T HE M AGAZINE FOR EY ECA R E PROFESSIONA LS September 2016 Vol.34 No.4 In the Lap of Luxury HOT LOOKS FOR Fall THE UNSUNG HERO A GOLDEN Opportunity
Preview WESTGROUPE WestGroupe has introduced the Thin and Light collection by Stepper Eyewear. Stepper has brought to life the lightest full-rimmed frames they have ever made; as thin as 1.3 millimetres and as light as 4.5 grams. The collection is designed with high-quality materials like TX5, or a combination of TXF and titanium. The rich earth tones of the collection will complement most complexions. More information: >> www.westgroupe.com. OGI KIDS Ogi Kids has launched four new models made from TR-90 surgical-grade plastic with sturdy stainless steel temples capped with adjustable tips for comfort and adjustability. The IN100 is designed in a feminine shape, while the IN101 is a rectangular frame. The Ogi Kids IN102 is an ultramodern frame, designed in a round and iconic P3 shape and the IN103 is an innovative ultra-lightweight frame. All four frames are available in vibrant colours. More information: >> www.ogieyewear.com. 10 Optical Prism September 2016
HOT LOOKS FOR FALL Metal, the classics and retro. We're not talking music, but rather what's hot for eyewear this fall season. By Jody Johnson Metals are starting to see a resurgence as consumers look for a change from the acetate frames that they have been wearing for the last couple of years, says Beverly Suliteanu, vice-president of product development at WestGroupe. WestGroupe's frames that feature a combination of materials are enjoying a surge in popularity. Metal inlays, bridges and accents are all ways to make acetate frames more interesting. The infinite applications of metal make it the perfect material to complement the ever-changing spirit of the fashion world. The titanium Evatik E-9128 frames are hot this season. They boast screwless hinges for smooth temple movement and beta titanium temples to ensure all-day comfort. Laser-etched temple stripes combined with two-tone colouring add a sporty vibe to an otherwise clean design. Sleek and sophisticated are two words to describe Evatik model E-9128, says Suliteanu. Slimmer and defined frames are also back in style. Chunky plastics are being replaced with a more refined look, while still maintaining a retro or vintage vibe, says Suliteanu. The key shapes for women range from new angular shapes to softly rounded and cat-eye. Popular men s shapes include round, P3 and rectangular. WestGroupe s KLiiK Denmark K-560 frame is a handmade acetate frame with an updated retro look. The riveted hinges, metallic end caps and exposed circular pins on the temples create the classic look and feel of this frame. It is embellished with a pretty press pattern along the top and the sides of the eye shape for added depth and texture. Suliteanu says top trending colours for this season include pastel hues, neutrals and bold blues as well as greens and reds for both men and women. Metallics such as gold, copper, rose gold and silver are also trending as metal frames increase in popularity. To help fill an industry need, Tura Inc. has added women s titanium designs to its collection. We have the ability to produce stylish titanium designs that are comfortable, hypoallergenic and all in keeping with the Tura brand DNA high-quality frames for today's fashionable woman, says Tura s brand manager Julie Allen. The Tura R124 frames feature a classic, modified rectangular lens shape with a pierced open rectangular design on the temples, which provides comfort by perfectly combining its lightweight character and fashion with the jewelry link temple design. It comes in burgundy, gold and navy. For men, Tura Inc. is expanding its Geoffrey Beene XL eyewear collection. Fitting patients with a wider head is easier than ever. Frames in this collection are far from bulky and special attention is paid to the head fit and overall quality of the frame. 28 Optical Prism September 2016
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1/WESTGROUPE KLIIK DENMARK K-560-429 // 2/ WESTGROUPE KLIIK DENMARK K-560-453 3/TURA GEOFFREY BEENE XL G430-BLK // 4/ WESTGROUPE EVATIK E-9128-935 5/ TURA GEOFFREY BEENE XL G432-OLI // 6/ TURA BRAND COLLECTION-R124 7/ TURA BRAND COLLECTION-R126 Optical Prism September 2016 29
SPOTLIGHT TONY HAWK KIDS collection coming to Canada WestGroupe has announced an agreement with Eyewear Designs Ltd. to distribute the Tony Hawk Kids eyewear collection in Canada. Tony Hawk is a skateboard legend and widely considered to be one of the most successful and influential pioneers of modern skateboard culture. Today, the Tony Hawk brand includes a billion-dollar video game franchise, successful businesses such as Birdhouse Skateboards, Hawk Clothing and the Tony Hawk Signature Series sporting goods and toys. Originally launched in 2015 as an adult collection, Tony Hawk Eyewear has garnered rave reviews for its innovative styling, bold use of colour and attention-to-detail. Building on this success, Eyewear Designs Ltd. has developed the new Tony Hawk Kids Eyewear Collection to appeal to a new generation of Hawk fans. The Tony Hawk brand is a globally recognized skate culture lifestyle brand that combines style and performance with cool, laidback attitude, says Beverly Suliteanu, vicepresident of product development at WestGroupe. Tony Hawk is the original skateboard guru and has tremendous brand recognition and appeal for kids, tweens and teens. The Tony Hawk Kids collection is a great addition to WestGroupe s brand portfolio. The Tony Hawk Kids Collection will be launching with six styles (three acetate models and three stainless steel models) that feature trendy styling and fun colour combinations. Designed with active young boys in mind, each model features spring hinges for added durability and are tough enough to stand up to an active lifestyle. For more information, visit westgroupe.com. 32 Optical Prism September 2016