Blog - OptikNow

May 22, 2025May 22, 2025

GUESS? and WHP Global Announce rag & bone Licensee Partnership with Marcolin, to Develop Eyewear Business

Guess?, Inc. and its partner global brand management firm WHP Global, which jointly owns the New York-based fashion brand rag & bone, announce a four-year exclusive licensee partnership with Marcolin – a longtime GUESS licensee partner – to design, produce and distribute a new line of premium sunglasses and eyeglasses for rag & bone.

Since its origins in New York in 2002, rag & bone has established itself as a leader in the American fashion scene. Known for its authentic understated New York aesthetic, blending traditional craftmanship with modern cultural references, the brand has become synonymous over the years with effortless quality clothing for both men and women.

rag & bone Eyewear is inspired by the energy of the metropolitan lifestyle. The offering includes bold style appealing to trendsetters along with a more modern styles for everyday wear.

“We are pleased to partner with an iconic brand like rag & bone, which perfectly embodies a contemporary and authentic aesthetic rooted in New York culture,” said Fabrizio Curci, Marcolin CEO & General Manager.

Paul Marciano, GUESS? Inc, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer states, “Guess has been working with the highly talented team from Marcolin for over 30 years on delivering fashionable trend-right eyewear to the market. We are thrilled to expand that partnership to rag & bone further growing the lifestyle of the brand through their expertise, commitment to style and innovation.”

The new eyewear collection will be available at rag & bone boutiques, rag-bone.com and in select eyewear stores and authorized retailers.

Click HERE for the press release.

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May 22, 2025May 22, 2025

Warby Parker Partners with Google To Develop Intelligent Eyewear

Warby Parker Inc. announced a partnership with Google to develop AI-powered glasses intended for all-day wear. The partnership will combine Warby Parker’s signature approach to eyewear design with Google’s industry-leading technology ecosystem, bringing the next generation of computing to a new form factor: glasses.

“Since our launch we’ve set out to transform the optical industry by leveraging pioneering technology to design better products and experiences—and over the past 15 years, we’ve done just that,” said Co-Founder and Co-CEO Dave Gilboa. “Looking ahead, we believe multimodal AI is perfectly suited for glasses, enabling real-time context and intelligence to augment a wearer’s surroundings as they move through the world. We couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with Google to bring together the best of AI and the best of eyewear.”

“We’re excited to work with Google to develop intelligent eyewear that will enhance our everyday lives. The eyewear we wear and the technology we use are core parts of our identity and our daily experience. Our teams share a commitment to leverage design, utility, and innovation to build products to help customers in every aspect of life,” added Co-Founder and Co-CEO Neil Blumenthal.

The companies are working closely on the development of future smart glasses and intend to launch a series of products over time. The partners’ first line of intelligent eyewear, planned to launch after 2025, will incorporate multimodal AI with prescription and non-prescription lenses.

“Warby Parker’s optical expertise, omnichannel approach, and history of leveraging technology to create beautifully designed products and exceptional customer experiences make them the perfect partner to co-create and launch this next generation of smart glasses on the Android XR platform,” shared Shahram Izadi, GM and VP of XR at Google.

As part of this collaboration, Google has committed up to $75 million for Warby Parker’s product development and commercialization costs. In addition, Google has committed to investing up to $75 million in Warby Parker, at Warby Parker’s option and subject to reaching certain collaboration milestones.

Source: Warby Parker

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May 22, 2025May 22, 2025

RBC Foundation Helps Empower Young People Through CNIB’s Come to Work Program

With support from RBC Foundation, CNIB is delivering vital resources to 364 young people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision across Canada through the Come to Work employment program.

“Youth face many challenges in today’s job market. Supporting organizations like CNIB to help remove barriers and create inclusive opportunities is critical so more young people can thrive and progress in their careers,” said Gayle Corcoran, Senior Director, Social Impact, RBC. “We are thrilled to support CNIB’s Come to Work employment program, which helps youth gain job-ready skills that are in demand for employers – a win for young people and employers across Canada.”

Thanks to RBC Foundation’s support, young people who participated in CNIB’s Come to Work program gained access to accessible, tailored skills development and meaningful opportunities to build confidence and prepare them for the workforce. From resume writing and mock interviews to career mentorship and networking events, RBC Foundation’s investment helped equip youth with the tools and support they need to thrive in today’s job market.

The results speak for themselves: 83% of participants reported that Come to Work helped them build new workforce skills and competencies. In addition, CNIB grew its pool of inclusive employer partners by 27 companies during the funding period, opening even more doors to meaningful employment.

“As someone with lived experience of sight loss, I know firsthand how critical programs like CNIB’s Come to Work are in breaking down barriers to employment,” said Shoko Kitano, Executive Director of CNIB’s Come to Work program.

“Every Canadian who is blind or has low vision deserves the opportunity to pursue any career they choose – not just a select few that society deems ‘accessible,’” Kitano said. “With the right support, there’s no limit to what we can achieve. By empowering individuals to reach their full potential, we’re not only improving lives – we’re strengthening and accelerating Canada’s economy.”

RBC Foundation’s support also helped CNIB expand our Come to Work program, a national initiative focused on reducing employment barriers for Canadians with sight loss. Through a youth-focused, accessible-by-design approach, the program ensures young participants furthest from employment have a clear path to independence and career success.

In addition, CNIB is grateful to RBC for their continued sponsorship of Connecting the Dots, their national accessibility conference series, which brings employers and jobseekers together to promote inclusive hiring practices.

Source : CNIB

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May 21, 2025May 21, 2025

Dolce&Gabbana Unveils New Eyewear SS25 Adv Campaign

Dolce&Gabbana presents the new ADV campaign for the Eyewear SS25 collection, an authentic expression of the brand’s DNA. Shot by photographer Karim Sadli and with art direction by creative duo Kevin Tekinel & Charles Levai, founders of Maybe, the campaign comes to life through dynamic and intense shots, enhancing each model’s magnetic appeal.

In the videos, a mosaic of faces, expressions and personalities are woven into a sophisticated visual narrative in which the minimalism of the background emphasizes each individual’s uniqueness and the distinctive character of Dolce&Gabbana eyewear. Bold designs, sophisticated frames, sleek details and the unmistakable DG Crossed logo: each model tells a story of craftsmanship and innovation, designed for those seeking a unique and distinctive style.

WOMEN — GRIFFE —

DG4501

The star model of the Spring/Summer 2025 ADV campaign features a butterfly silhouette with timeless style. The acetate frame with a soft silhouette features an oversized front and wide temples embellished with the DG Crossed metal logo. Available in five color variants: black, havana, yellow havana, red havana and camel havana, all with the gold logo.

MEN — GRIFFE —

DG3415

Dolce&Gabbana’s iconic navigator model, featured in the Spring/Summer 2025 ADV campaign, features a sophisticated acetate optical frame. The slightly boxy front combines an acetate bridge and a metal bridge, while the temples are embellished with the DG Crossed logo. The glasses are available in matte black with a tone-on-tone logo, glossy black with a gold logo, and in two havana variants: brown and gray, both with glossy gunmetal logos.

UNISEX — GRIFFE —

DG4499

Featured in the Spring/Summer 2025 ADV campaign, these aviator sunglasses from the DG Griffe collection have an acetate frame with a faceted front and distinctive details such as the DG Crossed metal logo integrated into the temples. The palette includes five variants: total black with a gold logo, glossy black with ruthenium lenses and a gunmetal logo, brown havana, red havana, and yellow havana with a gold logo.

The Eyewear SS25 collection will be available from March 2025 in Dolce&Gabbana boutiques, at www.dolcegabbana.com and at top EssilorLuxottica opticians and retailers worldwide.

Click HERE for the press release.

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May 21, 2025May 21, 2025

East Optical Announces Western Canada Lab Partnership with Independent Lenses

East Optical Independent lenses logos 2025

East Optical announces its new partnership with Independent Lenses as its official lab partner for Western Canada. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the distribution and accessibility of MyoPro®, East Optical’s innovative spectacle lens designed to manage and slow the progression of myopia in children and teens.

With childhood myopia rates rising rapidly, MyoPro® provides optometry practices across Western Canada with a clinically proven and easy-to-integrate solution. Through this partnership, practices will benefit from local lens surfacing and coating, eco-conscious manufacturing, and reliable support from a trusted independent lab.

Key Benefits of MyoPro®:

Clinically Proven: Shown to reduce myopia progression by up to 81.2%
Comfortable and Wearable: No lifestyle changes required
Advanced Optics: Utilizes peripheral defocus to support visual development
Eco-Friendly Production: Manufactured sustainably in Western Canada
Affordable Pricing

“We’re proud to be working with Independent Lenses as our Western Canadian lab partner,” said Isabelle Tremblay, Country Manager at East Optical. “Their dedication to high-quality, environmentally responsible lens production aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver innovative and accessible myopia management solutions.”

Interested in offering MyoPro® at your practice?

Clinics can schedule a complimentary product overview or staff training by contacting myoprocanada@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.MyoPro.ca or www.independentlenses.com.