More Images

Quick Take: Parlaying on the success of their Eco collection, Modo has launched the Eco 2.0 collection featuring a new price point, P.O.P. and eco-friendly packaging.
Wearer: According to Modo’s research, 67 percent of U.S. consumers are looking for “greener” products, while 83 percent of the U.S. population can be classified as eco-conscious consumers. The company said it feels that there is an unmet demand for “sustainable” products because “sustainability is transitioning from ‘nice to have’ to ‘must have.’”
Specifics: Eco 2.0 includes 20 recycled acetate optical styles broken down into three sub groups, the Skinny, the Classic and the Bold collections, as well as 11 recycled surgical stainless steel ophthalmic styles in the Flex and Classic Club Master groups. There are also five acetate sun styles and one metal sun style.
Selling Points: Eco 2.0 is still made of 95 percent recycled materials, certified by UL Environment, the leading independent agency for environmental claims certification. Eco plants a tree for every frame sold. To date the brand has planted 650,000 trees in Cameroon. In addition to using recycled and repurposed materials to create the frames, the collection is packaged in an envelope made of recycled materials that allows customers to donate their unwanted frames to charities helping people with poor vision in developing areas of the world. Inside of the envelope is a brochure that further elaborates Eco 2.0’s “Look Good, Feel Good, Do Good” initiatives to the consumer and a case made of recycled soda bottles that folds flat. The flat packaging allows for more efficient shipping methods, which helps reduce the brand’s carbon footprint and overall environmental impact. Point of purchase materials are also made of recycled materials and have also been packaged in a flat envelope. The “POP kit” comes with two counter cards, two frame displays and a logo plaque. The displays have been modified to tell Eco 2.0’s story in a more enticing way for the consumer. The campaign image features animals and has a playful, fun vibe. The logo plaque and displays are a light gray, which allows the eyewear to stand out. The frame displays are the shape of trees, which further communicates Eco 2.0’s sustainable message.
Price Guide: $$$
www.modo.com

Quick Take: Viva International Group has introduced new styles from the Harley-Davidson Eyewear Fall/Winter 2012 collection. The new collection embodies the craftsmanship and attention to detail known worldwide by the Harley-Davidson brand.
Specifics: Four new ophthalmic styles, three for men and one for women.
Selling Points: Each style effortlessly blends design with high-quality materials, inspired by the rugged and bold lifestyle of the Harley-Davidson enthusiast. Models HD 430, HD 431 and HD 432, from the men’s collection, feature a raised metal temple treatment with the Harley-Davidson logo. The HD 430, a full-rimmed metal style and HD 431, a semi-rimless style, are presented in sleek metallic colors, while the HD 432 sports a soft rectangle shaped handmade acetate front in warm hues. The HD 509, new from the ladies ophthalmic collection, features a modified cat-eye front shape handcrafted in acetate with a subtle flame pattern and two crystal stones decorating the frame’s metal temples.
Price Guide: $$
www.vivagroup.com

More Images

Quick Take: “Tough but tailored” describes the new John Varvatos Fall 2012 eyewear collection from Base Curve, a division of REM. Quietly elegant details and top notch materials add a sense of craftsman spirit while Varvatos’ signature rock ‘n’ roll verve shines through.
Specifics: Four new ophthalmic styles and three new suns.
Selling Points: In optical, the V144 features a vintage-inspired saddle bridge and round shape with filigree details, while a classic shape and rock star details define the acetate V353 which comes available with a sun clip. The V352 is another vintage-inspired frame that uses an age-old technique cutting the front and bridge from the same acetate plaque and the V351 features artisanal metalwork for a hit of timeless style and iconic cool. For sun, the V782 deliver understated cool with a dose of old world craftsmanship thanks to the fleur-de-lis detailing, also found in John Varvatos jacket lining, and handmade acetate. The V778 features superlight temples on a classically-inspired handmade acetate aviator front in rich colors, while the V781 combines contemporary colors and a nostalgic Americana feel with metal temple and press pattern that has a shiny and matte epoxy finish.
Price Guide: $$$$$
www.basecurveeyewear.com

More Images

Quick Take: The Autumn/Winter 2012 LineArt collection from Charmant, Rondo, is a light and contemporary interpretation of collection’s ultimate wearing comfort.
Specifics: Two new ophthalmic styles for women featuring acetate fronts and Excellence Titan temples.
Selling Points: Rondo is a delicate interplay of smooth contours and forms, creating light and feminine frames for the unique, smart and sophisticated woman. New full rim acetate front shapes are played off against delicate temple rings. Made of Excellence Titan, the Charmant Group's exclusive and patented material, the temples provide superior wearing comfort through extreme lightness, highest flexibility and a special memory function. The XL2032 WI Rondo features a soft square front with color textured acetate. Like other designs in the collection, it also provides a novel profile with its luxurious details such as the little connecting cubes, cloisonné and lustrous finish made of Excellence Titan available in dark brown, green, purple and wine. The XL2033 BL Rondo, available in blue, gray, red and violet, features a modern vintage front in color graduated acetate, as well as the collection’s signature novel profile and luxurious details; the little connecting cubes, cloisonné and lustrous finish made of Excellence Titan.
Price Guide: $$$$
www.charmant.com/us

The Diane von Furstenberg brand, known for femininity and luxury, debuts its latest eyewear collection from Marchon featuring vintage shapes and key components from her ready-to-wear collection. Inspired by iconic designs, unique hardware such as the chain link, harper buckle and power stone are showcased in the beautiful new collection of sun and optical styles for Fall/Winter 2012. www.marchon.com

For guys, rugged, cool styles inspired by stealth military and hipster city vibes highlight the Marc Ecko Cut and Sew collection from ClearVision Optical. Modern contemporary designs with subtle details inspired by craftsmanship, industrial references and pop culture add to the unique styling of these suns. Each is a juxtaposition of on-trend retro and modern designs, flavored with a rugged sportiness and military toughness. The color palette of black, brown and green olive is splashed with pewter and blue carbon, enhancing the “covert” vibe of this collection. www.cvoptical.com

Mosaic Eyewear of Omaha, Neb., has introduced Clarity from Danish Eyewear to the U.S. market. The collection features a unique screw-less hinge design and a rimless titanium construction. “With over two years of development, the proprietary ‘plastic-rubber’ material has been tested and tested so it doesn't get loose, unlike traditional ‘plastic’ hinge inserts,” said Tue Strange, president of Danish Eyewear. “In addition, the nose piece has been taken from our existing product which has been proven to be very reliable over eight years. The design of these features also contributes to the overall lightweight construction and aesthetic of the Clarity collection.” www.mosaiceyewear.com