Kenmark Eyewear has announced the renewal of its exclusive license agreement to develop, produce and distribute eyewear for the Original Penguin brand. Kenmark has designed and distributed eyewear in collaboration with Original Penguin for over a decade, beginning in 2011; this renewed partnership will continue until 2029, the announcement said. Since the start of their affiliation, Kenmark Eyewear and Original Penguin have successfully launched multiple eyewear segments, including Original Penguin optical, sun and junior collections. The synergy between the two teams has resulted in products that are both original and reflective of the heritage brand’s aesthetic, Kenmark said in a statement. Walter Roth, eyewear designer at Kenmark, said, “We are excited to continue our long-standing partnership with Original Penguin. This renewed collaboration allows us to keep delivering eyewear that perfectly blends Original Penguin’s iconic style with our commitment to quality and innovation. Together, we will continue to offer distinctive and timeless eyewear collections that our customers love.”

August 2024

Johnson & Johnson has reported 2024 second quarter sales growth of 4.3 percent to $22.4 billion, with operational growth of 6.6 percent. Reported second quarter sales in the U.S. totaled $12.6 billion, a 7.8 percent increase over the same period last year, the company announced. “Johnson & Johnson’s second quarter performance reflects our relentless focus on advancing the next wave of medical innovation and resulted in strong sales and adjusted operational earnings per share growth. With a robust pipeline, upcoming regulatory milestones for Rybrevant and Tremfya, the integration of Shockwave, and continued expansion of newly launched products, including Acuvue Oasys Max 1-Day contact lenses and our Varipulse platform, we have a strong foundation for near and long-term growth” said Joaquin Duato, Chairman and Ceo. The company also increased its full-year 2024 operational sales guidance to reflect the acquisition of Shockwave Medical. Operational sales for full-year 2024 are now expected to be in the range of $89.2 billion to $89.6 billion compared with $88.7 billion to $89.1 billion in April 2024.

August 2024

J.F. Rey has collaborated again with Japanese video game creator Hideo Kojima to unveil their new collection, J.F. Rey x Hideo Kojima. J.F. Rey and Hideo Kojima are known in their respective fields for their independent spirit and unique creative approach, forming a long-standing creative partnership that reflects their mutual admiration and shared vision of innovation and excellence. In this new collection, they combine their talent and expertise to interpret an avant-garde aesthetic vision with neo-retro influences. With its innovative design and timeless elegance, this collection transcends the boundaries between video games and fashion. The J.F. Rey x Hideo Kojima collection includes the Iconics, Carbon Inside and Polarized lines, consisting of 7 unique models: optical glasses, sunglasses and gaming glasses. These creations combine the futuristic and technological world of Hideo Kojima with the elegance and craftsmanship of J.F. Rey. This new collection is designed and meticulously handmade by the J.F. Rey design studio under the artistic direction of Hideo Kojima.

August 2024

ic! berlin presents 4 mesmerizing sunglasses models to honor the legendary rock band Rolling Stones. Satisfaction Rs. pays homage to the rebellious energy and dynamic force of the 60s music era. This aviator-styled masterpiece features a frame shape and striking lens engraving that epitomize the song’s iconic style. The model Rainbow Rs. celebrates the vivid essence of the lyrics with its multi-colored lens. This shield-framed beauty encapsulates the psychedelic rock style that will set you apart from the rest. The model Sympathy Rs. raws inspiration from the dark allure and enigmatic temptation of the Stones’ renowned song. Its teardrop aviator design, complete with an etched pattern on the front, adds a touch of mystery that will intrigue onlookers. The other model Jack Rs. embodies the explosive character and dynamic riffs of the unforgettable “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” Its curved frame, dedicated to one of the Stones’ most iconic songs, exudes an unwavering rock ‘n’ roll spirit. Each model proudly displays the engraved iconic Rolling Stones logo on the temples. The dominant colors of the collection are black and gun metal, beautifully complemented by special lenses and the bands iconic Red Lips Logo adorning the temples.

August 2024

With eight permanent representatives and nationwide support, Austrian eyewear manufacturer Gloryfy Unbreakable is taking the next step in its development. The team has now been completed by optics industry expert Hendrik Fielitz. Fielitz will take over the sales area in the north with immediate effect, thus closing the last gap in Germany that was previously covered by the sales management on an interim basis. The 35-year-old from Hamburg is a trained optician and worked for over 7 years in sales and as workshop manager at Optik am Dom in Paderborn. Most recently, he worked for 6 years as Sales Manager in OWP’s field sales force and brings with him the relevant know-how and experience in the optical field sales force.

August 2024

Gigi Studios is making a return to their favorite island, Ibiza, this summer, which has inspired their latest capsule collection called as Tinnit. The collection draws its inspiration from the pristine nature of Ibiza and the goddess Tanit, the island’s historical protector. The collection features three distinctive sunglass models, each offered in three acetate hues. Alongside the timeless black and havana, the collection introduces new earthy shades like beige, sand, and orange, specially crafted by the Gigi Studios design team. The collection is characterized by smaller shapes. Tanit features a mask-style frame, Neit is rectangular, and Baal has a more oval shape. Despite their reduced sizes, these models stand out due to their textures, inspired by Ibiza’s rugged coastline. For the first time, the bevels are designed outward, creating a distinctive and unique volume effect. Furthermore, the temples are engraved with the Tinnit symbol, crafted specifically for this collection. This new series merges cultural references, earthy colors, and organic curves with innovative techniques.

August 2024

The Fielmann Group, a global eyewear provider, reported 12 percent sales growth year-over-year for the first half of 2024 as well as improved profitability. According to preliminary figures, the company generated consolidated sales of around €1.1 billion in the first half of 2024, a 12 percent increase compared with the previous year and in line with its forecast, the company said. The company stated that the loyalty of its customers, an increased share of progressive lenses and hearings aids, as well as the positive impact of its cost leadership program helped its ebitda grow disproportionately to around €235 million to €240 million, which is about a 14 percent increase compared with the previous year’s €208 million, corresponding to an improved ebitda margin of about 21.6 percent that compared with previous year of 21.2 percent. The company’s international markets increased sales by 26 percent in the first half of 2024. While it noted that most of its European markets were affected by low consumer sentiment, it recorded double digit sales growth in Austria (10 percent), Spain (10 percent) and Poland (32 percent) compared with the same period last year. Germany delivered growth of 6 percent, while Switzerland improved 5 percent over the same period last year.

August 2024

Etnia Barcelona presents the Moi Aussi project. This time Etnia Barcelona benefits from a special collaboration. The Barcelona-based eyewear brand collaborates with an art commission to transform a pair of glasses into a canvas for the ultimate artistic expression. The collaboration with the creative community by optician and art lover Andrea Zampol D’Ortia aims to support artists globally and help them showcase their art on an international stage. Art, emotion and contrast are the three pillars of Moi Aussi, a space of artistic exploration representing cultural diversity. The Abbazia della Misericordia church in Venice, recently acquired by Etnia Barcelona, will be transformed into Moi Aussi’s Creative Lab. Every month two international artists will have the opportunity to create their own artworks using glass as a medium. The works will be exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, increasing the visibility of both the artists and the project. All proceeds will be reused to support and sustain the Moi Aussi project. With Moi Aussi, Etnia Barcelona once again proves its ability to cross cultural boundaries with fresh, bold and youthful fashion pieces.

August 2024

EssilorLuxottica and VF Corporation have announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for EssilorLuxottica to acquire the Supreme® brand from VF for $1.5 billion in cash. Francesco Milleri, Chairman and Ceo of EssilorLuxottica, and Paul du Saillant, Deputy Ceo, said: “We see this as an incredible opportunity to bring an iconic brand like Supreme® into our company. It is perfectly aligned with our journey of innovation and development, offering us a direct connection to new audiences, languages and creativity. With its unique brand identity, completely direct commercial approach and customer experience, and a business model we will work to protect, Supreme® will have its own space in our core brand portfolio and will complement our licensed portfolio.” “Under the VF umbrella, Supreme® has expanded its presence in key markets such as China and South Korea and is experiencing strong growth. Alongside other key brands in EssilorLuxottica’s portfolio, Supreme® and its talented team will be well positioned for continued success,” said Bracken Darrell, President and Ceo of VF.

August 2024

Sweden-based Eoe Eyewear, known for its avant-garde, high-quality and sustainable eyewear, presents its new advertising campaign in collaboration with Pelle Lannefors. The campaign features shots of mother and son duo Ursula and Aaron Wångander wearing Eoe frames – including the made-to-order Stone Collection by Eoe Eyewear. Ursula Wångander is a stylist and model and is an iconic figure in the Swedish fashion scene. Among the frames worn by the duo are pieces from Eoe’s Stone Collection, one of particular interest and style, combining timeless frame styles with “nature’s raw jewellery” in the form of precious stones sourced in Swedish Lapland. The stones featured include stunning amethyst, smoke quartz, and pyrite – placed with jewellery techniques to embellish temples. The summer campaign, which features a series of portraits, was shot by Pelle Lannefors.

August 2024