Parlux Assigns Paris Hilton Sunglass License to Gripping Eyewear, Inc.

Parlux Fragrances, Inc. (NASDAQ: PARL) announced today an agreement with Gripping Eyewear, Inc. ("GEI"), assigning the world wide exclusive licensing rights with Paris Hilton Entertainment, Inc. for the production and distribution of Paris Hilton Sunglasses. Terms of the assignment were not disclosed.

"We are pleased that Paris Hilton sunglasses will now be available to the consumer from this innovative and creative company. The glamour and appeal of the Paris Hilton brand will be easily translated into this important accessory line," said Neil J. Katz, Chairman and CEO of Parlux.

Jimmy Jongebloed, President and CEO of GEI, commented, "Eyewear is a natural extension of Paris' already successful collections, including fragrances and footwear. The world wide Paris Hilton brand exudes beauty and elegance, which we intend to capture in her sunglass line." Mr. Jongebloed continued, "We own several patents involving magnetic technology in eyewear, eyewear accessories and displays, as well as other patented accessories which will be designed by, and especially for, Paris Hilton. GEI is pleased to accompany Paris in her eyewear debut and in deriving great potential in the luxury fashion sector. We anticipate launching Paris' sunwear collection in major department stores this summer."

About Parlux

Parlux Fragrances, Inc. is a manufacturer and international distributor of prestige products. It holds licenses for Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson, GUESS?, Nicole Miller, Natori, Queen Latifah, XOXO, Ocean Pacific (OP), Andy Roddick, babyGund, and Fred Hayman Beverly Hills designer fragrances, as well as Paris Hilton watches, cosmetics, sunglasses, handbags and other small leather accessories.

About GEI

GEI owns several patents involving magnetic technology in eyewear, eyewear accessories and displays, as well as other patented accessories. Proprietary features allow GEI to offer the worldwide consumer unique benefits in eyewear with the style and elegance of Paris Hilton.

Certain Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, regarding, among other things, our plans, strategies and prospects, both business and financial. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company or its industry to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, future trends in sales and the Company's ability to successfully introduce, acquire, or launch new brands, licenses, or products in a cost-effective manner, general economic conditions and continued compliance with the covenants in its credit facility. Additional risk factors are set forth in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date thereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Sexy sunnies, Sunglasses not just for summer

Conspicuous logos and white frames a la Victoria Beckham are on the way out, but over-sized sunnies, aviators and mirror glasses are hot, hot, hot.

Any self-respecting fashionista can tell you sunglasses are about more than protecting your eyes against the sun.

Your sunnies can hide tired or red eyes while adding glamour, mystery, elegance and impact to any outfit.

And as Bono has shown, nothing screams “rock-star” more than a cool pair of sunglasses worn indoors, at night or when there isn’t a ray of sun around.

Here are a few upcoming trends in these perennial fashion faves.

BIG AND ROUND

Over-sized sunglasses are still very in, according to Dawn Klimaszewski, marketing director for Maui Jim sunglasses. “In fashion, the big thing is the big frames. But it’s evolving. More rounded, smaller.”

LOGOS ON THE OUT

Longtime luxury brand lovers are looking for a way to differentiate themselves from their flashier counterparts with understated elegance.

FLYING HIGH

Aviators are still big for men and women, says Melanie Martin, spokeswoman for the New York-based Sunglass Association of America.

Klimaszewski adds: “Oversized is fashion, but aviators are hot everywhere else.”

CLASSICS

Vintage-inspired remains hot, Martin says.

“Some of those vintage glasses used to have a flat lens. But new lenses can have a full wrap with details inspired by Jackie O, but wrapped a little more around your face, which gives you more protection.”

HAUTE HUES

Shiny black is No 1. From the vintage trend, tortoise shell remains popular and champagne shades are gaining fast.

White sunglasses are fading, while navy continues to be strong. Fluorescents are said to be on the ascent, including those from names like Dior.

SPARKLE

Jewellery lines like Tiffany and Bulgari are huge right now, says Barry Kay of Hollywood Eyes.

“They copy their jewellery designs on the sides of the frames. They sell well because of the uniqueness.”

These glasses can get pricey, though.

A limited-edition design from Fendi, loaded with hand-placed Swarovski crystals, goes for around $US1,000.

MIRROR, MIRROR

What goes best with your metallic dress or your foil-effect T-shirt?

Mirror-like materials are beginning to shine, especially with high-tech metals and colourful plastics from the likes of Jimmy Choo and Dior.

Safilo sees Gucci licence renewal "as soon as possible"

Italian eyewear maker Safilo expects to renew a licence with Gucci "as soon as possible", Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Massimiliano Tabacchi said on Wednesday.

"The Safilo team and Gucci team are working together for the renewal ... we anticipate this renewal, it is a very important renewal for us," Tabbachi told analysts on a conference call.

"We expect to have this renewal as soon as possible."

Safilo H1 net falls, cuts 2008 forecasts

Italian eyewear maker Safilo (SFLG.MI: Quote, Profile, Research) reported a fall in net profit of more than a third in the first half of the year, hit by a weak dollar, and cut its 2008 forecasts because of weak European markets.

Safilo, whose brands include Armani, Dior and Gucci, said in a statement net profit fell to 21.1 million euros ($32.89 million) from 33.3 million euros a year ago. Net sales fell to 637 million euros from 667.8 million euros.

"We believe that the European market will continue to remain weak even in the upcoming months and we are therefore looking to the second part of the year with greater caution," Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Massimiliano Tabacchi said in the statement.

Safilo cut its forecast for sales growth for the year to around 4 percent at constant exchange rates from a previous forecast of 7 percent to 8 percent.

It expects EBITDA at around 13.5 percent to 14 percent of revenues, down from a previous estimate of about 15 percent. Net profit should be 3 percent to 3.5 percent of revenues, down from a previous forecast of 4.5 percent to 5 percent.

WEAK DOLLAR

Safilo registers around 40 percent of its business in dollars, and said its performance was penalised by the "ever more marked weakness of the U.S. dollar."

At constant currencies, net sales rose 1.3 percent.

American sales saw double-digit growth at constant exchange rates with the consolidation of new retail stores and a chain in Mexico as well as the "good increase" in prescription frames and sunglass sales volumes in the wholesale business.

Asia saw double-digit growth, with "particularly brilliant results" in the Chinese and Korean markets. Spain, Britain and Germany were particularly hit by fragile consumer buying.

In Italy, results were in-line with last year. Safilo noted weak re-orders in Europe in May and June.

Safilo competes with Italy's Luxottica (LUX.MI: Quote, Profile, Research), to whom it lost a deal with designer Stella McCartney. Analysts say Luxottica's signing the McCartney brand, part of French group PPR (PRTP.PA: Quote, Profile, Research) which also owns Gucci, puts more pressure on Safilo to renew the Gucci licence.

Tabacchi said negotiations on this were going "pretty good."

"We expect to have this renewal as soon as possible," he told analysts on a conference call.

Safilo shares closed up 7.26 percent at 1.15 euros before the statement came out.

Hawaiian brand Maui Jim sashays into Europe

US. Maui Jim Sunglasses, the Hawaiian supplier of sports, fashion and classic sunglasses, has unveiled new frames featuring patented multi-layered PolarizedPlus2 lens construction, said to give unrivalled protection from UV and glare and excellent colour definition.

Kula, a stylish wraparound shield, has a single lightweight polycarbonate lens which has been coated to protect the eyes from direct, reflected and bounce-back glare. Broad temple design with strong silver alloy hinges and wide legs with a subtle stripe present a smart contemporary look. The rimless style has a robust and lightweight design.

Kula (style 514) is available in black with grey lenses, metallic copper with HCL bronze, or Sandstone with Maui Rose lenses. Fashionable white is one of the frame colourways on offer with the new Kaimana and Lehua sunglasses.

Kaimana (style 204) is a mid-size rectangular frame with SuperThin ST lenses which is available in black with grey, and green or brown with HCL bronze and well as white with Maui Rose lenses.

Lehua (style 203) is a rounded frame with wide temples for a fashionable look. Besides white, this frame comes in brown with HCL Bronze and black with grey ST lenses.

On display at the TFWA Asia Pacific show in May were the new Kapena (207) and Harbor (206) aviator shapes, both made from Monel metal for durability and adjustability with non-slip nose-pads and spring hinges.

The styles are available in gunmetal black frame with neutral grey lens or matte bronze with HCL bronze lens. Kapena has an unusual two-tone temple design and Harbor has a mottled pattern on one side of the temple and a solid colour on the opposite side.

The sophisticated new Peahi (202) style in lightweight, hypoallergenic nylon (cellulose propionate) also boasts SuperThin lenses and rectangular frame and clean masculine lines. It is offered in black with neutral grey lens or tortoiseshell effect with HCL bronze lens.

Left: The Kula wraparound shield style in copper and bronze. Right: The Kapena aviator shape with two-tone temple design

Progress in European and Americas travel retail

Following the 2008 IAADFS show in the Americas, Maui Jim has achieved new listings with independent retailers in Texas, St Kitts, Guyana and Uruguay.

The company has also entered an agreement with Gebr Heinemann starting with Mauritius Duty Free Paradise Co and expanding later to travel retail outlets in Europe.

At Aelia outlets in France, sales of Maui Jim Sunglasses in the first quarter were more than double last year's figure.

Meanwhile, at World Duty Free in the UK, the Maui Jim Sport collection has seen sales up +30% but the latest fashion models, including Palms and Bamboo, are also performing well, according to the company.

Kappé International introduced the Maui Readers bifocal reading sunglasses at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and the response has been excellent, said the supplier.

After just three months of listings at Moscow Domodedovo Airport with Aer Rianta International, the brand was ranked the third most popular sunglasses label and listings in Kiev and Sheremetyevo Airports have followed.

Speaking of the brand's success in Europe, Maui Jim Sales Manager Duty Free Europe and Middle East Martine Larroque said: "We have launched a string of great new styles recently from retro-glamour girl frames to slick masculine lines and all with our unique patented PolarizedPlus anti-glare technology. Now the brand is really taking off in fashion-conscious Europe."

Sunglasses not only a fashion statement

In very hot countries like Qatar where temperatures sometimes reach close to 50 degrees Celsius, wearing sunglasses is necessary, an eye expert told The Peninsula

People who are not aware of the importance of sunglasses think they are simply fashion accessories bought for their brand names and to make a style statement. But for the eye conscious, shades are considered a useful tool to counter serious eye problems.

"A person who does not wear sunglasses during very hot months over five years can develop cataract because of ultraviolet (UV) rays damaging the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye)," Irene Senga, an optometrist said. Excessive exposure to UV radiation can cause short-term and long-term ocular problems such as photokeratitis (a burn of the cornea), cataracts and various forms of eye cancer, Senga added.

She pointed out that a large number of youngsters nowadays are already using spectacles because of poor eyesight caused by lack of knowledge on proper eye care and abuse like spending too much time using computers.

Asked whether branded and expensive sunglasses are better than cheap ones, she said that there is no correlation between price and effectiveness of sunglasses. In fact an Australian based study suggested that consumers cannot rely on price as an indicator of quality, she added.

However, she said that the material used in making sunglasses matters, explaining that polarized ones are more effective and should be preferred since they could eradicate UV rays almost completely and could guard against powerful light and glare.

It really depends on what the person wants and how much he is willing to spend but he has to consider his eye's safety over money, she added.

Emphasizing on the significance of the eyes, she suggested other ways of taking care of them such as adequate eye rest, proper diet which includes fruits and vegetables and taking intermittent breaks while using computers.

5 things you didn't know about … protecting your eyes

1. More than fashion: Sunglasses and a hat can protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts and retinal damage. They also protect the sensitive skin around your eyes, which, if overexposed to the sun, can result in eyelid cancers and wrinkling.

2. Eye burn: Artificial sources of UVB rays - tanning beds, halogen desk lamps - can cause snowblindness, the burning of the cornea. The condition also occurs at high altitudes on highly reflective snow fields. Symptoms include tearing, pain, redness and temporary loss of vision. Treatment consists of eye patches and an antibiotic solution.

3. Watch out: Pterygium, a noncancerous growth over the white part of the eye, has been diagnosed more frequently in people who spend a lot of time in the sun and wind, i.e, fishermen, surfers. No treatment is required, unless it blocks your vision. Then, it can be removed surgically.

4. Read the label: Don't be fooled into thinking that pricey sunglasses provide the best protection. The label is more important than the price tag. Make sure it says 99 percent to 100 percent UV protection, and make sure the label on your children's sunglasses says the same.

5. Partly cloudy: Keep wearing your sunglasses, even on a cloudy day. Clouds do not wipe out UV rays.

Wear your shades to protect your eyes

CIVIC leader Colin Burgess and his family are promoting eye health this summer by looking cool.

The Congleton Borough Mayor and his five grandchildren are donning their sunglasses as part of Shades Day.

The event is organised by the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, and Cllr Burgess, from Alsager, is encouraging people to take part.

Research has shown spending five or more hours outside every day in the summer in your teens and early adult years increases risk of long-term eye damage.

Children and adults are urged to put on sunglasses, a sun visor or hat to protect them from harmful UV sunlight.

This will help reduce your risk from such eye conditions as Age-related Macular Degeneration and cataracts.

“I value the health of my grandchildren, and it is extremely important to wear sunglasses,” said Cllr Burgess.

“Shades Day is a fantastic way to raise money for Guide Dogs and to highlight the importance of wearing sunglasses.”

Tom Pey from Guide Dogs said educating people in how to protect their sight was important.

“One simple way to keep eyes healthy is to wear your sunglasses,” he said.

“If you are outside and the light is so bright you have to squint or turn your head away you know you have to put on your shades.

“Experts recommend wraparound-style sunglasses marked with Type 2 or 3 and with a CE symbol.

“To cut out the most damaging blue light it’s best to choose shades with yellowish or amber lenses.”

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.