Jobson Research
A Monthly Update about Sunwear Trends for ECPs, Optical Retailers and Sun Specialists October 2007

Made possible by an unrestricted grant from Jobson Research

New Lines and Launches...

Specialty Lens Releases iRx Polaroid 1.60
Specialty Lens
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah—Specialty Lens has added a new 1.60 high-index, polarized, progressive lens to its iRx Polaroid product line. The new iRx Pro 1.60 lens design features a crisp and wide distance area with a smooth transition from distance to near that provides patients with what Specialty Lens said is, “the most comfortable performance possible.” This design, coupled with the thin and light benefits of 1.60 high-index plastic, combine to make one of the best polarized progressive lenses available today, according to Specialty Lens.

iRx Pro 1.60 is available in smoke (gray C) immediately and chocolate (brown C) before the end of the year. The lens can fill prescriptions ranging from -10.00 to +6.00D.

 

Ooh, La la! La LOOP Leathers! Braided Leather

NEW YORK—A modern lifestyle requires a lot of organization. On any given day, we may leave the house with a pair of sunglasses and/or eyeglasses, in addition to all the other necessities, like cash, credit cards and cell phones, and it’s no wonder that people lose things and are always digging through their pockets and purses. La LOOP has come up with a way to keep at least one of your valuable possessions safely, chicly and conveniently within reach with their new collection of eyewear necklaces in the most luxurious Italian leathers. The fine Italian double-fold braided leather comes cinched at the edges creating a smooth, clean finish on the braid. It is paired with the eyewear loop La LOOP is most famous for and comes in silver, gold and tan.

 
Rock Stars


Rocks n’ Roll

If little is good than huge is even better, that is the theory behind some of the newest sunwear styles featuring ginormous faceted stones. Forget delicate glitter, tiny crystals or detailed pavé work, some of the most glamorous and outrageous styles out this season are sporting giant brilliant cut stones traditionally more suited to fine jewelry than designer sunwear. Here are a few styles that sparkle so bright it’s a good thing you’re wearing shade!  

Calvin Klein D&G

It may seem small in comparison to the others but the CK978S from the Calvin Klein Collection by Marchon is a huge step toward heavy stone work for a label long considered the masters of minimalism.  

It would be hard to find a pair of sunglasses that more epitomize the large stone trend than the bold shield style and rough-cut stone temples of the DD08025B by D&G from Luxottica.

Dior Cynthia Rowley Eyewear

This Dior frame, style 00003, from Sáfilo does a mighty fine job with its generous helping of monster emerald-cut stones.

Rounding out the collection is the more understated CR0244 from Cynthia Rowley Eyewear by Couteur Designs, a division of the Kenmark Group, which shows even with large stones less can sometimes be more.

 

 
High End Eyewear Authority

Think Pink: The Eyewear Industry Searches for the Cure

NEW YORK—As most of you know by now October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, what you may not know is that many of the companies in our very own industry are making a contribution to the search for a cure. Here’s just a few ways that you and your practice can help join the fight:

BCBG

ClearVision and BCBG
BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP and ClearVision Optical have joined forces to create a limited edition BCBGMAXAZRIA sunglass named Hope. The Hope sunglass is an oversized-rimless design available in two colors, rose or black. Inside each temple tip is a pink breast cancer ribbon icon representing the cause. A pink eyewear case with the signature ribbon at the closure comes with each purchase. With a suggested retail price of $120, 25  percent of the sale from each frame will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure with a guaranteed minimum donation of $25,000.

Hilco

Hilco
Hilco  has donated nearly $10,000 to the American Breast Cancer Foundation through their “Think Pink” breast cancer awareness campaign. This October, Hilco offers three products in their “Think Pink” collection: the “Think Pink” Mini Kit, which includes a .68 ounce lens cleaner and a micro-fiber cleaning cloth; the “Think Pink” Lens Cleaner/Cloth Combo, which contains a two ounce spray bottle of lens cleaner and a micro-fiber cleaning cloth; and the "Think Pink" Desk Companion Set, which contains a table top eyeglass holder, a Breast Cancer Awareness pin, a soft-slip eyewear case, a .68 ounce “Think Pink" lens cleaner and micro-fiber cleaning cloth all packaged in a Breast Cancer Awareness box. The American Breast Cancer Foundation will receive 5 percent of all sales generated by Hilco’s Breast Cancer Awareness products. 

Spy Corniche in Grape Fade

Spy Optic
Spy Optic is running an "Eye Spy Pink" online promotion during the month of October. For each premium pink eyewear item sold between October 12 to 31, Spy Optic will donate $5 to the Boarding For Breast Cancer foundation (B4BC), a nonprofit, youth-focused education, awareness and fundraising foundation created to increase awareness about breast cancer, the importance of early detection and the value of an active lifestyle. In addition, Spy's online sales partner Shopatron will donate a portion of its transactional fees to B4BC. The premium pink eyewear collection from Spy Optic includes 10 different sunglass styles that retail for $60.

Vera Bradley

Vera Bradley
Vera Bradley from The McGee Group launched a new Pink Elephant polarized sun collection featuring three fashionable designs for women. The Vera Bradley Pink Elephants collection includes style VB-3504S, VB-3505S and VB-3506S, which all come with a Pink Elephants case. The McGee Group donates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of all Vera Bradley products to the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, while Vera Bradley donates 10 percent of net proceeds from the sale of products in Pink Elephants collection to the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer and other breast cancer projects and services.

 
Jobson Research
 
 
 

Consumer Facts and Figures

In the Know: Consumer Sunwear Trends

UV Chart 1
SOURCE: VISIONWATCH, A STUDY CONDUCTED BY JOBSON/VCA
UV Chart 2
SOURCE: VISIONWATCH, A STUDY CONDUCTED BY JOBSON/VCA

NEW YORK—The sunwear market has been booming over the last few years and here at Jobson we make sure to stay on top of the consumer trends by conducting research through our Vision Watch Consumer Studies, so we can keep our readers just as in the know as we are.

In April 2007, Jobson Research and Vision Council of America (VCA) conducted a sunwear survey as a custom study appended to our large scale continuous consumer based VisionWatch study. The 2,260 respondents included those who say they have bought sunglasses and use them regularly. All respondents were over 18 and live in the U.S.

Some of the most interesting findings included the fact that of the 1,904 respondents who answered the question: “How many pairs of regular non-prescription sunglasses do you yourself regularly wear?”, nearly 79 percent answered that they wear at least one pair regularly. Once you factor in the little more than 14 percent of the 1,806 respondents who wear prescription sunglasses, it would be easy to infer that ECP’s are doing a pretty good job about underlining how important appropriate sunwear protection is to their customers when it comes to diminishing the hazards of ultra-violet (UV) radiation on the eye.

However, that isn’t always the case. When asked how important it was that their sunglasses have UV protection, only little more than half (58 percent) of the 2,249 respondents answered very important even though 92 percent said they were aware that UV rays can damage the eyes. Nearly 54 percent of 567 respondents who had an eye exam in the last six months even went so far as to say that their doctor hasn’t spoken to them about the dangers of UV radiation.

We have made great strides over the last few years on the importance of protecting our eyes, and the rise of fashion brands has made it even easier to do so stylishly, but it is clear that we still have a way to go. For more information on this study, or to inquire about conducting a study of your own, please contact Jennifer Zupnick at (212) 274-7164 or jzupnick@jobson.com.

 
2007 Doctor for Eye Exam Survey
 
 
  Sun Spots
Daniel Swarovski

Daniel Swarovski

Daniel Swarovski Crystal eyewear from Silhouette has introduced its first six base sunwear line, New Opulence Sun with model S614. The RX-friendly sunglass collection is designed by Angela Strecker for people with a sense of the beautiful, individual and special things in life. New Opulence Sun is pure Daniel Swarovski couture style. The rimless style sunglass temples feature intricate, undulating mosaics of tiny Xilion Chaton crystals. Each crystal is set by hand into 23-carat gold-plated metals and premium acetate. A choice of four color palettes is available in twilight sapphire, autumn topaz, garnet fire and royal hyacinth and features spring hinges for comfort.

Dior

Dior

With an ultra-enveloping and oversized shape highlighted by jeweled temples–the Dior Grand Salon sun mask from Sàfilo shines with a light of its own and attracts attention. The large rectangular lenses softly wrap around the face and on the temples, a mirrored Plexiglas plate reproduces an exclusive decor inspired by Liberty prints and composed of sparkling flower-shaped crystals with Swarovski rhinestones and fine engraved leaves. The sunglasses are enclosed in a case personalized by a Plexiglas pendant, engraved and decorated with crystals. Colors include a palladium with crystal rhinestones with tone-on-tone Plexiglas and mirrored black lenses, or a semi-opaque black frame with crystal rhinestones on polished black Plexiglas with grey lenses.

Fendi Fendi

Marchon unveils the Fendi sunwear collection for fall 2007. Sophisticated elegance blends with style, creating a collection that combines luxurious materials and textures with dramatic styles. Highlights include the exotic FS409R, a limited edition frame features an elaborately detailed leopard pattern of sparkling Swarovski crystals adorning the front continuing to the temples. The metal plaque Fendi Cube logo with interlocking Fendi “F”s ornamented in glittering stones completes the temples. Next is the softened rectangle FS485R showcasing rhinestones arranged in a rectangle pattern from the end piece through the temples with the Fendi Double “F” logo in rhinestones.


Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs

Sàfilo has released a limited edition Marc Jacobs sunglass, the MJ198/s, for the Christmas/Holiday 2007 season. The large squared shape “art deco” sun mask design evoke a combination of 80s styles, including geometric details also found in the Marc Jacobs’ fall 2007 jewelry collection. Original, contrasting inserts made in enameled handcrafted metal with chiseled streaks positioned at the sides of the lenses and along the temples, provide a vintage feel with a contemporary twist. Available exclusively in ivory with rose gold lenses and chocolate with brown gradient lenses, only 1,500 pairs will be made available worldwide and each pair is marked with its own progressive number. The sunglasses are enclosed in an elegant and protective soft case that has been specially designed by Jacobs for this collectible item. The petite ivory leather and beige pouch is personalized by a gilded push lock fastener, an iconic detail of the Marc Jacobs accessories collection.

Panoptx

Panoptx

Panoptx adds three new frames to their moisture chamber line. The Whirlwind is the new addition to their flagship Velocity series, featuring their patented Orbital Seal technology, which locks out wind and airborne irritants. It also completely eliminates the peripheral glare that can disrupt vision and damage eye tissues, according to Panoptx. New to the Panoptx Speed series are two new models, the Taku and the Zephyr. The Taku is a full-wrap design and the Zephyr has a decidedly feminine feel. Both models feature Panoptx’s special air dam, a closed-cell foam rim around the inner frame that helps knock down wind and glare.

Proenza Schouler

Proenza Schouler

Cachet, the luxury division of L’Amy America, has debuted the brand new Proenza Schouler sunglass collection. Proenza Schouler’s design philosophy takes its cue from the idea of contrasts. Ideas rooted in classicism juxtaposed with new and interesting materials to create a look that is unique and singular. Tortoise shell and brushed metals coexist in one style while exposed hinges and resin reside in another. The utilitarian feel of the shapes brings to mind eyewear of a different time while the focus to detail and material make it a product of today.

Ray-Ban

Ray-Ban

Luxottica has introduced four photochromic styles in to the Ray-Ban eyewear line. The new models combine the versatility and comfort of photochromic lens technology with Ray-Ban’s timeless styling. The light-adaptive lenses change with the sunlight to provide maximum protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. These technologically advanced styles ensure maximum visual clarity and brightness, outstanding color enhancement and self-adjusting color intensity in all light conditions, according to a statement from the company. Available styles include the RB 3025, the original aviator and the best-selling Ray-Ban sun style; the RB 4075, a men’s propionate rectangle; the RB 3269, a men’s rectangular style in monel and the RB 3323, a men’s rectangular modified aviator in monel.

   
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New Lines and Launches...

Mary, Mary

After an early career studded with drama, there is nothing contrary about Mary J. Blige anymore. The R&B songstress has been riding a wave of personal and career success over the last few years. Now, the only dysfunctional thing about her are her sunglasses, model number 32DB66, aptly named Disfunctional from Chrome Hearts by OSA International.

Mary J. Blige

That’s Amore

Charlize Theron had nothing but love for all things Italian while in Italy attending the Venice Film Festival to promote her new movie In the Valley of Elah, where she wore not one but two different Giorgio Armani sunglass styles from Luxottica. Here she poses for the paparazzi in the VE4114.

Charlize Theron

Desperate Fiancé

Nicolette Sheridan and crooner Michael Bolton have been engaged for close to a year now. It wouldn’t be surprising if the singer started getting a little antsy about the lack of forthcoming wedding plans, especially when his fiancée looked so good during the season premiere of her hit TV show Desperate Housewives in her Gucci GG2598S sunglasses from Sàfilo.

Nicolette Sheridan

All Grown Up

R&B/pop singer and actor Usher was just 13 when he first appeared on Star Search, now the 29-year old star is a married man and is expecting his first child any day now. It is a good thing he has the grown up eyewear to fit the part. Here he wears the super sophisticated Sean Jean SJ113s sunglasses from Marchon.

Usher

He Can’t Get Much Stronger

Kanye West’s career is on fire with one hit album after another. On the October issue of music magazine Blender, he pairs up with another big hitter Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz by wearing a pair of LV2117 sunglasses by Lanvin from Cachet, the luxury division of L’Amy America.

Kanye West

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In This Edition...
Trend Flash
Rocks n’ Roll
Sun Stars
Think Pink: The Eyewear Industry Searches for the Cure
News to Use
In the Know: Consumer Sunwear Trends
Rx Sun
Specialty Lens Releases iRx Polaroid 1.60
Accessory Watch
Ooh, La la! La LOOP Leathers!
Star Sightings
Celebs Wear Sun

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2007 Sunglass Purchasing Decision Survey
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