What's New in Sunglasses
"Buy One, Give One" Sunglass
Giveaway From Maui Jim
LAHAINA, Hawaii, June 2009 — Now through July 31, for every pair of sunglasses that you buy from Maui Jim's website, the company will donate a pair to Unite for Sight.
This nonprofit group will give the sunglasses to postoperative cataract and pterygium patients, as well as other needy people in Ghana, Honduras and India.
In these sunny countries, protective sunglasses are a must, but many people don't have the money to buy them.
"There is great need for quality sunglass protection, and the participation of online buyers of Maui Jim in this offer will help immeasurably," said Jennifer Staple, president, CEO and founder of Unite for Sight.
"The polarized sunglasses we'll receive through the Maui Jim program will help protect patients' eyes from damaging ultraviolet light that, over time, can lead to eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration," she added.
Maui Jim sunglasses are well known for their high-quality polarized lenses and cool style. The polarized lenses cut glare dramatically to help you see better and keep your eyes comfortable in bright light conditions. Many of the styles are available in prescription as well.
If you would like to be a part of the "Buy One, Give One" program, visit www.mauijim.com by July 31.
New Wiley X Performance Sunglasses Offer Top-Notch Protection
LIVERMORE, Calif., June 2009 — Wiley X Eyewear has introduced two new high-performance sunglasses that are ideal for sports. The Saber and Slyde models are lightweight and very durable, featuring the same technology and materials used in eyewear the company provides to the U.S. military for protection in the field.
Shatterproof protective lenses make the Wiley X Saber a great choice for hunters and other shooting sports enthusiasts. The frames feature a wraparound design to protect the eyes from ejecting shells and other fragments.
The patented "saber-tipped" rubber temples are adjustable and keep the frames securely on the face.
Lens colors for the Saber include pale yellow, light rust, smoke, clear and pale rose, so wearers can choose the color that works best for their usual indoor or outdoor shooting environment.
Designed for sports such as fishing and boating, the Wiley X Slyde features a sleek design and UVA/UVB ray protection. The glare-cutting polarization in the lenses provides top visual acuity above and below the water.
The wraparound style and wide temples keep the lightweight nylon frames in place and wind away from eyes during high-speed boating; and the soft, rubberized nose pads enhance comfort.
Please click here for closeup photos of the sunglasses.
New Saki Sunglasses Feature Art Nouveau Touches
and Fine Craftsmanship
NEW YORK, N.Y., April 2009 — For those who want a luxury look, the Saki collection has debuted two new sunglasses and six new eyeglass frames for 2009.
Shown is sunglass style 9003 in bark; two other colors are available.
The frame includes decorative, engraved metal inserts in the temples with motifs reminiscent of the Art Nouveau movement of the early 20th century.
All Saki eyewear is manufactured by artisans in Japan, in fine materials such as acetate plastic and titanium, with luxurious details such as signature weaves and titanium inlays.
Frame shapes are large enough to accommodate progressive lens designs for comfortable viewing. Each style comes with a fine leather case.
Please click here for closeup photo.
New JLO by Jennifer Lopez Sunglasses Are Prescription-Ready
PARSIPPANY, N.J., March 2009 — Five new styles in the JLO by Jennifer Lopez sunglass collection come with polarized lenses, but they also can accept prescription sun lenses if you prefer.
Designed for self-confident, trendy women of all ages, the sunglasses include design details inspired by the JLO by Jennifer Lopez watch collection.
Color combinations include brown teal, black apricot, black ivory, brown caramel, tortoise pink pearl, black horn, light pink, tortoise and black.
Shown here are Shannon, Jess and Alyssa. Other styles are called Samantha and Kara.
The JLO eyewear collection includes eyeglass frames as well; all are available at optical stores. Please click here for closeup photo.
Nina Ricci Relaunches Sunglasses Worn by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis wearing the original Nina Ricci sunglass in January 1978, at the Robert F. Kennedy Pro Celebrity Tennis Tournament.
WILTON, Conn., March 2009 — The Nina Ricci sunglass that was once a staple of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's legendary style is available once more.
The recreated Jackie model offers an updated vintage eye shape and exaggerated square design that match current trends.
The model is manufactured in France and crafted in handmade zyl, just as it was originally in the late '70s. The acetate frame includes an engraved Nina Ricci signature on the metal trim along the temple.
The frame is available in six colors, including purple-rose, tortoise shell, smoked gray, gray-green, brown-orange and black. The sunlenses offer 100 percent UV protection.
Nina Ricci Jackie frames are distributed by L'Amy America, one of the world's oldest manufacturers of optical frames.
Click here for a closeup photo.
Raquel Welch Is Newest Icon for Foster Grant
Sunglasses and Reading Glasses
SMITHFIELD, R.I., February 2009 — Hollywood movie star Raquel Welch is promoting Foster Grant sunglasses and reading glasses in a national television ad campaign aimed at stimulating public interest in safety and fashion aspects of the brand's eyewear.
Foster Grant sunglasses and non-prescription reading glasses are available in many collections, including Magnivision, Anarchy, Angel, Gargoyles, Solar Shields and PolarEyes.
Some Foster Grant sunglass lines, such as Ironman, emphasize outdoor ruggedness, whereas other collections include refined, high fashion touches and artistic flourishes found in designer sunglasses.
Distributed by FGX International, Foster Grant originally was founded in 1919 in association with women's hair accessories.
A decade later, the company's first eyeglasses were sold at Woolworth's.
In 1960, the company's famous "Who's That Behind Those Foster Grants?" campaign was launched with various celebrity spokespeople who have included Woody Allen and Vanessa Redgrave.
Maui Jim Unveils "Class of '09" Sunglasses
LAHAINA, Maui, January 2009 — New Maui Jim "Class of '09" frame styles offer both fashionable and functional features suitable for men and women.
Sizes of different styles vary to suit different face shapes and can accommodate prescriptions. With the right frame selection, Maui Jim sunglasses provide a snug but relaxed fit for extra comfort.
The Keiki for both men and women is a smaller frame, available in color combos of gunmetal with neutral gray and espresso with bronze or rose. The Kihei wraparound style is a more medium-sized frame with a modified rectangular shape. Other classy touches for this frame include bendable, non-slip nose pads and high-gloss finish.
Whether you plan a road trip cross-country or simply a visit to the beach, the Akamai provides a boldly oversized design for maximum sun protection. This frame is made of high-grade nylon and includes anti-corrosive nickel/silver spring hinges.
The Alana is a mid-sized, classic frame with fun fashion touches such as temples shaped like bamboo sticks. Color combos for this frame include gloss black with silver or neutral gray and gloss black with gold or bronze.
Please click here for closeup photos.
Symbols of Life-Affirming Concepts in Shanghai Tang Eyewear
HONG KONG, November 2008 — Peace, harmony, happiness and wealth are among life-affirming symbols featured in a new eyewear line matching fashions found in worldwide boutiques for men and women.
Launched this fall, the Shanghai Tang sunglass collection includes the wraparound ST 8001 available in colors such as black, lime, red, fuchsia, tortoise and dark brown. The ST 8035 made in a metal Phoenix shape includes gradient shading in the lens.
With a "double-fish" emblem, the ST 8058 is available in black, burgundy, white and brown orange. The ST 8059 is an oversized frame made of sheet metal in front that includes a hand-made plastic temple.
All of these sunglass styles contain the "Shou" logo representing long life. Other symbols in various models include the coin for prosperity and cloud for luck.
Exotic Chinese luxury also is reflected in eyeglass cases made in fan shapes. Each case has silk linings, Chinese coins and bead-and-silk tassels. Please click here for closeup photos.
7Eye Launches Bali Eyewear for Active Men and Women
PLEASANTON, Calif., July 2008 — Tough, new Bali eyewear recently launched by 7Eye combines a high fashion look for men and women with durability and extreme protection against outdoor elements such as wind and dust.
Introduced in early July through motorcycle retailer and eye care outlets nationwide, Bali incorporates the company's "Airlock" design with a comfortable eyecup that seals against the face for extra shielding. Bali is designed to fit many face shapes for individuals who participate in sports or other outdoor activities.
The eyewear includes a polyurethane shield and water repellent coating within the Airlock sealing system to prevent encroachment by water and sweat. A fabric included in the Airlock's topcoat traps moisture and allows it to evaporate quickly.
The Airlock feature also can be removed, allowing wearers to convert Bali eyewear for everyday use. Bali eyewear is available in three frame colors of black, dark tortoise and gray with a choice of lenses offering 100 percent UV protection. Please click here for closeup photos.
Sales of Limited Edition Sunglasses Will Benefit
Breast Cancer Research
HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., June 2008 — A special limited edition sunglass, "Faith," has been launched by ClearVision Optical and BCBG Max Azria to help benefit breast cancer research through donations to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure fund.
Each sunglass has a suggested retail price of $120, with 25 percent of sales earmarked for donation to the fund.
The new sunglass has a softened rectangular shape, available in black or white frames with interior pink layers symbolizing breast cancer awareness. The "Faith" design is the second release supporting the cause. Sales from the first release, "Hope," netted $78,750 for breast cancer research.
Each sunglass purchase includes a pink clamshell eyewear case with an emblem of a breast cancer awareness ribbon. Please click here for a closeup photo.
XXL Sun Designed for Men With Larger Facial Features
DALLAS, May 2008 — Men with wider facial features can benefit from more ample design found in a new line of sunglasses known as XXL Sun from A & A Optical.
Comfort is emphasized, with longer temples and a wider front, along with versatility in styling. Polarized lenses are available for all styles.
The Cowboy, available in gun metal or black, has a traditional rectangular shape in metal, with rubber temple tips offering a snug but comfortable fit.
The Devil Ray also is a metal style, with a double bar and an elongated rectangular shape for a sporty look, available in black or silver.
The Nugget, with a plastic frame in black or tortoise, comes in a wraparound style.
And the Dolphin, shown here, features a modified rectangular shape with tapered temples. The Dolphin is available in black and gun metal colors. Click here for closeup photos of the four sunglasses in the new XXL line.
New Sunglasses from Luxury Shoe Designer Jimmy Choo
Include Metal and Plastic Frames
PADOVA, Italy, February 2008 — Sixteen new sunwear styles in metal and plastic frames will be introduced to the United States during the March launch of the Jimmy Choo sunwear collection.
"The collection will have a modern edge with a vintage feel, which is reflective of the eyewear trends going forward," said executive vice president Dick Russo of Safilo USA, the new collection's distributor company.
Frame styles vary, from boldly oversized to finely detailed flourishes such as tiny, visible studs within designer logos.
Sunglass frame colors in the new collection also are highly variable, ranging from gold bronze to champagne.
Click here for closeup photos of two styles from the Jimmy Choo sunglass line. 
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[Page updated June 2009]
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