Parasite has launched its Futur collection, made with Steelskin stainless steel and a polyamide front in iridescent LED colours. Steelskin is obtained using a chemical cutting process, which Parasite has been working on with Fotomeccanica since 2001. The Futur frame is available in a series of brand-new colours: a combination of a matte finish and LED colours. http://www.parasite-design.com/
Safilo and Jimmy Choo extend agreement
Safilo and Jimmy Choo have extended their licensing agreement until December 31, 2018.
The agreement involves the design, production, and distribution of the Jimmy Choo eyewear collections of sunglasses and optical frames. Safilo says that, after having experienced an outstanding growth across Europe and North America, the Jimmy Choo collections show great potential for similar growth in Asia Pacific, China, and Latin America.
Signed in 2007, the current agreement will end in 2015. Safilo launched its first Jimmy Choo sunglass collection in January 2008, which was soon followed by an optical frame collection. In 2011, Jimmy Choo was acquired by private equity investor JAB Holdings.
For further information: http://investors-en.safilo.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=195673&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1993341
Luxottica and Intel both focused on smart eyewear
Luxottica and Intel Corporation have formed a multi-year alliance to fuse “smart” technology with luxury and sports eyewear.
The first product to come out of the collaboration is expected to launch in 2015. The two companies hope to create frames that integrate a limited number of apps, adding real value for the wearer, without having to compromise on design.
The engineers and developers will work in California, whereas all design will be done in Italy. Part of the projects will be completed in Asia.
The agreement in no way takes away from the partnership that exists between Luxottica and Google for the development of Google Glass, a new version of which will be released in 2015.
For further information: http://www.luxottica.com/en/Luxottica_intel_pressrelease
New sunwear from Vuarnet
Vuarnet sunglasses have made a powerful comeback in North America. Various shapes, from the cat-eye to the aviator, in addition to the brand’s typical clip-ons, are available. All the mineral lenses are category 3 or 4, provide 100% UV protection and absorb between 90% and 95% visible light, while providing between 82% and 98% infrared filtration. www.vuarnet.com
REVO announces strategic partnership with Centennial Optical Canada
REVO, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sequential Brands Group, Inc. announced that it has entered into a long-term distribution agreement with Centennial Optical for distribution of its performance eyewear in Canada for both optical and non-optical markets. This agreement will take effect in January 2015.
B. Robinson Optical of New York manufactures REVO sunglasses under an exclusive license agreement with Sequential Group.
“REVO essentially invented performance eyewear and our intention is to build upon this great heritage to help grow the brand throughout Canada.” Our company will work closely with REVO and we are very excited to have this opportunity to bring such an innovative sunglass brand to optical market and retailers,” added Allen Nightingale, Vice President of Centennial Optical.
For further details: https://www.optiknow.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/REVO-Canadian-press-release.pdf

