What's New in Sunglasses
Romantic Heroine Collection By Seraphin
May 2013 — Set hearts aflutter this summer in these fun and feminine Seraphin sunglasses from the Romantic Heroine Collection.
Timeless shapes and intricate adornments evoke a romantic aura that will appeal to any fashion heroine.
Choose from the Juliet Sun line with its coquettish bold color palette and design; the unique design of Ravoux Sun, inspired by mid-century American fashion; and the glamorous Jackie O-look captured in the Quinn Sun range.
Please click here for more photos of the Romantic Heroine Collection.
Zeal Optics Launches World's First Plant-based Lens
March 2013 — Zeal Optics recently debuted its "e-llume" lens to the market — the first lens of its kind to provide an ecological alternative to crude oil-based lenses.
Engineers at Zeal have created a plant-based bonding agent, replacing the need for traditional petroleum-based bonders.
In addition to eliminating crude oil form the lens-making process, the e-llume lenses provide excellent visual clarity (Abbe value of 38) and block UVA, B and C rays, as well as harmful high energy visible light, also called "blue light."
E-llume also has a special hard coating for scratch resistance and a high-transmission polarized film to help eliminate glare.
All Zeal Optics sunglass frames are made with Z-resin, a plant-based material that uses castor oil, eliminating crude oil from the manufacturing process.
Face à Face Turns Eyewear into Art
March 2013 — Let your eyes do the talking with these provocative and sexy shades from Bocca by Face à Face.
Inspired by exotic works of art, the Bocca collection is a celebration of a woman's curves and sensuality.
The front of the frame suggests a woman's lips, while the temples follow the line of shapely legs and are adorned with glamorous high heels at the tips.
They also are irresistibly fun and quirky — how else can you wear a piece of art on your face?
Please click here for more sunglasses from Bocca by Face à Face.
Vintage Revival: Sunski Sunglasses Relaunched
March 2013 — This spring, get set for a new breed of fun and functional sunglasses with the relaunch of Sunskis.
Last seen more than 25 years ago on the sun-kissed beaches of Australia, the Sunski brand has been brought back to life by two San Francisco-based product designers.
The sunglasses have been updated to feature cutting-edge craftsmanship while staying true to the vintage appeal and fun-in-the-sun philosophy of the original Sunski.
Features include hand-polished polycarbonate and polarized lenses that block 100 percent of UV rays, plus a scratch-resistant mirror coating for added durability and glare control.
Look out for Sunskis this season — the vibrant colors and affordable price point are sure to turn heads.
Please click here for more sunglasses from the new Sunski collection.
Stratofly from Rudy Project Raises the Bar
January 2013 — Rudy Project, makers of performance and hi-tech sunglasses engineered for athletes, recently launched the Stratofly sunglass.
The Stratofly incorporates functional features of sports glasses — such as no-slip rubber temple grips, adjustable nosepiece and anti-fog lenses — into one simple design.
Another feature is the Quick Change system, which allows you to swap lenses (including Rx lenses), depending on the weather and light conditions.
If you're after a "one-stop shop" when it comes to sports eyewear, the Stratofly is a worthy contender.
Please click here for close-ups of the Stratofly collection.
Eyes Cream Shades Adds Flavor to Kids' Sunglasses
January 2013 — Let your kids dazzle in 2013 with the "Bling Collection" by Eyes Cream Shades, a line of quality sunglasses made just for children.
Intricately adorned with Swarovski crystals, these are not your ordinary kids' sunglasses.
The Bling Collection features shatter-resistant, UV-blocking lenses and one-of-a-kind handcrafted frame designs. Choose from an array of ice cream-inspired colors, including chocolate and vanilla.
All Eyes Cream Shades sunglasses provide UVA and UVB sun protection and feature durable polycarbonate lenses — so your children can protect their eyes from harmful ultraviolet sunlight while paying homage to their inner fashionista.
Please click here for close-ups of the Bling collection.
Randolph Engineering: Military-grade Shades
January 2013 — Ever wanted to be a Top Gun? Take your flight of fancy to new heights with the men's eyewear collection from Randolph Engineering.
These are not your ordinary sunglasses.
Randolph eyewear is built for the U.S. military — so when you purchase a Randolph sunglass you know it's been battle-tested and built to withstand the test of time.
All frames are handcrafted in the U.S. and are available in a wide range of frame and lens combinations, including acetate and 23k gold frames and polycarbonate lenses.
Whether you're an air force pilot or an everyday civilian, Randolph sunglasses are the real McCoy when it comes to sophisticated, timeless and masculine style.
Please click here for more sunglasses from the Michael Bastian collection for Randolph Engineering.
Get Your Game On with the New Converse Collection
October 2012 — The Summer Olympic Games may be over, but you can still get your game face on with the "On Your Mark" sunglasses (pictured) from Converse, part of the brand's Star Chevron 2012 sunglass collection.
In a range of neon-bright colors heralding the fashion de jour of the 1980s, these polarized sunglasses feature a funky frame material made of skateboard grip tape.
Inset rubber grips on the temple, tips and nose piece provide comfort, staying power and a touch of sporty chic.
Edgy and bang-on trend, the On Your Mark line will make a statement both on and off the field.
Please click here for more styles from the Star Chevron collection.
SOLO Eyewear — Giving the Gift of Sight
September 2012 — Around one billion people don't have access to eye care, and nearly 80 percent of blindness worldwide is preventable, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
SOLO Eyewear, an eco-friendly sunglass company pioneered by students at San Diego State University, is addressing this issue head-on.
SOLO Eyewear is a line of bamboo and plastic sunglasses, combing eco-chic frames and on-trend designs. In partnership with three non-profit organizations, each pair of sunglasses purchased helps fund a pair of prescription eyeglasses and cataract surgery for those in need.
Since launching in 2011, SOLO Eyewear has restored vision to approximately 2,400 people in need around the world.
The initiative, called Vision To Give, is gaining traction in both the eye care industry and mainstream media, and was recently featured on NBC's The Today Show.
Please click here for closeup photos.
Sama Eyewear — Your Passport to Luxury
September 2012 — With a flock of celebrity devotees — including the likes of Usher, Rihanna and Angelina Jolie — Sama Eyewear epitomizes luxury, quality and exclusivity. It's less a pair of glasses than it is a lifestyle.
All Sama Eyewear styles are manufactured and hand-finished in Japan using quality materials, such as precious and semi-precious gems, and cutting-edge technology such as 100 percent pure titanium frames, single-sheet construction and vapor-deposited 24k gold lenses.
While offering various price points, Sama's most decadent piece is undoubtedly "Lumiere" from the Magic Hour collection. The exquisite, bejeweled eyewear is priced at $64k — but that will get you 418 white diamonds, two blue sapphires and two pink sapphires hand-set in a 14k white gold French-cut pave frame.
Sama Eyewear donates a portion of its annual net profits, as well as all proceeds of its "Heart of Gold" styles, to the Sam Vance Foundation. Sama founder and designer Sheila Vance set up the charity to help drug-addicted teens and young adults get on the road to recovery.
Please click here for closeups of this and more luxury sunglasses by Sama Eyewear.
Okia Lace Collection Unveiled
September 2012 — Nothing says vintage glam and romantic femininity more than lace — and it's making a big comeback this fall.
Get this season's timeless look with the new Lace Collection by Okia, which takes its cue from the lace-trimmed designs of the fall fashion runways.
Available in tones of blue or black, the definition and depth of the lace design are achieved by Okia's patented HDA technology, merging high fashion and technology to create a must-have look for the fall. The collection includes both sunglasses and eyeglass frames.
Click here for a closeup photo of three of the styles.
New Eco-Chic Sunglasses from Zeal Optics
September 2012 — The Zeal Optics 2013 Sunglass Collection combines functionality and sustainability with fashion-forward design for guys and gals. The line-up includes three categories: Lifestyle, Active and Performance.
All sunglasses in the 2013 collection are built for adventure. They are impact-resistant and feature Hyperion lenses, a unique hybrid of the durability of polycarbonate and the visual clarity of glass. The frames are also injected with ProFlex rubber for maximum comfort and grip when you're on the move.
In line with the brand's commitment to eco-responsibility, each frame is made from a plant-based resin (dubbed "Z-Resin"). This bio-based resin is made from castor bean oil instead of crude oil, making the product eco-friendly without sacrificing quality or performance.
With a style to suit just about every lifestyle — from urban street strolling to rural mountain trekking — Zeal has all bases covered.
Please click here for close-ups of the Lifestyle collection.
Maui Jim Releases Amazing Spider-Man Sunglasses
July 2012 — Our spidey sense tells us these limited-edition sunglasses by Maui Jim will be a hit, along with the new movie.
Each sunglass is individually numbered, for a total release of 7,200 pairs. They feature a red, web-patterned grilamid frame and polycarbonate lenses with a webbed mirror coating. The web can be seen by others, but not by the person wearing the sunglasses.
The color-enhancing lenses block 100 percent of UV rays and 99.9 percent of glare. Each sunglass comes with a specially designed case, storage pouch and packaging.
Wraparound Sport Sunglasses Adjust to Your Face
July 2012 — Some sports demand a wraparound sunglass that truly wraps, for protection against wind, sun and dust.
SolarComfort Custom Fit sunglasses are designed to contour to just about anybody's face and head, with a flexible nose bridge you can bend until it's comfortable on you.
The polarized lenses reduce glare and are scratch-resistant, with 100 percent UVA/UVB protection. Please click here for detail photos.
Solar Shield Launches Designer Line of Sunwear Worn Over Eyeglasses
July 2012 — If you wear glasses and like to wear sunglasses over them, here's an option that will keep you in fashion.
The Solar Shield Designer Collection was created with a small profile, in smart colors and with special temple adornments for a classy look.
Their polarized, scratch-resistant lenses block all UVA/UVB rays, too.
Please click here for closeup photos of this and other styles.
Abby and Chelsea Sunglasses Are Action-Ready —
and Prescription-Ready, Too
July 2012 — Two new sunglasses by Wiley X are designed for active women who want good eye protection as well as modern style.
"Abby" and "Chelsea" are designed for small-to-medium faces and feature shatterproof frames and lenses.
The lenses filter out 100 percent of UV rays and, like all of Wiley X's performance sunglasses, meet stringent high velocity and high mass impact safety standards.
Abby comes in either espresso brown with bronze lenses or black marble with Filter 8 polarized smoke gray lenses. Chelsea comes in either liquid plum with smoke gray lenses or iced tea with polarized bronze lenses.
Both styles are prescription-ready, too. Please click here for closeup photos of Abby and Chelsea.
Maui Jim Pairs High Fashion with Lens Technology
in Ginger Sunglasses for Women
July 2012 — "Ginger" is the latest addition to the women's sunglass fashion collection by Maui Jim.
The midsize, round frame comes in charcoal, mauve, chocolate and matte sandstone (shown here). The lenses are the company's SuperThin Glass lenses, which Maui Jim says are 20 percent thinner and lighter than conventional glass lenses. They are scratch-resistant and polarized, and the Ginger frame is available in three lens colors: neutral gray, HCL bronze and Maui Rose.
Please click here for closeup photos of the various color options.
Lacoste Releases Eyewear With Magnetic Personality — and Temples
May 2012 — Lacoste Eyewear has released the new Magnetic Collection, with seven sunglasses and seven eyeglass frames that all feature telescopic temples.
Shown here is style L640S from the collection; it comes in those vibrant Lacoste colors you know and love. Please click here for a closeup of this double-bridged aviator style.
The temples extend around your head and clasp with a magnetic closure.
They are designed to stay securely on your head while you walk, run, dance, whatever.
Speaking of dancing, Lacoste also released a fun videofun video with a cute guy who plays with the eyewear as he makes some cool moves. Enjoy!
What's New in Sunglasses continued...
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About the Author: Aimee Surtenich has many years of editorial experience in consumer publishing, with an emphasis on the health, pharmaceutical and beauty fields. She is executive editor for this website.
Connect with Ms. Surtenich via Google+.
[Page updated June 14, 2013]
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