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.
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.
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!
Get Your Stripes Here!
May 2012 — If you love stripes, the new Marc by Marc Jacobs "I Love Stripes" eyewear collection will satisfy your yen for this classic pattern that looks good on everybody.
The line includes frames and sunglasses for both men and women. Shown here in a wide stripe with multi-layer acetate pastels is model MMJ315/s, and in a finer black and white stripe is model MMJ316/s. More colors are available, too.
Please click here for closeup photos of these two "I Love Stripes" sunglasses.
Football Star Sports Nike Sunglasses
April 2012 — New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz played a big role in the team's Superbowl victory this year.
He's also known for his record for most yards received during a single season with the Giants, as well as his energetic salsa dance after each touchdown.
He's shown here in Nike sunglass style MDL 101, a large, double-bridge aviator with a vintage feel. Please click here for a closeup photo.
Color Blocking Trend Finds Its Way to Sunglasses
and Frames by Marc Jacobs
April 2012 — New sunglasses and eyeglass frames by Marc Jacobs combine oversized shapes with color-blocking — a color trend that's prevalent among this year's spring and summer apparel designs.
As in the nude/orange/white sunglasses shown here (model MJ 408/s), the eyewear contrasts pastels and white with bolder hues, for a modern feel that also evokes the bold fashions of the 1980s.
Color combinations include cyclamen/blue/white, coral/green/white and orange/lilac/white. Some styles also include tortoise patterns interspersed with bits of bright solid colors.
Shapes are geometrical, including large squares and butterflies, along with strong rectangles and chunky, plastic aviators with double bridges.
Please click here for closeup photos of several color combinations.
Cocoons Will Offer Photochromic Option in Its Sunglass Lens Lineup
March 2012 — By the end of this month, Cocoons will be available with photochromic lenses, in your choice of gray or amber tint.
Live Eyewear, who makes Cocoons, is offering the option in response to customers who say they need either less or more light transmission in the lenses. Since photochromic lenses lighten or darken in response to available UV radiation, they are a good way to address these needs.
The new lenses are also polarized for glare prevention and provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection for your eyes.
Cocoons sunglasses can be worn alone or over your prescription eyewear and come in six frame styles.
Randy Jackson Sun Has a Cool, Laid-Back Look
February 2012 — Here's a new sunglass collection for guys who like a stylish look that's versatile, too.
The Randy Jackson Sun collection has five models, all with the same retro/modern feel as the eyeglass frame collection.
All have full metal frames, four with a double-bar bridge. Two have a modified aviator shape, two are rectangular and one is oval. So there's something here for every face shape.
Colors include gold, gunmetal and black. All have polarized lenses to reduce glare and improve contrast, with 100 percent protection against UVA and UVB rays.
They all can accept prescription lenses, too, including progressive lenses.
Please click here for closeups of all five styles in the Randy Jackson Sun collection.
Coming Soon: HD Video Recording Sunglasses by Pivothead
February 2012 — One way to share your enthusiasm for outdoor activities is to capture them on video-recording sunglasses. What's special about this new Aurora style by Pivothead is the ability to record high-definition video at 1080p (at 30 frames per second).
Video features include image stabilization, continuous auto focus, fixed and macro focus settings, face tracking and wind-resistant audio recording. The field of view is 75 degrees to reduce image distortion. And an Android-compatible smartphone app lets you share your videos on the fly.
The sunglass lenses are made of impact-resistant polycarbonate with anti-scratch and hydrophobic coating, and they block 100 percent of UV rays.
Pivothead expects to debut these sunglasses in April and is looking for dealers.
Dior Homme Launches Elegant, Foldable Sunglasses for Men
February 2012 — Dior Homme 171/S is a lightweight aviator style that folds to a convenient size for your pocket.
The model has a metal frame and soft ear tips for comfort. The temples feature an engraved "Dior Homme" logo, and the lenses provide 100 percent protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Color choices include shiny black/gray lenses, brushed ruthenium/gray lenses, matte black/shaded gray lenses and red/shaded brown lenses.
New Sunglasses by Jean Paul Gaultier and Alain Mikli Offer Surprises
January 2012 — No, you don't have triple vision! Those extra temples you see on this new sunglass are a defining feature of the new eyewear collection by apparel designer Jean Paul Gaultier and eyewear designer Alain Mikli.
The two long-time friends are collaborating for the first time ever, to produce a collection that conveys chic and shock but maintains a timeless quality in its traditional shapes and materials.
Now appearing in optical boutiques, the collection includes 12 sunglasses and eight eyeglass frames, with shapes including rectangular, cateye and oval, plus a shield. Colors are predominantly black, brown/tortoise and ivory.
Special-Edition 1921 Sunglasses Are Elegant in Leather
January 2012 — These leather-covered sunglasses for women are a special-edition style that celebrates the 90th anniversary of the House of Gucci, which was founded in 1921 by Guccio Gucci.
The sunglass has a large, upswept shape and comes with glass lenses. "G. Gucci Firenze 1921" appears on an 18-carat gold plaque on the left temple.
Shown here in cherry leather, the 1921 sunglass also comes in beige or brown. A leather case is included.
Please click here for closeups of the special-edition 1921 sunglass in the three available colors.
Emporio Armani Sunglasses for Men and Women Are Transparent, Lightweight, Colorful
January 2012 — If one of your 2012 fashion resolutions is to add more color to your wardrobe, consider these witty new sunglasses by Emporio Armani.
Shown here is the women's version (EA 9837/S), an oversized rounded model that comes in pink, red, purple, green, brown or black.
The men's version is a teardrop-shaped shield (EA 9838/S), and it also comes in several colors.
Please click here for closeups of both styles, as well as all the color choices.
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 associate editor for this website.
Connect with Ms. Surtenich via Google+.
[Page updated May 9, 2013]
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