into an online design wizard.
You will see three recommended designs superimposed on your photo. You choose one, and the design goes off to the factory for completion.
Bespoke Eyewear by Tom Davies is available in select opticianries. Please click here for closeup photos.
Brendel's Fall/Winter Eyewear Collection Has Strong Yet Minimal Lines
NUREMBERG, Germany, December 2009 — The newest eyeglass frames for women from Brendel are minimalist in shape but adorned with highly colorful mod design elements.
Shown is a black frame with red accents that are reminiscent of the 1970s.
The frame is also available in brown/orange and an iridescent Havana rose color.
The newest men's frames from Brendel are minimalist, in muted colors.
All Brendel designs have high-quality finishes and are available in better optical stores. Please click here for closeup photos of this and a men's frame from Brendel.
Release of Quiksilver and Roxy Eyewear Makes Waves
DALLAS, November 2009 — U.S. fans of Roxy and Quiksilver can now complete their sporty look with this optical frame collection. Previously available in Europe and Australia, Quiksilver and Roxy Eyewear by A&A Optical is making its debut in the United States and Puerto Rico.
Globally recognized as stylish brands for surfwear and board-sports equipment, Roxy and Quiksilver appeal to "the brand-aware youth consumer who seeks fashion-forward, fun and sporty styles priced within their reach," said Robert Liener, A&A Optical president and CEO.
Nine Quiksilver styles made of Italian acetate, metal and monel combination feature the Quiksilver logo on the temple. One style, QO3320, has a twistable temple with a rubber logo on one side and stripe on the other.
Designed for girls, Roxy has seven frame styles with spring hinges. These are also made of Italian acetate, metal and monel combination. Most frames feature the Roxy logo on the temple or eye rim. Style RO2620 has a reversible Roxy icon and Swarovski crystal block temple.
Shown here is Quiksilver frame style QO3030. Please click here for more photos from the Roxy and Quiksilver collections.
kensie's Modern Yet Pretty Styling Moves to Eyewear
LOUISVILLE, Ky., October 2009 — kensie is a Vancouver-based apparel brand that takes femininity to a modern level. The kensie girl likes her clothing pretty, romantic and elegant, but also up to date with a lot of texture and imaginative pattern mixes. The new kensie eyeglass frames from Kenmark reflect that same philosophy.
The frames are textured and patterned with metal cut-outs, laser etchings and layering of materials. Some display the kensie logo.
Shown here is a kensie frame called "Moment," in violet. In plastic, the rectangular frame comes in two sizes and also in black or tortoise.
Also shown is "Manifesto," another plastic frame in two sizes. Shown here in black, it also comes in tortoise or violet, with stained glass patterning inside the wide temples.
The kensie collection includes playfully chic sunglasses, too. You'll find kensie eyewear in optical stores nationwide. Please click here for closeup photos of both frames.
Daisy Fuentes Eyewear
LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y., September 2009 — Modern and colorful are the two words that best describe the Daisy Fuentes Eyewear collection for women launched this spring.
The frames, mostly in modified rectangular shapes, reflect the entertainer's fun and lively style, conveyed also in her apparel, handbag, shoe and fragrance collections.
Most styles are in colorful zyl plastic, with a couple of metal styles as well.
Shown is "Juliana," a metal frame that comes in beige or claret. It has a petite fit and a pressed striped design on the endpieces and temples.
"Elana," not shown, is a modified oval frame in handcrafted zyl with a pressed swirl design on the temples. It comes in shiny black and shiny plum — both are popular accessory colors this season.
Please click here for a closeup photo of the Juliana frame.
New Sporty Prescription Frames by Umbro
Carrollton, Texas, July 2009 — The world-popular soccer equipment brand Umbro has kicked off an eyeglass frame collection for men.
Designed for off-the-field wear, the sporty frames are lightweight for active lifestyles at all ages.
The frames feature strong lines and vibrant accents for an athletic look. Rubberized temples and built-in bridges provide optimum support, according to distributor Nouveau Eyewear.
The collection includes 12 models in stainless steel, flat metals and semi-rimless; some come in plastic or in metal/plastic combinations.
Many color options are available, including satin blue, shiny gunmetal, black crystal and matte brown. Shown here is model U107 in satin brown.
Please click here for a closeup photo of this and another of the new Umbro frames.
Retro Specs Make the Scene with the Converse Heritage Collection
SUN VALLEY, Calif., June 2009 — If you're one of those people who's drawn to the vintage frame styles you see in flea markets, these eyeglass frames were designed just for you.
The Converse Heritage Limited Edition collection includes retro-inspired frames with styling from the '70s and early '80s, which ironically look fashion-forward right now.
The frames include old-school riveted hinges, vintage materials and colors, hand-applied inlays and metal eyelet temple details. Some have a chunky, nerdy look, and some feature double bridges, a distinctive style detail from disco times.
Most are made of hand-milled acetate; one style is in metal. The frames come in colors such as brown horn, gray, navy, black, olive, gold, pewter and amber.
Shown here is Alter Ego in brown horn. Please click here for closeup photos of this and other Converse Heritage frames.
Gimme That Eyewear Religion
BROOKLYN, N.Y., May 2009 — And now for something completely different, the Eyewear Religion collection offers a new approach to metal frames for women.
The fronts are spare and rectangular, in solid colors such as coppery brown, bright red, burgundy and classic black.
But the temples are another story: "a total unleashing of our creativity," according to manufacturer Kimiko Eyewear.
They feature airy, cast-metal openwork, decorated with colorful, laser-engraved, three-dimensional metal ornaments in floral, leafy, curlicue and abstract shapes.
Eyewear Religion frames are made of stainless steel, and each comes in three color combinations. You'll find them in high-end optical stores.
Please click here for closeup photos of more Eyewear Religion frames.
Chesterfield XL Collection for Larger Faces
PARSIPPANY, N.J., April 2009 — The Chesterfield XL collection is ideal for men who have difficulty finding large eyeglasses at affordable prices.
Designed specifically for bigger men, the collection features larger eye and bridge sizes, as well as longer temples, than the average frame. Four casual styles are available in masculine colors including opaque brown, ruthenium and dark ruthenium semi-matte.
The metal frames are offered in three rectangular styles (including one semi-rimless) and one aviator style. Shown here is the CH02XL style.
The Chesterfield XL collection is available at independent optical retailers and is distributed by Safilo USA.
Please click here for a closeup photo of select styles.
Sporty New Prescription Eyeglass Frames From Smith Optics
SUN VALLEY, Idaho, April 2009 — Known for high-quality, performance sunglasses and ski goggles, Smith Optics has launched a collection of eyeglass frames that combine action sports with fashion.
The frames contain premium materials such as titanium, stainless steel and handmade acetate, as well as combinations of these materials.
The men's frames are bold and modern. Shown here is Troop, a semi-rimless frame in matte silver.
The women's frames are sporty and pretty. Shown here is Flirt, another semi-rimless, in brown tortoise.
All the frames come in two or more colors, in sizes for both small and large faces. Spring hinges, adjustable nose pieces and moldable temples ensure comfort and durability, and all styles feature the Smith Optics logo.
In addition, Smith Optics has added new styles to its popular Interlock Rx line, which features prescription-ready frames that open easily with a twist of the temple to let you change lens types and colors as needed. Shown here is the Mission style in black and crystal. Several lens types are available, including clear and polarized.
Click here for closeup photos of more Smith Optics prescription eyeglass frames.
Ed Hardy Vintage Tattoo Eyewear Is a Feast for the Eyes
SIMI VALLEY, Calif., April 2009 — Ed Hardy Eyewear has introduced a prescription frame and readers collection for men and women. Designed with tattoo art by "the godfather of tattoo," Don Ed Hardy, the collection features 15 frames with an array of decorative looks.
The zyl and metal frames feature tattoo art on the temples, which are embellished with clear and colored Swarovski crystals. Rectangular and oval rim styles are available, as well as a few semi-rimless.
The collection offers a mix of color options including black/crystal, pink sapphire, sumptuous red, black gun and brown pewter. Shown here is the "Eho 704" style in black.
Three readers are available in the collection with power ranges in +1.50, +2.00 and +2.50. Ed Hardy also has a sunglass collection that was launched a few years ago by distributor Revolution Eyewear.
Please click here for closeup photos of some of the styles.
Off Road Eyewear Offers Rugged Styling for the Masculine Man
LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y., March 2009 — Young men seeking masculine eyewear at an affordable price need not look further. The new line of Stetson Off Road offers an authentic, rugged look for the budget-conscious man.
The collection is designed for the new "Stetson generation," or the American man who values a modern look without the trendy attitude. This free-spirited man "wears Stetson like he wears his independence, with comfort and confidence," according to the manufacturer Zyloware.
Stetson Off Road is designed for long-lasting comfort and durability for work or play. Each frame has adjustable nose pads and comes in a variety of sizes and colors, such as gunmetal and antique bronze. Designs are available in metal, zyl, full-rim and semi-rimless.
Stetson Off Road frames are sold in optical stores nationwide.
Click here for a closeup photo.
Michael Stars Eyewear Released for Fun-Loving Women
LOS ANGELES, March 2009 — Known for T-shirt designs well favored by celebrities, Michael Stars has released its first eyewear collection. Inspired by the beachside lifestyle, Michael Stars offers "casual couture" for the fashion-conscious woman who is young at heart.
The innovative designs and colors "fuse fashion and eyewear as one," according to manufacturer Signature Eyewear. Eight frames are available in a variety of modern and vintage styles in metal and zyl. Some of the frames include spring hinges for greater comfort and functionality. Each frame has a Michael Stars logo plaque on the left temple tip.
The colorful collection has unique island flair, with colors including sienna sea, wild grape, fig, violet creme and tort aqua. Shown here is the "Inspire" style in garden.
Michael Stars Eyewear, including both frames and sunglasses, is sold at optical stores; major department stores such as Nordstrom and Bloomingdales also carry the sunglasses.
Click here for a closeup photo of the "Journey" style in three colors.
Junction City Eyewear Matches Economy With Style
HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., March 2009 — A new Junction City eyewear line matches sensible pricing with varieties of styles appealing to young professionals with their "hearts in the city."
Nine styles for men and women include angular and geometric shapes. Bold touches such as multiple color tones are designed to appeal to straightforward personal styles of people ages 18 to 35.
Junction City designs are available in straight acetate or metal-acetate combinations, including semi-rimless metal styles. Each frame has a recommended retail price of $99, providing career-minded professionals with a classy alternative to high-end, expensive frames.
The manufacturer's brand manager, Cathy Kaye of ClearVision, described the new Junction City eyewear line as a "stylish, on-trend collection that is sensibly priced" for modern, budget-minded buyers.
Each frame purchase will include a hard case made of beveled clam shell, silk-screened with the Junction City logo.
Please click here for closeup photos.
Dynamic Italian Frame Collection Debuts Spring Styles
CALALZO DI CADORE, Italy, February 2009 — The new Wasty eyeglass frame by Immagine Design Eyewear is among 13 styles in the X-IDE collection for 2009.
The styles will launch in March at Mido, the vision exposition held each year in Milan, Italy.
Voids and cut-outs, especially on the temples, as well as the intricate pairing of various metals and acetate plastic, distinguish the new frames.
The Wasty comes in steel, with tips in acetate and a silk-screened logo. It has a "floating lens" and dynamic shape, with streamlined screws and hinges.
You can find the Wasty and other frames in the collection in high-end optical stores.
Please click here for closeup photos.
What's New in Eyeglass Frames continued...
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[Page updated March 1, 2010]
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