FMG Surfer Marc Lacomare Signs Two Year Deal With Oakley Eyewear

18 year-old French surfer Marc Lacomare from Hossegor starts off 2009 with a new eyewear sponsor. Marc signed a two-year deal with Oakley Eyewear right before taking off to the Billabong World Junior Championships in Australia where he came third and finished the highest ranked European.

"I know this might sound cheesy, but I'm really happy to be able to sign with a strong and prestigious brand such as Oakley. Oakley has a great support system and an equally great surf team. I was just yesterday thinking how amazing it would be to go a surf trip with Bruce Irons... The other good news is that I will be working closely with Yann Martin who is the Oakley team manager in France and also a great coach."

Says Yann Martin, Oakley team manager France: "I'm equally thrilled to have Marc on the Oakley team. He's a very talented surfer and shows maturity beyond his years. He had some very good results this year and to sign him up was a no-brainer for us; the second place at the Oakley Global Challenge, the French national Junior title, the European Junior title in Morocco and now the third place in Narrabeen at the World Juniors. Marc had nerves of steal during this contest, especially during his heat with Owen Wright, who was touted one of the event's favorites.
However, that's not all, because he also loves to charge big barrels. I'm sure Marc and Oakley will have a great future together."

Marc Lacomare is sponsored by DC, Oakley, Kommunity Project, Pukas Surfboards, FCS and Bidonvilla Sushibar.

FMG (Friday Management Group) is an action sports athlete management company, with a focus on quality before quantity.

FMG's goal is to provide its clients the necessary support and guidance to help them develop and maximize their careers. FMG is founded on the principles of commitment, forging long-term relationships and a 'nothing-is-impossible' attitude. The company is formed by independent sports TV production specialists, Friday.

Carl Zeiss takes on Vuzix with new video eyewear

Carl Zeiss has announced a new version of its Cinemizer video eyewear at Macworld 2009 in San Francisco on Tuesday.

The company, which is more famous for its lenses on Sony digital cameras and Nokia mobile phones, believes that outside of the lens business consumers want goggles that enable them to enjoy video at home or on the go.

"We see people wanting to use the goggles at home, for the kids in the back of the car or on a plane", Andreas Klavehn, senior sales and marketing manager for multimedia devices at Carl Zeiss.

That viewpoint is very different from competing eyewear maker Vuzix whose design and approach is heading more towards a heads up display approach. It has just announced a more sunglasses styled product at CES in Las Vegas.

The Zeiss Cinemizer plus has according to Klavehn been updated and improved over the original Zeiss Cinemizer video eyewear released last year in Germany.

The Cinemizer combines high-resolution LCD screens with individual diopter focus adjustment (-3.5 to +3.5D) allowing for users who wear glasses to still focus on the screen. The eyewear also adds on-ear headphones and the ability to override them with your own headphones.

Klavehn believes the true success will rest in 3D video "once content becomes widely available".

Carl Zeiss says it is actively lobbying Hollywood studios to offer consumer versions of the 3D movies they are creating. Of 5545 (indoor) cinemas in the US, there are 1068 3D capable screens, which are showing a rapidly growing number of 3D movies. But currently there are very few options to bring the 3D experience into the consumer realm.

The Cinemizer plus will be available in the USA, UK and Germany from March 2009 with an expected price of a rather expensive £300.

What Advances in Eye Care and Eyewear Can We Expect in 2009?

Researchers are working on liquid-based lenses for use as implanted contact lenses, cataract surgery lenses and general vision correction. Like plastic and glass, liquid can bend light rays to help eyes achieve precise focus.
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin may have suffered defeat as a vice presidential candidate in 2008. But in 2009 we expect her famous rectangular eyeglasses to endure as a fashion trend.

Soon you may be able to switch from dark sunglasses to clear lenses simply by touching a control in your eyeglass frame.
By introducing corrected genes to replace defective ones, eye doctors may be able to cure inherited forms of blinding eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.

Artificial implants that stimulate light-sensitive cells in the retina of the eye are showing promise. With continued development, these retinal implants may improve vision for people with eye damage from diseases such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Soon people with presbyopia may be able to wear electronically controlled multifocal eyeglasses with powers that adjust instantly for clear vision at different distances. The lenses will create a larger field of view and eliminate many of the optical limitations of current bifocals, trifocals and progressive lenses.

If final FDA approval occurs, soon you may be able to purchase a product that stimulates eyelash growth for cosmetic purposes. It’s based on a glaucoma drug, which has the hair growth side effect.

Contact lenses may soon serve as a drug delivery system for people suffering from eye allergies, glaucoma or other eye conditions that require frequent use of eye drop medication. The lenses will release the drugs onto the surface of the eye in a controlled, timed-release fashion and eliminate the common problem of people forgetting to use their eye drop medicines.
Chemically treated eyeglass lenses that automatically change tints in sunlight or shade are becoming more sophisticated, and these light-sensitive (or "photochromic") lenses will be offered in more colors.

If you need cataract surgery in the future, you'll likely have more access to different kinds of artificial lenses that can provide vision at all distances simultaneously. Most current cataract lenses provide sharp focus only at one distance, such as far or near.

Contact lenses with built-in microsensors that monitor eye pressure soon may help glaucoma patients monitor their eye pressure at home, just as patients with high blood pressure and diabetes can self-monitor their diseases between doctor visits with blood pressure and blood glucose monitors.
Sophisticated ways of measuring how the eye sees may mean that your eye exams will be more automated and instantaneous, making conventional eye charts obsolete.

The struggling U.S. economy will continue to affect the LASIK and other corrective surgery market in 2009. But LASIK's loss is eyewear's gain: many people who were considering refractive surgery will continue wearing contacts or purchase stylish eyeglasses instead.

Wavefront optical technology increasingly will be used to create contact lenses and eyeglasses that produce sharper vision than currently available lenses. These advanced lenses will enable many wearers to see significantly better than 20/20.

Transitions Lenses named Official Eyewear of TOUR

Transitions Optical, Inc. and the PGA TOUR today announced a global four-year official marketing partnership designating Transitions lenses as the Official Eyewear of the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour.

"Aligning with Transitions Optical creates a powerful partnership for the PGA TOUR and golfers everywhere," said Tom Wade, chief marketing officer, PGA TOUR. "In Transitions, we have a partner with a global brand platform that is not only relevant to golfers, but to all those who value healthy sight and who lead active lifestyles or simply enjoy spending time outdoors."

Golf enthusiasts -- professionals and amateurs alike -- depend on healthy sight for optimal performance. Playing golf requires a range of visual skills, including eye-hand coordination, speed and accuracy of eye movements, focusing, depth perception, judgment of location, and reading contours. From reading the greens to judging a putt, vision is critical to enhancing a golfer's game and prolonging ability to play. With such obstacles as varying lighting and playing conditions and ongoing exposure to ultraviolet radiation, their visual ability can be affected without proper eyecare and eyewear.

As part of the announcement, Transitions Optical introduced a broad-reaching consumer education program -- Improve Your Vision, Improve Your Game -- complete with tips and tools that link healthy, quality sight to athletic performance.

"Improve Your Vision, Improve Your Game embodies Transitions Optical's commitment to educate consumers about the importance of healthy sight and quality of sight as contributors to optimal sports performance," said Brett Craig, president, Transitions Optical.

Transitions lenses are clear indoors and at night, while outdoors, they automatically darken as light conditions change. This provides visual comfort and enhances visual quality by reducing glare and enhancing contrast. Whether a game of golf stretches from morning to afternoon, afternoon to evening, or takes place in bright sunshine or overcast conditions, Transitions lenses always block 100 percent of harmful UV rays while providing the right amount of tint. This provides an advantage over regular clear lenses and sunglasses which do not adjust to changing light conditions.

"Varying light and playing conditions combined with ongoing exposure to ultraviolet radiation without proper eyecare and eyewear may compromise everyday performance and visual ability," said Lawrence D. Lampert, O.D., F.C.O.V.D.** Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, and sports vision specialist and trainer. "Photochromic lenses, such as Transitions lenses, are the ideal everyday lens choice for golfers, as well as those avid golf fans who want to achieve and enjoy healthy sight on and off the course."

Improve Your Vision, Improve Your Game will be introduced to consumers later this year through retailers, independent eyecare professionals and a robust interactive experience. Point-of-sale materials, educational tools, and a Web site featuring a downloadable widget will offer healthy sight and golf tips to enhance vision and improve performance. Consumers can also enter to win a weekend getaway for two at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club.

As the Official Eyewear of the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour, Transitions Optical is proud to sponsor the Transitions Championship, which tees off March 16-22, 2009 at the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club in Palm Harbor, Fla.

International Players Tour adopts Oakley as its Official Eyewear

International Players Tour (IPT) announces the selection of Oakley as the “Official Eyewear” of the IPT, joining the best athletes in the world who recognize that Oakley eyewear products provide the best optical clarity, impact resistance, and UV protection in the industry.

Under the terms of their agreement, IPT will promote Oakley eyewear to its membership at the 200+ events across the country in 2008, including major events such as the Ted Rhodes Classic and the 2008 Tour Championship Week later in the season.

Ron Beaman, Founder and President of IPT, voiced his excitement with the Oakley relationship, “Partnering with Oakley is a huge step for our organization. Their recognized leadership and endorsements in sports parallel our commitment at IPT to provide the best playing experience for our membership. And we’re indeed honored to promote their brand in our many events across the country.”

As stated on their web site – www.oakley.com – “Oakley was created for world-class athletes, those who see the limits of possibility as just another challenge. Their dedication drives us to look beyond the conventional ideas of industry standards. It’s in our DNA to identify problems, create inventions, and wrap those inventions in art. And simply to make things better than anyone thought possible.”

Buy Oakley Sunglasses

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.

Luxottica confirms 2008 guidance

Italian eyewear group Luxottica (LUX.MI: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) confirmed its 2008 guidance on Thursday, as expected, and said it saw mid-single digit growth in second quarter sales at current exchange rates, despite tough market conditions.

The world's biggest eyewear group, which saw net profit fall 19 percent in the first quarter -- partly hit by a weak U.S. dollar and the U.S. consumer slowdown -- has forecast sales of 5.6 billion to 5.75 billion euros this year.

It expects earnings per share of 1.11 to 1.14 euros.

"I am more comfortable today than 4 months ago, dealing with these tough times, cost base and efficency," Luxottica Chief Executive Andrea Guerra told analysts on a conference call, which had been announced earlier this week to confirm guidance.

In a slide presentation, it said it saw second-quarter EBITDA margin growth in line with the first quarter. This excludes a non-recurring gain of about 20 million euros related to the sale of a property in the second quarter of last year.

Luxottica, which bought U.S. sports brand Oakley last year, said market conditions remained "tough" with a significantly delayed start of the sunny season in certain Mediterranean countries and U.S. dollar weakness.

Luxottica said it expected a more "normalised" business for the second half of the year. It should meet its full year guidance with "very clear plans" to compensate for a slowdown in certain countries for the wholesale division and said that there would be less of an impact from Oakley-related one-time charges.

It said it expects "good results" from manufacturing, sourcing and supply chains and potentially an improvement in the U.S. dollar and euro exchange rate. Continued...

Investors are looking at luxury goods makers for signs of cooling demand amid a global economic downturn. Some luxury goods groups have felt the impact of weaker sales but have said they expect results to hold up as long as the economic climate does not worsen.

Luxottica shares closed down 5.68 percent at 15.40 euros before the conference call.

Wearing glasses has never been more stylish

Occasionally customers return glasses because their husbands or wives hate them, said Meltzer, owner of Spectacles in Great Neck, N.J. 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.

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 before. 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 this spring.

“My eyewear is a part of my look and personality,” said 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,” said 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,” notes 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.

Shades of summer

From goggles to rimless study glasses, designer boutiques are spilling with eyewear options this summer. It’s time to say ‘Eye do’ to sunglasses

Jimmy Choo
If exclusivity is anything to go by, eyewear from Jimmy Choo has made a smashing debut this year. With Choo, sunglasses only get bigger. Their Boo and Kat styles are perfect for those who love to remain incognito—even Jennifer Lopez is hiding her tired eyes behind them. Mostly oversized frames in red, topaz and pink, they even come with Swarovski detailing to add some glitter. Sex up your eyes with knotted snake effect of their JJ sunglasses (This style appears in their sandals too). A one-time splurge is guaranteed to get the twinkle back in many an eye.

Bottega Veneta
Through Bottega Veneta sunglasses, the world is definitely rosy. Aviator shades command as much attention as the bags at the Italian design brand this season. They command a stiff price too — walk into a store only if Rs 55,000 is not too much to spare. With their signature weave design; these handcrafted aviators come in earthy frames of old bronze and copper. Also, you can brighten up your days with their Gray Gradient sunglasses that are a winner. All their pairs come in a lovely case with the 'intrecciato' woven leather, so it's like buying two beautiful things for the price of one. And yes, each pair of sunglasses comes with a detachable leather cord so that you can comfortably wear them around your neck as well.

Gucci
Stabbing would be fashionable if women needed a prescription to wear Gucci eyewear. Retro looks with Lolita-heart glasses and tortoiseshell borders have made a serious comeback. Frames of Gucci's Spring Summer 2008 collection are a cure for sore eyes. The Black Horse Pit and the buckle frames are ones to watch out for. Mauves, reds, purples and yellows sit pretty on shelves and prettier on noses. No wonder our fashionistas have already created a demand-supply deficit as far as the sole Swarovski-studded pair in the collection goes.

Roberto Cavalli
Some summers are hot enough for a chic European look that demands a fabulous pair of Roberto Cavalli sunglasses. Aviator style glasses rule here too. Unlike his fixation with Swarovski and encrusted diamantes last year, these aviators feature metal stud details on the arms and bridge. It's hard to miss the meticulous detail in the laser inscribed logo on the side. Like every year, Cavalli's premiere couture line is sure to make heads turns.

Rating: Very good

At Shoppers Stop and leading optical boutiques

Moschino
Moschino's latest line leaves one spoilt for choice. It has 24 ophthalmic frames and 24 sunglasses in plastic and metal. One can tell Moschino by graphic icons like the heart, which appears predominantly throughout the collection, often embellished with Swarovski crystals. Other trademark motifs include peace symbols, question marks and studs. Colours range from bronze, gold, palladium, ruthenium, brown, black and ivory to Moschino favourite reds, blues and leopard prints.

Kavita Chougule
I have checked out the Jimmy Choo sunglasses online and found them great but right now, I am in love with my Tom Ford’s. They may be next, considering I buy myself a new pair every two-three months.

Mandira Bedi
I feel best behind very dark, huge sunglasses. Usually, it’s a pair of DKNY that I splurge on.

Maria Goretti
A classic pair of Gucci is a must-have. Although I have branded shades, I also have a stock of cheap but good sunglasses too. I have a tendency to lose them so they’re perfect.

The eyes have it!

Sunglasses are not for summers only anymore. Yet, it's mostly this season when brands launch their new collections and woo buyers. This summer promises to be no different — only the collections are bigger, better and costlier! Take a look at these latest lines available in the market which may just catch your eye, literally, this season!

Choosing Choo
There is a plethora of high-end brands to choose from. Apart from usual suspects like Fendi, Just Cavalli and Gucci this season, go look at Jimmy Choo as well. Well, Choo has launched its collection of sunglasses for the first time in the country. The shades are available in various shapes, sizes and colours though, of course, the most famous styles that you could opt for may be the oversized 1970s-80s look or Choo's "Rock" model that comes in a square frame, embellished with square Swarovski crystal studs. Price: Rs 18,500 onwards.

Burgundy is cool
Fendi, meanwhile, has brought its Selleria collection available in three colours —black, green and burgundy. The glasses are available in two shapes, small and oversized. The sunglasses come packaged in special Roman leather cases. Price: Rs 16,000 and above. Gucci's summer-spring collection is also available in the meanwhile and the range starts from Rs 15,000. Just Cavalli too has launched its Aviators for men, using tones like burgundy and brown and colder hues like blue. The rims of these glasses are in gold, bronze, black and silver. Price: Rs 8,000 onwards. If you like the retro look, Bvlgari has launched its 1960s collection and old favourite Ray Ban too has launched a limited edition collection of its famous Aviators range. Price: Rs 21,000 onwards.

The sun collection
Dolce&Gabbana's new collection is elegant, and the luxury element is understated with logos hidden inside the arms. On the other hand, there are sparkling decorations that heed to the design. Six unique models for men and women are available. Distributed by Luxottica, available at all leading optical outlets.

Summer sun can play havoc with your skin and eyes

Unprotected eyes and skin, the most sensitive body parts, are at the peril of damage as the amount of dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases in the summer sunlight.
The rays are harmful to human health, but considered the most damaging to unprotected eyes and skin, especially in the summer months when the UV radiation is at maximum levels in the UAE.

The UV radiation starts increasing in May and reaches its maximum level in July and August. It falls to minimum levels in December.
The high radiation time is noon. This seasonal UV increase is due to rays which filter through the protective ozone layer that absorbs much of this dangerous radiation. The UV rays are emitted by the Sun.
Most people, said experts, think UV rays are harmful only to their skin, but they are highly damaging to eyes.

Around 99 per cent of the radiation is absorbed by the anterior structures of the eye but some of it does reach the light-sensitive retina.
"Just like skin gets burnt by UV radiation, the eye can also suffer damage," said Dr Riaz Ahmad Minhas, a physician at the Emirates Clinic and Medical Centre in Al Ain. The effects of UV radiation are more insidious and detrimental to the eye than had been suspected previously, he noted.

Any factor that increases sunlight exposure to the eyes increases the risk of ocular damage from UV radiation. Individuals whose work or play ensures lengthy exposure to sunlight are at greatest risk, he said.

The latest research on animals and fish has shown premature ageing of the lens has long been associated with UV radiation.
"In the light of these findings, the experts suggest that medical practitioners should not hesitate to prescribe UV filters or appropriate sunglasses," said Dr Minhas.

He also suggests that UAE authorities should make it mandatory for companies to provide sunglasses for their field workers among other safety measures.
Dr Shabbir Saif Al Deen, an eye specialist at Al Musalla Medical Centre in Bur Dubai, said a wide-brimmed hat or cap will block roughly 50 per cent of UV radiation and reduce UV that may enter above or around the glasses.

"Ultraviolet absorbing eyewear provides the greatest measure of UV protection, particularly if it has a wraparound design to limit the entry of peripheral rays," he said.
All types of eyewear including prescription spectacles and contact lenses should absorb the entire spectrum, he added.

"These glasses must specify how much UV protection they provide."
The eye specialist also pointed out that the onset of presbyopia (inability to see close objects) occurs five years earlier in the Gulf region than in other climates.
He said many labourers in the UAE suffer from photokeratitis. It is sunburn of the cornea, resulting from excessive exposure to sunlight.

What to avoid: Taking precaution
* Wear specified sunglasses even on cloudy days

* Use dark curtains during daytime in homes having large windows

* Undergo regular eye tests to maintain their health
* Reduce the amount of time spent in the sunlight
* Avoid going to beach or boating and fishing during peak radiation time
* Do not wear short sleeve shirts
* Use sun block cream, protective clothes and hat before going out
* Drink plenty of water

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.

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.