Lacoste celebrates 75th anniversary in style

Lacoste marks their 75th anniversary in 2008 with a limited edition capsule eyewear collection for men and women featuring the original crocodile logo with a contemporary twist on products and packaging.

For men, a dynamic rounded shaped lens with a vintage touch lends this distinctive model a prominent, expressive character. The metal bar integrated on the top rim as well as a double bridge combined with filigree metal temples affords a lightweight sporty finish. With an understated tone on tone logo embossed on the temples, the men’s sunglasses are available in white, black and brown colourways.

The soft angular model for women projects an image that is both classic and fashionable – in keeping with LACOSTE’s timeless style. A distinctive double-layered acetate with warm accents in black and white colourways completes the look. The silver metal crocodile inlet on the temple emphasizes brand consciousness, while the stylish metal ring on the end tip highlights the sporting heritage of the product. These glamorous women’s sunglasses come in white, black and beige.

Christophe Pillet, Creative Consultant for LACOSTE eyewear comments: “These sunglasses are true contemporary objects composed with some vintage ingredients. To commemorate our anniversary, each pair of sunglasses comes with a specially designed sunglass case and lens cloth.”

All items in the 75th anniversary collection feature a distinguishing logo different to the original crocodile mark: a silver grey three-ball design which features LACOSTE in the first ball, the original crocodile logo in the centre ball, and finally ‘75 Sport Elegance’, which is the theme of this special birthday celebration.

The limited edition eyewear range will be priced from £110 and is part of a wider ‘capsule collection’ of clothing, bags, footwear, watches and eyewear to celebrate LACOSTE’s 75th anniversary. All designs in the eyewear collection embrace the LACOSTE lifestyle which encompasses elegance, refinement and comfort as well as a dedication to quality and innovation.

With a contemporary sport-elegant feel, the stylish collection houses a selection of timeless designs and stunning colours for women and men.

Cool shades for summer

Latest sunglasses run from big frames and retro styles to bifocals and eco-friendly ones.

With the summer sun blazing, a new pair of sunglasses would come in handy right now. But here's a tidbit from Sunglass Association of America vice president Melanie Martin: That old pair will continue to work just fine.

Sunglasses don't lose their potency over time, so a pair that guarantees 100 percent UV protection will continue to guard against the sun's harmful rays.

Of course, practicality and fashion passion are different. Sunglasses are increasingly considered the ultimate fashion accessory.

"There's a little bit of mystery behind someone who's wearing a pair of dark glasses," said Marianne Kotzbauer, director of frames management at Sunglass Hut. "You come out of your shell a little bit when you have a pair of fun sunglasses on. It's all about attitude. You put on a pair of aviators, and it's your mood for the day. When you want to glam it up, you put on a big oversize plastic (pair). It depends on the look and lifestyle you're trying to create."

If you want to look cool this summer, try these trends on for size:

Think big
When it comes to sunglasses, everything really is bigger in Texas. Oversize frames are in, although they may look flatter and wrap around your face less than in previous seasons.

"It's the first thing people notice, so the larger, the better," said Tina Ozcelik, buyer at Eye Elegance. "If you see a woman in a convertible going down the freeway, she's not going to be wearing little glasses. She's wearing big plastic. It's more of a glamour look."

Besides making a fashion statement, oversize frames cover a larger portion of the face — a big plus for aging baby boomers. With big sunglasses, Martin said, "I feel like the skin around my eyes is more protected and I'm getting fewer wrinkles. It's a bit of an anti-aging device, and we all like that."

Go retro
Ray-Ban Wayfarers, which first appeared in 1952 but soared in popularity after Tom Cruise wore them 25 years ago in the film Risky Business, are back again. "But they're not your father's sunglasses," Kotzbauer said.

While the classic shape remains, the new Wayfarers come in a variety of candy-colored shades as well as stark white or gray and two-tone styles (black with red at the top, for example, or a purple lens with burgundy arms).

"It's a great unisex look," Kotzbauer said.

Nearly every eyewear designer is offering versions of another '80s relic — aviator specs. The gold rim look from another Cruise movie, Top Gun, remains a classic. Updated styles for men and women feature a double bridge across the top, sterling silver detailing or mirror metallics. Prada showcases a pair of aviators with red metal sides, while the Cartier Santos Dumont aviator is made of platinum and wood.

Gradient lenses, which are darker at the top and lighter at the bottom, also enhance the new look of aviators and Wayfarers. "The gradient lens softens the overall appearance, and it's very sexy," Kotzbauer said.

Note, however: The gradient lens is primarily a fashion look. While many people believe a darker lens protects their eyes, Martin says the tint has no effect on UV protection.

Stealth wealth
Texans love flashing designer names on the arms of their sunglasses. "They want everybody to know they're wearing Prada, or Dolce & Gabbana, or Versace," Kotzbauer said.

Even so, many of the new styles are toned down from previous seasons. Embellishment is more understated, and logos are often incorporated in creative ways. A pair of Versace sunglasses highlights that label's trademark Medusa figure rather than the brand name, while the Chanel logo is studded in small crystals.

"Embellishment is still there, but it's not as much over-the-top bling, bling," Martin said. "It's a little more tastefully done."

Eco-trends
Concern for the environment is showing up in earth-tone shades like olive greens and subtle browns as well as lush, eye-popping "rainforest" colors of deep green and plum. Faux wood, bamboo, tortoise shell plastic and animal prints also reflect the natural look. But Martin said it's a little soon to find sunglasses made of recycled plastic and other eco-friendly materials. Expect such products in the next few years.

Add a reader
Maui Jim recently introduced sunglasses with built-in bifocals. The line, called Maui Readers, allows its wearers (are you reading, baby boomers?) to read or text at the beach or pool without having to carry another pair of reading glasses. What a relief!

Luxottica's Sunglass Hut Further Expands Its Global Footprint by Strengthening Presence in Southeast Asia

Luxottica Group S.p.A. NYSE: LUX, a global leader in the design, manufacturing and distribution of premium fashion and luxury eyewear, today announced that Sunglass Hut, the Group's main sun retail brand, has further expanded its global footprint by entering Thailand, a key Southeast Asian growth market.

The Group has signed a franchising agreement with the privately-held Diethelm Keller Limited that will initially add 15 stores to Sunglass Hut's global network in a new market for the brand. Sunglass Hut's growing presence throughout the Asia-Pacific region currently comprises 220 stores in markets that include Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Chris Beer, chief executive officer of Luxottica Group's retail business in Australasia, Southeast Asia and South Africa, commented: "Sunglass Hut is today the leading sun retail brand in the industry and the only truly global player. The entry into Thailand strengthens our presence in Southeast Asia, a high-potential growth region for the sun retail business. It is also an example of the significant additional opportunities for additional growth that the Group sees for Sunglass Hut both in the region and globally.

"Specifically," concluded Mr. Beer, "this transaction represents an important step in the development of the Sunglass Hut brand in Asia-Pacific, allowing us to leverage its global attributes while partnering with local expertise to maximize growth opportunities also in new markets."

Sunglass Hut is the world's single largest [premium/specialty] sun retail brand, with 1,970 stores as of March 31, 2008, mainly in North America, Asia- Pacific, UK, South Africa, the Middle East and now Southeast Asia.

Terms of the transaction announced today were not disclosed.

Luxottica Group S.p.A.

Luxottica Group is a global leader in eyewear, with over 6,200 optical and sun retail stores in North America, Asia-Pacific, China, South Africa and Europe and a strong brand portfolio that includes our key house brand, Ray- Ban, the best selling sun and prescription eyewear brand in the world, as well as, among others, license brands Bvlgari, Burberry, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Donna Karan, Polo Ralph Lauren, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tiffany and Versace, and other key house brands Oakley, Oliver Peoples, Vogue, Persol, Arnette and REVO.

In addition to a global wholesale network that touches over 130 countries, the Group manages leading retail brands such as LensCrafters, Pearle Vision and Sunglass Icon in North America, OPSM and Laubman & Pank in Asia-Pacific, and Sunglass Hut globally. The Group's products are designed and manufactured in six Italy-based high-quality manufacturing plants, in the only two China-based plants wholly-owned by a premium eyewear manufacturer, and in manufacturing facilities in the United States acquired as part of the Oakley acquisition. For fiscal year 2007, Luxottica Group NYSE: LUX posted consolidated net sales of �5 billion. Additional information on the Group is available at www.luxottica.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those which are anticipated. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the ability to successfully integrate Oakley's operations, the ability to realize expected synergies from the merger with Oakley, the ability to successfully introduce and market new products, the ability to maintain an efficient distribution network, the ability to predict future economic conditions and changes in consumer preferences, the ability to achieve and manage growth, the ability to negotiate and maintain favorable license arrangements, the availability of correction alternatives to prescription eyeglasses, fluctuations in exchange rates, the ability to effectively integrate other recently acquired businesses, as well as other political, economic and technological factors and other risks and uncertainties described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward- looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and we do not assume any obligation to update them.

Summer sunglasses: Bye, bye bling; opt for sophisticated and refined

When it comes to this year's hot sunglasses, leave the bling behind.

The coolest look for the summer of 2008 is understated and refined, says Michael Hansen, vice-president and general manager of the upscale retail chain Ilori. "There's less overt embellishment and logos, and more integrated details."

Shying away from glitz, though, doesn't mean sunglasses can't make a bold fashion statement.

"Embellishments have evolved from stones and Swarovski crystals to enamel work, laser cutouts and new foil printing techniques - the intermixing of materials in a translucent zile (plastic) that allows the metal to show through," Hansen says.

Colours also are strong. True, Hansen says, the wise first purchase probably is a black or tortoise-shell frame because it could be worn with anything, but as people begin to build a sunglasses wardrobe as they would handbags or shoes, you're seeing more navy, purple and red.

Coloured lenses are another stylish option, especially gradient ones in blues, greys and pink, Hansen reports. Gradient lenses are good for the evening hours because they block the glare while allowing light through, he adds.

Wearing glasses has never been more stylish

Philip Meltzer is an optometrist. Some days, he's also a marriage counselor.

Occasionally customers return glasses because their husbands or wives hate them, says Meltzer, owner of Spectacles in Great Neck, N.Y. He'll usually take them back, suggesting the client return with spouse in tow. If they get the choice down to two, Meltzer advises they go with the spouse's pick - since that's who has to look at them the most.
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Buying glasses can be prickly business for the nearly 171 million American adults who, according to the Vision Council of America, wear some form of corrective lenses - eyeglasses, contacts or reading glasses. The good news: There are more choices than ever. Eyewear, in fact, has become the hot, new accessory.

We're in something of an ophthalmological moment, with more and more brands launching eyewear lines (including Cole-Haan, Carmen Marc Valvo, Jimmy Choo, Tiffany and Pucci), and designers (like Valvo and Michael Kors) dressing models in frames in recent runway shows.

Stars, too - Chloe Sevigny, Jennifer Garner, Johnny Depp, even "Speed Racer's" Emile Hirsch - are popping up bespectacled in the pages of magazines and gossip columns. "Saturday Night Live" alum Tina Fey became a smart-girl sex symbol with her specs. And "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson is so identified with his angular frames he launched his own line.

"My eyewear is a part of my look and personality," says Jackson. "Eyeglasses aren't only for seeing but for looking good. The days of being called 'four eyes' are out."

"I attribute it to the political atmosphere today," says Robert Marc, a designer of sleek, upscale frames. "With the upcoming elections and debates about the economy, the environment and the war, everyone wants to look cerebral and 'in the know.' "

Glasses can also express one's style and creativity. "Eyewear is the new scarf, the new tie," says trend consultant Tom Julian, of the Tom Julian Group in Manhattan. "Think left brain/right brain - if a purse or watch used to do a power thing, glasses do the creative thing."

Technology, too, he adds, "has helped spur interest in frames." Advances in laminates allow for saturated, bold colors; lasers cut out or etch intricate designs on temples; and jewels and crystals offer bling.

And that's just frames. Lens technology also continues to improve.

"It's like digital cameras," says Kevin Palmer, owner of Main Street Optics in Southampton, N.Y. "Two or three megapixels used to be a big deal, now 10 seem standard." Today's lenses, he explains, are ultra thin, offering consumers more choice in the kinds of frames they can wear.

So, which do you choose? Rectangles remain strong, say opticians. Bold colors and shapes are hot, and a retro look is on the rise.

"Nostalgic baby boomers," says Marc, are driving sales of old-school glasses - thick, round and square frames reminiscent of the 1950s and '60s.

"Call it the 'Mad Men' factor," says Julian.

For men, mad or not, tortoise and black are the norm, says Meltzer. Women are more likely to experiment with color, and tend to do well with modified cat's-eyes turned up slightly at the ends, he says. "It gives a bit of a face-lift."

Opulent eyewear by Roberto Cavalli arrives in Dubai

The stylish and super cool fashionistas of Dubai can now set their eyes on exclusive range of Roberto Cavalli glares. The new 2008 collection of sunglasses has been launched at Solaris, a huge store that houses designer eyewear.

Roberto, a renowned name in fashion arena is known for creating outstanding designs that reflects glamour and class. The 2008 eyewear collection is ideal for those who like to make style statements and attract all the attention wherever they go.

The latest range has a wide variety to offer, right from different rims including round and oval, the glasses are in different hues in dark greys and browns. The high-end Solaris offer an endless variety in eyewear including glamorous wrap-arounds to trendy aviators and opulent diamante-decorated style.

Some of the ardent fans of Cavalli’s eye gear include Victoria Beckham, Kimora Lee Simmons, Beyonce Knowles, Jon Bon Jovi and Jennifer Lopez. The wild, vivid and gorgeous designs and colours have made many fall in love with his luxurious collection.

Sunshades, one of the most important fashion accessory is now considered to be an extension and reflection of one’s personal style. The rich and famous like to flaunt Roberto designs that add extra dash of glamour to their look.

Just Like Skin, Eyes Can 'Burn' in Strong Sun

Don't overlook your eyes when you're thinking about ultraviolet (UV) protection as the weather heats up, experts say.

Overexposure to the sun's UV rays has been linked to a number of eye problems, such as age-related cataracts, pterygium, photokeratitis and corneal degenerative changes, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA).

These conditions can cause blurred vision, irritation, redness, tearing, temporary vision loss and, in some cases, blindness.

"Just as skin is 'burned' by UV radiation, the eye can also suffer damage. The lesson -- especially for young people -- is that eyes need protection, too. Protection can be achieved by simple, safe and inexpensive methods such as wearing a brimmed hat and using eyewear that properly absorbs UV radiation," Gregory Good, a member of AOA's commission on ophthalmic standards, said in a prepared statement.
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Children and teens are particularly susceptible to sun-related eye damage, because they typically spend more time outdoors than adults, and the lenses of their eyes are more transparent than those of adults, which means that more harmful light can reach the retina.

But it appears many people still don't fully understand the danger the UV rays pose to eyes.

A 2007 AOA survey found that 40 percent of Americans don't think UV protection is an important factor to consider when buying sunglasses. The survey also found that 61 percent of Americans buy sunglasses for their children, but 23 percent don't check if the lenses provide protection against UV rays.

The AOA offers the following advice about sunglasses:

Wear protective eyewear any time your eyes are exposed to UV radiation, even on cloudy days and during the winter.Purchase quality sunglasses that offer good UV protection. They should block out 99 percent of UV-A and UV-B radiation and screen out 75 percent to 90 percent of visible light. Make sure sunglass lenses are perfectly matched in color and free of distortions or imperfections.Buy gray-colored lenses. They reduce light-intensity without altering the color of objects, providing the most natural color vision.
Make sure children and teens wear sunglasses. They typically spend more time in the sun than adults.