Rims & Goggles

Street Seen – 2.10

admin — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:22:34 +0000

Photographed by Christie Walker
Cancun Can …Again: Last month Cancun pictured itself as THE sun god when it came to sand and surf worshippers suitably shaded. Well, this pinnacle of peninsulas proves itself rethroned as aviators return to boldly gold and green, tortoise tops as the tone for men, mirror gets around, wrap retreats to a retro-minimal size and the Wayfarer turns white with justifiable self envy.

—James J. Spina

Hall of Frames – 02.10

admin — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:18:54 +0000

Meet the President » Danny Glover (1) in Calvin Klein 918S fromMarchon. The actor most recently appeared as President Wilson in the action flick “2012”…

Just Grace » Debra Messing (2), late of the hit sitcom “Will & Grace,” in Sigrid Olsen SO103 from Altair…

Dream Weaver » Sigourney Weaver (3), one of the stars of the blockbuster movie “Avatar,” wears Jil Sander JS625S, from Marchon…

Golden » Rhianna (4) wears Badgley Mischka Active Eyewear style Perry with a 24k gold lens in her latest video “Hard”…

Feel the Heat » Marcia Cross (5), one of the stars of “Desperate Housewives,” loves Jee Vice’s Heated sunglasses. She has been spotted wearing the shades in various colors all around Los Angeles over the past few months…

Eying Freedom » Grammy winning songstress Alicia Keys (6)sports the Carrera Panamerika 1 from Sàfilo in her music video “Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart,” which is off her latest album “The Element of Freedom.”

—Jackie Micucci

Hall of Frames – 07.09

admin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 08:12:19 +0000

American Eye-dol — There may have been a few questions raised about the controversial final results of this season’s “American Idol,” but there’s no questioning the great Marchon sun styles sported by the two finalists. Winner Kris Allen (1) wears Fendi FS5038M and runner-up Adam Lambert (2) sports Karl Lagerfeld shield KL635S…

Yes, They Cannes — Some hot Luxottica sun styles played a starring role during the recent Cannes Film Festival. Oscar winnerHilary Swank (3) in Prada SPR 25L and Italian actress Asia Argento (4), who served as a member of the jury at this year’s festival, in Dolce & Gabbana D&G 8056…

So Precious — Pop diva Mariah Carey (5) wearing Ferragamo style FE 1176B shades at the photo-call for her new film “Precious”…

Cop Out — R&B artist Ne-Yo (6) wearing Police sunglasses style S1614 Z42 from Eastern States Eyewear while at the Cannes Film Festival…

Duff Stuff — Hilary Duff (7) out and about in Los Angeles inChristian Roth by Charmant CR14253 LB…

He Rocks — Academy Award winning director Quentin Tarantino (8) has been all around the Cannes Film Festival wearing Rocks 1 from Face a Face…

Dancing Eyes — “Dancing With the Stars” judge Bruno Tonioli (9)wears Karl Lagerfeld KL126S while the show’s host Samantha Harris (10) sports Coach Tasha, both from Marchon…

Eye See — A couple of famous faces in icBerlin! Actor Kevin Bacon (11) has been spotted all over Hollywood wearing the Nameless 5 and Julian McMahon (12) of FX’s “Nip/Tuck” sports the Russ and Kjell…

Love At First Bite — Reality TV star Kim Kardashian (13) takes a bite out of a pair of Carrera Vintage Sunglasses while actressGabrielle Union (14) knows sunglasses look better on the face than in the mouth. Sàfilo hosted a party in Los Angeles for the launch of the collection at a poolside bungalow at The Chateau Marmont. Others sporting the shades include actress Jordana Brewster (15) and legendary actress-turned-director Penny Marshall (16)…

Stage Presence — “American Idol” contestant Danny Gokey (17) performs in JOE by Joseph AbboudJOE507, from Altair. Gokey was this season of Idol’s resident eyewear maven…

Marc It — Celebs in Robert Marc: Rachel Griffiths (18) of the hit ABC drama “Brothers & Sisters” wearing style 546; Michael J. Fox (19) wearing style 219 on his way to the David Letterman Show; and Oscar winning actress Susan Sarandon (20) wearing Lunor A5 Collection model 215.

—Jackie Micucci

Hall of Frames – 08.09

admin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 08:06:44 +0000

A Good Vice — Katherine Heigl (1) seems to have one serious vice: her Red Hot sunglasses from Jee Vice. The actress has been spotted all over Hollywood wearing the shades…

Sheen Seen — British actor Michael Sheen (2) in Calvin KleinCollection CK7306S from Marchon. Sheen has gained notoriety for his
performances in such acclaimed films as “The Queen” and “Frost/Nixon”…

Go Joe — Channing Tatum (3), who made his action hero debut in “GI Joe: Rise of Cobra” this summer, wears Calvin Klein Collection CK7304S from Marchon…

Here We Go — John Krazinski (4), star of the NBC hit sitcom “The Office,” in Joseph Abboud JA142, from Marchon. Karzinski also starred in the summer flick “Away We Go”…

The Right Address — AnnaLynne McCord (5) of “90210” fame wears the Coach Leanne from Marchon…

Simply The Best — Actress Eve Best (6) who plays Dr. Eleanor O’Hara on the new Showtime series “Nurse Jackie” starring Edie Falco, sported Sàfilo sunglasses on both the second and third episodes of show. Best is seen here wearing the Jimmy Choo JJ and the Dior Cherry Tree…

Shady Lady — Emmanuelle Chriqui (7), who plays Sloan on the HBO hit series “Entourage,” in Perry by Badgley Mischka Activee Eyewear from Sama…

In the Swing — Oakley-sponsored golfer Ricky Barnes (8)created a media stir with his stellar performance during the U.S. Open. Sporting Oakley from toe to eye, Barnes wore Flak Jacketeyewear with golf-specific G30 lenses while on the green at Bethpage Black…

Eye Sing — Wearing styles from Luxottica are hip hop starCommon (9) in Ray-Ban RB5121 and singer Pink (10) inDolce & Gabbana DG2028…

Standing Out — Rex Lee (11) of the HBO hit “Entourage” wearsSean John SJ2023 from Marchon.

—Jackie Micucci

Sutro: Ophthalmic Collection

admin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 07:52:35 +0000

Sutro Vision’s first ophthalmic collection, featuring the newest version of the company’s patented Ratchet Hinge, debuts. This innovative design addresses the weakest point in conventional eyewear construction: the hinge. The new Ratchet Hinge used for acetate frames has a revolutionary 3D lance design that anchors the hinge into the frame from all directions. Not only is the connection to the frame 10 times stronger, according to Sutro, than a heat-staked or riveted hinge, it also gives the frame structure for a more consistent fit over time with fewer adjustments needed. As with the current Ratchet Hinge, this one will not loose screws, stays closed when needed and offers a light, balanced spring fit. The initial collection consists of five modern classics all constructed of Japanese zyl. Four additional styles will be introduced this season.

Photographed by Ken Lee/Black Box Studio

PHILOSOPHY:
“Sutro is not about fashion for fashion’s sake or innovation that has no function,” says Doug Smith, Sutro vice president of sales. “At a time when every dollar counts, Sutro offers an excellent value proposition. Our frames are not inexpensive, but considering how long they last and the lack of service they require, a retailer can feel very comfortable selling them to someone who only can only afford one good pair of frames.”

MARKETING:
Merchandising tools include solid wood/stainless-steel logo blocks, countercards and DVD clinics for sales people.

PRICE POINT:
$$$. For additional information, contact Rims & Goggles of Marin 415-383-9480 or email us info @RIMSandGOGGLES.com

INSIGHT
The Ratchet Hinge keeps the frame closed when hanging from a shirt pocket, allowing the use of a lighter spring that centers the frame on the face without pressure.

Hall of Frames – 11.09

admin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 07:47:03 +0000

Heroics — Marchon was the eyewear provider for the 25th annual MTV Video Music Awards (a.k.a. the VMAs) held this year in New York during Fashion Week. Singer Lady Gaga (1), who took home the moon man for Best New Artist, was among those who received an eyewear makeover. The fashion icon gravitated to this bold Karl Lagerfeld sunglass, style KL603S saying, “I love Karl Lagerfeld. He’s my hero.”…

What A Doll — New York Dolls’ David Johansen (2) sporting John Varvatos and Utopia’s Kasim Sulton (3) in Charriol celebrating the release of the Love & Rockets tribute CD at Ben Sherman’s New York Soho store…

She Did it Again — Britney Spears (4) decked out in CarreraChampion sunglasses from Sàfilo…

Net Gain — Tennis great Andy Roddick (5) wears Lacoste model 12432. Charmant provided Lacoste sunglasses for the Lacoste VIP suite throughout tennis’ U.S. Open in New York…

Cruisin’ — Tom Cruise (6) gets all techy in the new Ray-Ban Tech 8301 aviator from Luxottica…

How Eye Met Your Mother — Sàfilo and Solstice Sunglass Boutiques were among the sponsors of the HBO Luxury Lounge during the Primetime Emmy Awards. Emmy host and nominee Neil Patrick Harris (7), one of the stars of “How I Met Your Mother,” sportsBottega Veneta 106S while his mom wears Marc by Marc Jacobs116S…

Take Me Out — Hip Hop mega mogul Jay-Z (8) wears Cazal 607, distributed by Eastern States Eyewear and Ultra Palm, while taking in a playoff game at Yankee Stadium…

Stylish Dawgs — Wearing shades from Randy Jackson Eyewearare Trevor Donovan (9) of “90210” in style RJ1013; Marissa Jaret Winokur (10) of “Hairspray” fame in style RJ3003; Edi Gathegi (11) of the movie “Twilight” in style RJ3003; andBrandon Molale (12) from the movies “Dodgeball” and “The Longest Yard” in style RJ1013…

Bahama Mama — Wearing Tommy Bahama eyewear from Altair is Academy Award winning actress Angela Bassett (13) in style TB111…

Along the Runway — Singer Rihanna (14) was spotted, not once, but twice, wearing Christian Rothfor Charmant style 14246 during Paris fashion week…

Swanky — Oscar winning actress Hilary Swank (15) in Persol style PO 2691S from Luxottica…

Up Hill — Audrina Patridge (16) of “The Hills” fame sports theCoach Arlene style from Marchon. Partridge recently appeared in the movie “Sorority Row”…

In Order — “Law & Order” actress Mariska Hargitay (17) wearsModo for Jennifer Creel sunglass style Talitha…

Staying Hot — Singer Rihanna (18) wears a pair of Jee Vice’s Red Hot shades in orange while catching a flight at New York’s JFK airport…

Rumer Has It — Daughter of actors Bruce Willis and Demi Moore,Rumer Willis (19) made her big screen debut last year in “The House Bunny.” Rumer, seen here in MICHAEL by Michael KorsSanta Barbara style from Marchon, recently made a guest appearance on the WB’s “90210”…

Game Face — James Kyson Lee (20), “Heroes” star and part-time baller for the celebrity hoops squad the Hollywood Knights, sports a pair of Lacoste shades style 12432 WH from Charmant during a visit at the Dodger Stadium Lounge in Burbank, Calif…

Rescued — Michael J. Fox (21), who recently won his fifth Emmy for his guest role on the drama “Rescue Me,” wore Robert Marcaviator sun style 717 on the red carpet at the Primetime Emmy Awards…

Dark Angel — Jessica Alba (22) wears theDerek Lam Parker sunglass.

—Jackie Micucci

Gifted – 12.09

admin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 07:32:33 +0000

’Tis the season… at least if you’re a celebrity. September was a busy month as it was awards time in Hollywood, as well as Fashion Week in New York, and Sàfilo was there making sure the hottest shades framed the hottest faces.

First up, there was The Byron and Tracey Beauty Bar in honor of the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) in Los Angeles. Getting made in the shade are actress Gabrielle Union (1) in Giorgio Armani GA721S,Kelly Bensimon (2) of “The Real Housewives of New York” in Carrera Machu/S, model Molly Sims (3)in Kate Spade Dari and “American Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi (4) in Gucci GG3061S.

Then it was off to New York for Survival of the Chicest: A Fashion Week Retreat at celebrity stylist Robert Verdi’s Luxury Laboratory. Robert Verdi (5) (who has a pair of Carrera Safari sunnies perched on his head) helped comedian and “My Life on the D-List” star Kathy Griffin (6) select a pair of Guccis, style GG306S, which is quite A-list. Photographer Nigel Barker (7) of “America’s Next Top Model,” models the Carrera Machu while “Chopped” host Ted Allen (8) (late of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”) tries on the Carrera Hot.

Finally, it was back to sunny L.A. where sunwear was all the rage at the HBO Luxury Lounge during the Primetime Emmy Awards. Showing off their sunglasses are Matt Lanter (9) of “90210” in Giorgio Armani GA574S, Shaun Sipos (10) of “Melrose Place” in Bottega Veneta BV106S, Judah Friedlander (11) of “30 Rock” in Carrera Hot, AnnaLynne McCord (12) of “90201” in Juicy Couture BFF/STS andKate Flannery (13) of “The Office” in Gucci GG3027S.

—Jackie Micucci

Germans Love Rudy Project

admin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 07:28:12 +0000

It’s official; Germans love Rudy Project. In an annual nationwide poll recently conducted by Germany’s leading cycling publication, Tour Magazine, Rudy Project ranked tops as the most preferred eyewear by German cyclists for the third straight year.

Pictured in their Rudy Projects are Linus Gerdemann of Team MILRAM sporting the Noyz frames and Actyum helmet; and famed German cyclist Erik Zabel in the Skymajor with Toni Martin in the Genetyk at the 2009 Tour de France.

“We are very proud to be Germany’s number-one choice for eyewear because, being a culture so rooted in its engineering heritage and prestige, Germans are making a statement that reinforces the fact that Rudy Project makes the best, most advanced sports eyewear in the world,” says Paul Craig, president and co-founder of Rudy Project North America. “We’re being chosen above all else in the land of BMW, Mercedes and some of the most sought-after musical instruments, technological devises and mechanical components.”

—Jackie Micucci

Gold & Wood Paris: Boucheron Eyewear

admin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 07:21:58 +0000

Under a licensing agreement for worldwide distribution, Gold & Wood Paris launches Boucheron, a line of luxury eyeglasses targeted to men and women between the ages of 40 and 75. Wood, horn and gold are at the heart of the Boucheron collection, which draws inspiration from its wood and gold jewelry popular in the ’80s. Colors are intense and rich, and rely extensively on black currant, red and gold. Included are 60 ophthalmic frames and 15 sunglasses in four distinct collections. The Fusion collection embraces geometric shapes and sculptured lines and is both urban and graphic. Inspired by legendary Hollywood figure, Ava Gardner, Ava is characterized by suspended shapes. Froufrou is based on two concepts: one with metal temples and one with wood temples, both highlighted with inserts of color. The Plume de Paon line is extravagant and sensual with an emphasis on buffalo horn.

Photographed by Matthew Lambros/Black Box Studio

PHILOSOPHY:
“We are delighted to have signed a long-term exclusive agreement with Gold & Wood, a very respected global leader in this field, well-known for its unparalleled expertise and sophisticated craftsmanship,” says Jean-Christophe Bèdos, president and CEO of Boucheron. Maurice Leonard, president and CEO of Gold & Wood, adds: “This is a very exciting chapter in Gold & Wood’s history. We are honored to be working with such a high-end jeweler.”

MARKETING:
Merchandising materials include displays, posters and countercards. Each frame comes in a gift box with an eggplant-colored leather case and authenticity guarantee card.

PRICE POINT:
$$$. For additional information, contact Rims & Goggles of Marin 415-383-9480 or email us at info @RIMSandGOGGLES.com

INSIGHT
Boucheron was founded by Frederic Boucheron in 1858. Boucheron boasts an incredible list of clients, including royalty (Czar Alexander III), affluent American families (the Vanderbilts) and legendary film stars (Greta Garbo).

Ray Ban Tech Collection – What’s New

admin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 07:18:42 +0000

Luxottica Group launches its Ray-Ban Tech Collection with the Carbon Fibre line, featuring styles that are extraordinarily sturdy yet extremely lightweight. The wraparound temples are made of reinforced polyester resin sheets composed of seven layers all constructed of carbon fibre mixed with resin. Each sheet is water cut to suit even the slimmest temples. The rubber-injected temple tips and embossed Ray-Ban logo on the temple interiors allow for a better grip and optimum comfort. The styles also feature advanced polarized lens technology and include P³ (polycarbonate) and P³PLUS (crystal) lenses with enhanced color definition and AR and hydro-oleophobic coatings. Ray-Ban Tech is available in a number of colors and styles, including variations on aviators and rectangles with single- and double-bridge treatments.

Photographed by Matthew Lambros/Black Box Studio

PHILOSOPHY:
“Innovation has always been an integral part of Ray-Ban’s DNA and the addition of the Ray-Ban Tech Collection adds another dimension of functionality, innovation and value to the brand,” says Victor Melendez, Luxottica Group vice president of marketing. “Designed with progressive materials, the styles featured under the Ray-Ban Tech collection reflect Ray-Ban’s classic, iconic heritage and history of leading with inventive style and advanced technology.”

MARKETING:
Each sunglass comes packaged in a box with a cleaning cloth and black case with a texture reminiscent of carbon fibre strips.

PRICE POINT:
$$. For additional information, contact Rims & Goggles of Marin 415-383-9480 or email us info @RIMSandGOGGLES.com

INSIGHT
All lenses must pass the “Drop Ball Test” where a 16mm steel ball is dropped onto the lens from a height of 1.27 meters. The P³ and P³PLUS lenses guarantee exceptional polarization and 100 percent UV protection, making these hard-working frames perfect for the consumer who plays even harder.