WestGroupe is pleased to announce an agreement with Eyewear Designs Ltd. for the Canadian distribution rights for New Balance Kids Eyewear.

“We are extremely excited about the launch of New Balance Kids as it is a great addition to our kids frame portfolio which includes Superflex kids and Hello Kitty,” states Beverly Suliteanu, VP of product development for WestGroupe. The NBK collection is targeted at boys age 7-13 and is perfect for those leading an active lifestyle. Styling is on-trend, with a mix of metal and acetate models. “Durability is key for this collection as boys tend to be rough on their frames”, says Suliteanu. “So an 180-degree spring hinge is used on all styles, providing an extra dose of strength and comfort”.

“The New Balance brand is synonymous with fit and comfort,” continues Suliteanu. “It is vitally important that children wear their glasses. Parents love the New Balance Kids collection due to the frames being comfortable and strong, while the kids love the sporty, cool styling.”

The collection will be launched in the Back-to-School season with six styles, including five metal and one acetate model, and will include a New Balance case. In-store merchandising consists of a New Balance nameplate.

After experiencing great success with last summer’s release of their women’s designed to fit collection, Red Lotus by Zyloware™, Zyloware has developed Red Tiger by Zyloware™, the same concept, but for men.

Most eyewear is designed to fit Caucasian features, but many Europeans, Asians, and other ethnicities have different facial structures. The Red Tiger by Zyloware collection specifically addresses fitting challenges and aims to sit comfortably on the wearer’s nose, provide extra headroom at their temples and won’t rest on their cheekbones or sit too high or too low. All styles incorporate adjustable gooseneck nosepads and a wider angle of flare to accommodate those with a flatter bridge and high cheekbones.

The Red Tiger AM 501Z is a full rim rectangular-shaped zyl frame. The sleek metal plaque embellishment on the zyl temple is in an attractive unique boomerang shape and features a ribbed design. The wider angle of flare on this model provides extra headroom and comfort for the wearer.

The rectangular-shaped Red Tiger AM 504M is a full rim metal frame offered in two bold colours. The wrapping metal endpiece is extended, providing the wearer with a wider angle of flare and more headspace. The metal temples feature an eye-catching repeating pattern in an arrow shape. The frame has zyl temple tips and spring hinges for comfort and superb fit.

The Red Tiger AM 505M is a semi-rimless metal model in a rectangular shape. The metal endpiece features a ribbed design and connects the metal front to the thin zyl temples. Spring hinges provide comfort and streamlined fit for the wearer.

The Red Tiger AM 507Z is an on-trend full rim zyl frame with two metal rivets on the front for appeal. The rectangular model is offered in three fashionable colours and displays two metal rivets on the zyl temple. This frame incorporates adjustable gooseneck nosepads that allow the frame to rest comfortably on the wearer’s nose.

i. Frame is pleased to announce the North American launch of their licensed Sesame Street ophthalmic eyewear collection. i. Frame’s founder and President Don Armstrong said he was greatly inspired by the mission of the iconic brand and has created a fashionable, high-quality collection of colourful branded eyewear for children aged 2-12.

The Sesame Street collection incorporates the industry-leading OBE Uno Flex Hinge technology for maximum durability and it complies fully with the CPSIA’s (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) testing standards for children’s products.

i. Frame has been designing and distributing fashion eyeglass frames in Canada and the U.S. for 14 years and was thrilled when given the opportunity to work with Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organization behind Sesame Street.

The collection was officially launched at the recent 2014 Vision Expo East in New York, and consists of 24 styles in three colours per model, including acetate, combination and TR-90 styles.

Frames come with Sesame Street cases, imprinted with a large group of characters, and a P.O.P. Hasbro plush character is available for product display.

Plan “B” Eyewear introduces the new Glacée 6607, a bold frame shape combined with exquisite eye-catching colour. These two definitive Glacée design elements intertwine to create depth of colour and a strong sense of style.

The 6607’s colour application goes above and beyond the standard. A bold black and orange combo creates the playful illusion of a cat eye frame. Two more colour combinations include petrol-grey and a purple-pink stripe. Delicate, layered metal temples compliment an amazing acetate front.

Optika Eyewear unveils its new Soho models for Fall 2014. Their top-selling collection is totally revamped and ready for the new season, featuring 15 new styles for both men and women. What are the key points? “Acetates, acetates and acetates” answers Optika Eyewear VP of Sales Richard Allan. “For women, we have really worked out colours to make an impact. As per our ST8469 brown model, we designed an unique mix of brown and black acetate to make a statement. as well, it has beautifully worked acetate temples that add to the colourful flair.”

Optika loves working with acetates in matte colours, as demonstrated by the ST8464 indigo model. “Using a matte finish on our acetates gives the optical frames that worn-in vintage look. Along with beautiful colour tones, it is sure to get you noticed.”

For men, Optika Eyewear features mostly stainless steel metal optical frames. The focus is on style and durability, since all Soho frames are made from super light-weight stainless steel.

Arrow commands extraordinary brand recognition for its fashionable yet functional apparel – like its famous shirts – and consistently ranks in the top 50 in consumer brand awareness in the United States. The elegant and stylish eyewear associated with the label is now distributed by Importlux.

“We are very excited to introduce Arrow to the Canadian market. Its quality design matched with its competitive price point will be a great asset for our customers,” says Importlux President Ramez-Raymond Tarazi.

The collection consists of 25 metal and acetate models for men, with sophisticated and elegant styles all in a trendy fashion. Current and timeless, chic and original, the Arrow models borrow ready-to-wear details and impose a whole new vision of the classic eyewear. The line also includes a range of titanium frames with deep and comfortable shapes matched with an incomparable finesse and refined colour treatment.

Plan “B” Eyewear adds new spring models to its Glacée line. The newest models are all about colour and shape, keeping designs simple and feminine.

The 6706 model includes gorgeous dark blue, light pink and classic black and white options. Interplay between light and dark colours with high-end matte finishes give these frames a classic look with a bold twist. The 6707 is a slim frame that creates bold brow dimension through precise colour application. The 6708 frame is the most playful amongst the new models, featuring an interesting eye shape and perforated temples that allow hints of bright spring colour, like green or coral, to peep through.

High quality materials and stunning colour applications continue to define Glacée, and this release is no exception.