The new optical looks enhance the collection targeted to the 20-40 “ME guy” who is young in spirit, masculine, and pays meticulous attention to detail.   Bold in shape and modern in design, the 2012 Cut & Sew Eyewear releases are stylish with an edge incorporating industrial and architectural references that continue to give the collection a sexy, stealth and authentic feel.

Maturing its design direction, ClearVision introduces intricate new textures, expressive patterns and interesting materials to intensify each highly-wearable style.  The stylized components include:  “geek chic” embellishments with a slick, modern edge; knurled metals for distinction; and innovative patterns, including Windsor rim wraps for a contemporary look with a vintage vibe. In addition, the 2012 collection introduces its “new black” – acarbon fiber pattern that’s high end and on trend with many high-end fashion houses.

Marc Ecko Cut & Sew continues to be one of the most stylish men’s eyewear collections available. A true expression of artistic creativity for men who know that authenticity counts, the new collection features:

• A range of front shapes from modern squares to retro-inspired Wayfarers
• A color palette inspired by military and industrial influences: Olive Horn, Black Crystal & Grey Smoke Transparent
• Technical and architectural patterns and embellishments, including Windsor rims and knurled metal temples

In addition, the Marc Ecko Cut & Sew Optical consumer website is coming soon! marceckoeyewear.com can be visited directly as well as accessed through Marc Ecko’s vastly popular Facebook page (over 40,000 fans).  The site will feature ClearVision’s innovative Virtual Try On technology, as well as a Google Map store locator.

About Marc Ecko Enterprises

Marc Ecko Enterprises is a full-scale global fashion and lifestyle company with reported sales of over $1.5 billion in 2009 and approximately 1,000 employees worldwide. Over the past 17 years, the group of companies that comprise Marc Ecko Enterprises (MEE) has grown to include: Ecko Unltd.,the largest young men’s brand in better department stores today; Eckored, a young women’s brand both identified by the ‘World Famous Rhino’ logo; Marc Ecko Cut & Sew, a contemporary menswear line; Zoo York, the first and largest east coast action sport brand; Marc Ecko Entertainment, an interactive entertainment and videogame unit; and Complex Media LLC, a publishing and new media division. Iconix Brand Group, Inc. owns, licenses and markets a growing portfolio of consumer brands and owns an interest in the ECKO (R), MARC ECKO (R) and ZOO YORK (R) brands.

About ClearVision

Founded in 1949, ClearVision Optical is an award-winning leader in the optical industry, designing and distributing eyewear and sunwear for top brands, such as BCBGMAXAZRIA, Cole Haan, Ellen Tracy, IZOD, Marc Ecko Cut & Sew Eyewear, Ocean Pacific, Jessica McClintock and Fisher-Price®. ClearVision’s house brands include ClearVision Collection,  Junction City and Digit. A privately held company, ClearVision is headquartered in Hauppauge, New York and has more than 250 associates throughout the U.S. ClearVision’s collections are distributed throughout North America and 20 countries around the globe.

Hauppauge, NY – January 2012 – Eyewear industry leader ClearVision Optical announces the Global Fit™ collection, a line of adjustable fit frames debuting with styles from the popular BCBGMAXAZRIA brand. Global Fit was created to provide highly adjustable eyewear that addresses special fitting needs of a wide range of global ethnicities.

Designed for individuals with a narrow or lower nose bridge and flatter facial structure, the Global Fit collection offers highly adjustable, fashion-forward eyewear for those who desire today’s styles in a more “customized” fit. Constructed with a flatter base curve and longer, bowed temples that follow the natural shape of the head, Global Fit eyewear provides a more comfortable, secure fit that won’t slip. All designs have gooseneck nose pad arms that adjust two ways for maximum adjustability. The collection offers chic, fashionable designs in modern, angular eye shapes that are flattering to all facial structures.

“Global Fit fulfills a need in the marketplace for adjustable fit eyewear,” says Jennifer Coppel, ClearVision’s Manager of Product Design & Development. “Global Fit will initially launch with four
styles in BCBGMAXAZRIA and later expand to other top brands. These styles provide the same glamorous looks seen in the full BCBGMAXAZRIA collection but are tailored in design to accommodate unique physical attributes. In addition, Global Fit’s deeper, more saturated color palette of striking blacks, rich purples, deep blues and luscious browns, is complementary to many skin tones.”

Delivering great designs and unparalleled precision in fit, Global Fit gives consumers another fashion-forward and wearable option. As ClearVision’s newest specialty collection, Global Fit rounds out its sized-to-perfection niche fits that also include Passion for Petites; XLFIT™, and Style ‘N Fit.

ClearVision’s Global Fit will be available for purchase in January 2012.

For more information, call us at 1.800.747.9000 x3 or email us at bgroup@wisvis.com.

Luxottica

The Coach collection is offered in two lines, each with a variety of shapes – round, cat-eyed, oversized – with custom-designed acetates and high-definition treatments. In a first for the brand, the second line features an Asian fit, with a custom bridge and specialized nose-pad arm.

In celebration of the brand’s 70th anniversary, the collection reaffirms Coach’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship and cutting-edge design, while incorporating innovative new techniques and materials.

Each style is distinguished by logo detailing using metal inlays, laser-engraving or novel hardware, such as the Kissing Cs buckle on the oversized Natasha sunglasses. Other details include signature charms, custom temple grommets and the iconic lozenge-shaped logo on every sun style, while colors include olive, ivory, pale burgundy, spotted tortoise and blue.

“Chloe is proud to partner with Marchon whose optical expertise and worldwide vision will allow women who love the effortless and graceful silhouette of Chloe to enjoy the most technically advanced and stylish eyewear,” said Geoffroy De La Bourdonnaye, CEO of Chloe.

Claudio Gottardi, Marchon president and CEO, added, “We are extremely excited to be adding Chloe to our expanding global portfolio and attracting new female customers. The dedicated Chloe consumer appreciates luxurious sunwear and eyewear and we are looking forward to leveraging the brand DNA as we translate the delicate femininity from the ready-to-wear to our new collection.”

The Chloe collections will be sold in Chloe boutiques, department and specialty stores and select optical stores worldwide.

The L’Amy Group told VMail it will be servicing and supporting its customers around the world with the Chloe collection through Dec. 31, 2012 to ensure a smooth transition.

What are QR codes?

Short for “Quick Response Codes”, QR codes are a 2-D way to send information to mobile devices (such as a smartphone) using its camera. These codes generally behave like the traditional bar code and are essentially a way to get information (such as a web address) into a person’s phone without having them manually type it out. Marketers and advertisers are using them to connect with their customers, especially since the most common use of the QR code is to send people to a mobile friendly website. From the website, there is usually a call to action or a promotion that can only be accessed through the site. They can also be used to distribute contact information, calendar events, e-mail addresses, phone numbers, geo locations, SMS, plain text, and wifi network key.

QR codes are currently the best way to transmit information from the real world into an app. ComScore reported that  14 million American mobile users scanned a QR code in June 2011 (6% percent of all mobile device users) and the numbers continue to grow.

QR codes are useful for promoting your practice because they provide an easy way for the public to learn more about your services, and they are rapidly being adopted by many industries.

The potential for QR Codes is limitless.  What’s most exciting is how they take what social media is doing well now, bringing people together with technology, and extend it to enhance the experience.

Where can we use QR codes?
QR codes can be used in both print media and digital media and can be used anywhere you’d like someone to scan them. Popular items used for QR Code marketing include business cards, posters, post cards, prescription pads, and websites among others.

One tip about QR codes is that size matters: a code that is too small may not be able to be scanned by different mobile devices. Erring on the side of too big is better than too small since a QR Code is only good if it can be scanned! A good rule of thumb is keeping it an inch square or larger.

Where you put them and how you design them also matter. Problems have been documented if the code is behind glass or another reflective surface since the scanner cannot pick it up well. If you also invert the colors (make the code a light color on a dark background), it will not scan. The codes don’t necessarily need to stay black and white–but the contrast between the two colors needs to stay consistent.

Interested in a QR Code?

At WVA we have professional designers on staff who would be happy to help you develop a QR Code for your practices’ purposes. Give Amanda a call at 800.747.9000 x8127 and receive a free business card design incorporating your QR Code!

Following the Board of Directors’ approval, Safilo Group announces that Safilo has just signed an agreement with StyleMark for the acquisition of the Polaroid Eyewear business, a
world leader in optics and lens technology and a global eyewear manufacturer and distributor, with a strong and recognizable market positioning.

The Polaroid Eyewear business is part of the StyleMark Group and has offices in the UK, Switzerland, the US, Italy, Sweden, Netherlands, China and Russia as well as a comprehensive network of distribution partners around the world.

Polaroid invented the first man-made polarizer for commercial use in 1929 and the first pair of Polaroid sunglasses was sold in 1935.

Polaroid has been a pioneer and leader in polarizing lens technology ever since.

For the year 2011, the Polaroid Eyewear business is expected to record sales of approximately USD 63 million and generate an expected EBITDA of around USD 8.75 million.

The acquisition of the Polaroid Eyewear business is consistent with Safilo Group’s strategy of building a strong portfolio of Safilo own brands, in order to complement its well performing licensed brand portfolio.

The inclusion of the Polaroid Eyewear business in the portfolio owned by Safilo will contribute to realize the full potential of Safilo across markets, categories and channels by completing the offering in a market segment with a high growth potential, especially in markets outside Europe, where Polaroid is currently underrepresented and where the distribution network of Safilo Group will allow a prompt expansion.

Safilo will acquire the Polaroid Eyewear business for a consideration of USD 87,5 million (amounting to maximum Euro 65 million, to be determined based on predetermined currency conversion mechanisms).

The completion of the acquisition is subject to certain conditions precedent set forth in the contractual documentation entered into by Safilo and the seller on the date hereof and is expected to occur during the first quarter of 2012.

Roberto Vedovotto, Chief Executive Officer of Safilo Group, commented:

“We are extremely happy to announce that a historical yet contemporary brand like Polaroid is becoming part of the new Safilo, bringing along its reputation of leader in the manufacturing of high quality polarizing lenses and the distribution of world class polarized sunglasses around the world.

The size of the polarizing eyewear market is rising steadily as more and more consumers realize the benefits and the value of glare-free vision.

I am confident that a brand like Polaroid will help us in giving a strong push in the use of such important technology. More importantly we are taking a further step towards what we define as a great growth opportunity for our Group, Safilo’s own brands, and we are really excited to add Polaroid to the Safilo Brands Division,
covering the Specialist market segment, where Safilo is presently not operating.”

The Board of Directors of Safilo Group also approved a financing structure to partially fund the acquisition by means of a bridge loan and a capital increase reserved for subscription by its main shareholder, Multibrands Italy B.V., controlled by HAL Holding N.V..

In this respect, Safilo Group and Multibrands Italy B.V. have finalized a loan agreement and are in the course of finalizing an investment and underwriting agreement whereby Multibrands Italy B.V. would provide Safilo Group with the financial support, amounting to at least two thirds of the purchase price for the acquisition, to partially fund the acquisition transaction, based on the following main terms and conditions:

• Multibrands Italy B.V. will provide a loan to Safilo Group, in the days immediately preceding the completion of the acquisition transaction, for an amount of approximately Euro 44 million, aimed at the payment of a portion of the purchase price on the date of completion of the acquisition transaction;

• conditional upon the completion of the acquisition transaction and the approval of the reserved capital increase by the Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting, Multibrands Italy B.V. would commit to underwrite and pay-in a reserved capital increase of Safilo Group approximately equal to Euro 44 million, through the set-off of the credit deriving from the above mentioned loan with the debt deriving from the subscription of the reserved capital increase.

The residual portion of the purchase price for the acquisition transaction, approximately equal to a maximum of Euro 21 million, will be financed by Safilo, through already available cash and/or credit facilities.

Safilo Group will promptly inform the market once definitive agreements have been signed with Multibrands Italy B.V..

In the meantime, and anticipating a successful conclusion of the negotiations with Multibrands Italy B.V. on the contractual terms for the financial support, the Board of Directors also resolved to convene an Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting on December 21, 2011, in a single call, to approve a capital increase, within the limit of 10% of the pre-existing share capital, reserved for subscription by Multibrands Italy B.V., whereby 4,918,000 ordinary shares shall be issued, at a subscription price of Euro 9.00 per share, of which Euro 5.00 is the nominal value and Euro 4.00 is the share premium. The subscription of the reserved capital increase is expected to occur in the week following the completion of the acquisition transaction.

The transaction to be executed with Multibrands Italy B.V. for the financial support of the acquisition of the Polaroid Eyewear business would represent a “transaction with related parties of greater importance” pursuant to the Regulation approved with CONSOB resolution no. 17221 of March 12, 2010 and, therefore, all the requirements provided by the Regulation itself – and by the relevant internal procedure adopted by the Board of Directors of Safilo Group on November 5, 2010 – have been duly complied with; in particular, the financial support transaction to be signed, in its entirety, has been submitted to the prior evaluation of the Internal Control Committee of Safilo Group which expressed its favorable opinion on the proposed reserved capital increase and, more generally, on the loan agreement and the investment agreement to be entered into with Multibrands Italy B.V..

The report of the Directors for the Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting and the relevant information on the transaction with related parties of greater importance shall be published in due course as provided by law.

The Safilo Group is worldwide leader in the premium eyewear sector and maintains a leadership position in the prescription, sunglasses, fashion and sports eyewear sectors. Present in the international market through exclusive distributors and 30 subsidiaries in primary markets (U.S.A., Europe and Far East). The main proprietary branded collections distributed are: Safilo, Carrera, Smith Optics, Oxydo, Blue Bay, and the licensed branded collections are: Alexander McQueen, A/X Armani Exchange, Balenciaga, Banana Republic, Bottega Veneta, BOSS Black, BOSS Orange, Dior, Emporio Armani, Fossil, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, HUGO, J.Lo by Jennifer Lopez, Jimmy Choo, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, Liz Claiborne, Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Max Mara, Max&Co., Nine West, Pierre Cardin, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tommy Hilfiger, Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent.

This press release is also available on the website www.safilo.com.

This is tremendous recognition for ClearVision, further illustrating its commitment to excellence and continued innovation. The CVO Marketing team consistently strives to move forward by integrating technology and the creative process. This is reflected the awards listed below.

Over 6,000 entries were submitted from throughout the U.S and internationally. Of ClearVision’s 13 awards, five entries received the Platinum Award, the organization’s top honor.

Awards:

ClearVision Catalog Mobile App: Platinum Award, Design (Web)/Mobile App

ClearVision 2010 Intern Brochure: Platinum Award, Brochure, Business to Business

ClearVision 2012 Sun Catalog: Platinum Award, Brochure/Catalog

Marc Ecko Eyewear Cleaning Cloths: Platinum Award, Design (Print)/Other

www.cvoptical.com/colehaan: Platinum Award, Marketing/Promotion/Branding Refresh
Cole Haan Micro site

ClearVision 2011 Brand Brochure: Gold Award, Brochure, Business to Business

ClearVision 2011 Kids’ Catalog: Gold Award, Brochure/Catalog

Marc Ecko Creative Product Photo: Gold Award, Photography/Product

www.cvoptical.com/strength: Gold Awards, Pro Bono
Strength for the Cure Micro site

Brand Brochure Product Photo: Honorable Mention, Photography/Product

ClearVision Facebook Do Good Posts: Honorable Mention, Design (Web)/Social Media Site

Marc Ecko Eyewear Display Stand: Honorable Mention, Design (Print)/Other

www.cvoptical.com/marcecko: Honorable Mention, Marketing/Promotion Campaign/Product Launch

Perhaps the largest of its kind in the world, the well-respected MarCom Awards competition includes entries from Fortune 500 companies; industry “heavy hitters” such as national PR organizations and local ad clubs; media conglomerates and individual communicators. Winners were selected from over 200 categories in seven forms of media and communication efforts: marketing, publications, marketing/promotion, public service/pro bono, creativity and electronic/interactive.

MarCom Awards is administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMPC). As part of its mission, AMCP fosters and supports the efforts of creative professionals who contribute their unique talents to public service and charitable organizations.

“We’re very excited about this partnership, which will combine Coach’s distinct design aesthetic with Luxottica’s excellent product quality and craftsmanship,” said Lew Frankfort, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Coach, Inc. “Through the new Coach Eyewear collection by Luxottica, we will continue to offer a compelling eyewear assortment to our consumers and further strengthening our position as a global lifestyle accessories brand”.

“We are very excited and proud to be entering this new partnership with Coach, one of the most important accessories brands in the world”, commented Andrea Guerra, Chief Executive Officer of Luxottica Group. “Coach’s brand proposition, its commitment to the highest standards for design and craftsmanship and its distribution in strategic geographies worldwide fit perfectly within our portfolio.

Over the years, Coach has enjoyed increasing global recognition and is now greatly appreciated by consumers throughout the world, and we are confident that this partnership will be mutually beneficial”.

Distribution of Coach eyewear collections will be through Coach stores across the world, through select department stores primarily in North America, Japan, China and East Asia as well as through select travel retail locations, independent optical locations and Luxottica’s retail chains.

The multi-year agreement will begin on January 1, 2012 and include renewal options; the first collection will be presented during 2012. Coach eyewear is expected to generate strong growth, with annual sales – outside of Coach stores – targeted at approximately $100 million annually, after the initial launch period and once the distribution has been fully rolled out across key geographies and channels.

“With more than 30 million Americans wearing contact lenses for vision correction, we saw a need to be able to answer questions that may come up outside of normal business hours,” said Thomas Quinn, Jr., O.D., AOA CLCS Council Member. “This site has been created to become a one-stop resource for questions regarding contact lens safety.”

A wide range of information can be found on the site. Topics covered include lens replacement schedules, purchasing contact lenses and contact lens wear in various environments. Also included is the “Ask the Expert” section where consumers can submit their contact lens question to a panel of experts.

Dr. Quinn cautions that the site offers only information on contact lens safety and is not a substitute for an annual comprehensive eye examination.

About the American Optometric Association (AOA):
The American Optometric Association represents approximately 36,000 doctors of optometry, optometry students and paraoptometric assistants and technicians. Optometrists serve patients in nearly 6,500 communities across the country, and in 3,500 of those communities are the only eye doctors.

American Optometric Association doctors of optometry are highly qualified, trained doctors on the frontline of eye and vision care who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the eye. In addition to providing eye and vision care, optometrists play a major role in a patient’s overall health and well-being by detecting systemic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

Prior to optometry school, optometrists typically complete four years of undergraduate study, culminating in a bachelor’s degree. Required undergraduate coursework for pre-optometry students is extensive and covers a wide variety of advanced health, science and mathematics. Optometry school consists of four years of post-graduate, doctoral study concentrating on both the eye and systemic health. In addition to their formal training, doctors of optometry must undergo annual continuing education to stay current on the latest standards of care. For more information, visit www.aoa.org

CARRERA INTRODUCES A POWERFUL NEW VIDEO DEPICTING THOSE WHO LIVE LIFE IN THE FAST-LANE WITH NO REGRETS

PADOVA, 15th September /PRNewswire/ — CARRERA, an internationally-renowned iconic fashion eyewear brand, is broadening its horizons with a vibrant new campaign that targets its fun-loving audience.

Conceived and created by the agency D’Adda, Lorenzini, Vigorelli, BBDO, the latest CARRERA campaign continues with its “AFTER ALL, NO REGRETS” headline and showcases a series of characters in exhilarating life situations. The characters in each scene experience exciting and captivating moments with intensity and determination, accompanied at all times by CARRERA eyewear as an inseparable companion.

The new CARRERA campaign, which was created based on online and social media feedback from fans, aims to identify an ideal list of the top 10 things to do in life, with no regrets. CARRERA ads show people living life to the fullest, leaving no room for regrets.

The new campaign images vividly depict the world of the fast-laners, those who live life “in the fast lane.” These characters seize every opportunity to have fun and actively seek out new challenges, new people, and new sensations.

The young people of the “CARRERA generation” are not afraid to achieve their dreams and goals and can confidently say: “AFTER ALL, NO REGRETS.”

The worldwide CARRERA campaign will go live in September and will be seen in daily newspapers, magazines, and websites. The ads will be incorporated into social media networks and search engines with a targeted banner campaign and via the official website carreraworld.com. A new version of the CARRERA website will be unveiled to mark the launch of the campaign.

Alongside the campaign, the CARRERA “AFTER ALL, NO REGRETS” message will also be shared virally via video. The video was shot by film director Marco Gentile and guest stars two high-profile names including Tony Kaye, director of critically acclaimed film “American History X” (which earned Edward Norton an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor), and Harold Bradley, a multi-talented blues musician, actor, and painter, who narrates the video.

The video is a true manifesto of the “AFTER ALL, NO REGRETS” philosophy and, thanks to its distinctive style and execution, lends itself perfectly to spreading the CARRERA message around the world.

Click here to discover the other images of the new CARRERA campaign.

The CARRERA collection of sunglasses and optical frames is manufactured and distributed by the Safilo Group.