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Quick Take: PϤ Eyewear designed by Ron Arad has launched worldwide. The brand is called PϤ because the letters are next to each other in the alphabet, they mirror each other, and together represent the shape of a pair glasses.
Wearer: Wearers who appreciate high designs and individuality.
Specifics: Two different collections, the A-Frame and the Corbs, which consist of several different optical and sun styles.
Selling Points: According to the company, individuality is a big part of PϤ. The A-Frame collection features both sun and optical styles with an adjustable A-shaped wire bridge that allows the wearer to narrow or widen it. Quality is another big part, the company added. PϤ frames won’t yellow in UV light and won’t crack or break over time. Additionally, the wire that forms the A-shape also forms the sprung hinges so that the glasses close naturally when removed. Sculpted from a single block of material, the Corbs styles are inspired by vertebrae with a pin and socket-less hinge but one that is flat on the outside and slatted on the inside so the arms bend inwards when off the face. The lenses are set at the back of the frame to draw attention to the substantial single piece design, with some versions featuring vertical colored layers to mark out the slats of the vertebrae.
Price Guide: $$$$$
www.pq-eyewear.com

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Quick Take: Viva International Group has presented the new GANT Eyewear 2012 Spring/Summer collection, which follows the timeless American tradition of GANT.
Specifics: The new collection consists of three men’s and three women’s ophthalmic styles, inspired by the All American Preppy lifestyle of today GANT. Two new men's ophthalmic styles from the GANT Rugger Eyewear collection are also included the new releases, along with three new styles from the GANT by Michael Bastian Eyewear collection.
Selling Points: Relaxed summer weekends serve as the backdrop for this eyewear collection. Subtle temple treatments are showcased in the design of models G Ken and G Thomas, two metal styles from the men’s collection. Raised temple detailing adds depth to the well-tailored look of these two styles. The G Ken features a full-rimmed front, while model G Thomas features a semi-rimless front. Handcrafted in acetate, model G Vincent design elements include a laser engraved logo, along with flat metal stud detailing. The styles from the women’s collection feature subtle design elements, including textured effects and metal accents. The elegant temple of model GW Emma, a handmade acetate frame, features a laser-etched snake finish while a metal trim accent decorates the handmade acetate front of model GW Letey. Model GW Casey features a semi-rimless metal front and a similar temple treatment. Model GR Baxter, a new release from the GANT Rugger Spring/Sumer 2012 collection for men, features a handmade acetate front accentuated by a metal bridge and metal temples. Model GR Wolfie is featured in the GANT Rugger Eyewear Spring image campaign and boasts a scholarly look with thick temples and broad front design in handcrafted acetate. The GANT by Michel Bastian Eyewear Spring/Summer 2102 collection features a whimsical blend of fashion and fun. Models G MB Brady and G MB Mike, both handcrafted in acetate, are available in a variety of color combinations. Model G MB Brady features a retro front in a rectangle shape, while model G MB Mike features a rounded front shape with a keyhole bridge accent. Model G Madeline, a unisex style, is comprised of metal in gold and satin gunmetal. A double bridge accents the frame’s tear shaped lenses and colored cable temple tips complete the look.
Price Guide: $$$
www.vivagroup.com

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Quick Take: L'Amy Group's Columbia Eyewear collection has introduces new performance ophthalmic models for Spring 2012.
Specifics: Four new models, available in three skus each. All skus are progressive friendly. Series offers a rounded selection of varying sizes to accommodate different cranial measurements.
Selling Points: All models feature Columbia's high-quality, performance features and materials, such a new soft-touch Monel metal finish, milled and polished acetate temples, and heavy-duty, mono-block, integrated spring hinges. "Aesthetically speaking, we were inspired by Columbia Sportswear's recent and growing domination of the sport-performance shoe category of business. Their Spring 2012 footwear collection offers amazing functional features as well as memorable design features such as waterproof, drainable-sole 'water' shoes, ultra-lightweight trail-running shoes, and each model displays its own unique, graphic patterning on the soles. We used this unique patterning on the inside of three of the eyewear frames, and on all four modes, our overall temple shapes were crafted to mimic these details" said Connie Reiss, L'Amy's worldwide brand manager for Columbia. "We stayed true to our signature dual-coloration schemes to provide color accent, but made certain the combos weren't too aggressive as to offend more conservative tastes. The new series perfectly reflects Columbia materials quality tradition and therefore, ultimately providing frame performance suited for work and outdoor play alike."
Price Guide: $$$
www.lamyamerica.com

From the designer who loves rock’n’roll comes handcrafted shades that strikes at the heart of any stage-rocking guitarist: the limited edition, guitar pick-enhanced John Varvatos V908 sunglasses from Base Curve. These bold sunglasses are designed with a slot in each temple that securely holds a custom John Varvatos guitar pick, doubling as an iconic style element and musician’s tool. With only 200 hand-numbered pieces, this masculine silhouette is constructed from two rich layers of acetate. Each frame comes with four picks emblazoned with the John Varvatos signature hallmarks, in classic gun metal and an edgy ox-blood red. www.remeyewear.com

Costa has put a new twist on a classic aviator style with its new Cocos sunglasses. The new Cocos features adjustable silicone nose pads for a customized fit and is built from Monel metal. The sunglasses feature Costa’s signature co-injected temples, sturdy integral hinges and heavy duty eye wire. Combined with Costa’s lightweight, impact resistant 580P lenses, the Cocos provides incredible performance technology in an on trend metal-framed sunglass. The Cocos is also available in Costa’s 580 Rx lens program through an authorized optical retailer. www.costadelmar.com

The XOXO Rock On collection from the McGee Group provides the perfect combination of smart and sexy with a rocker edge. Styles Sublime, Stunning and Intrigue offer bright colors, bold embellishments and interesting shapes. The Sublime is a semi-rimless combination frame with a matte metal front and bold acetate temples incorporating subtle animal prints. The Stunning begins with a rectangular eyeshape in full rim acetate and incorporates studs. Lastly, the Intrigue is a petite handmade acetate frame with a rounded eyeshape and spring hinges, the double laminate acetate provides a pop of color and the etching and studded designs on the temples make a bold statement. www.mcgeegroup.com