Thélios unveiled its new visual identity last week during its 2023 Convention in Rome, where the LVMH eyewear producer was presenting the 2023 collections from its Maisons including Dior, Fendi, Celine, Loewe, Givenchy, Stella McCartney, Kenzo and Fred. In a statement, Thélios said, “Born in 2017 from LVMH’s desire to make eyewear an essential element of the Houses’ collections, Thélios entered a new phase of its development and aimed to mark this moment through a redesign of its brand identity. The new identity has been meticulously crafted to express the values and raison d’être of Thélios: to pioneer a new experience in luxury eyewear, raising the standards of the industry.” This new development begins with the introduction of a new logo, which includes the baseline “LVMH Eyewear Excellence” as a key element. The logo is minimalist but substantial, with the “o” designed to symbolize an eye and the sun, which is a nod to the origin of the name Thélios, derived from Theia, goddess of light and vision, and Helios, god of sun. In addition, the rounded “o” aims to reference the “complete cycle of its value chain going from creation, through production to distribution,” Thélios said. The accent above the “e” has also been simplified to an elegant horizontal line.

July 2023

Bausch + Lomb, a leading global eye health company, announced its first-quarter 2023 financial results. The company reported a first quarter loss of $90 million, after reporting a profit in the same period in 2022. Total reported revenues were $931 million for the first quarter of 2023, as compared to $889 million in the first quarter of 2022, an increase of $42 million, or 5 percent, according to an announcement from the company. “Bausch + Lomb delivered a strong first quarter with continued high-quality growth across all three reporting segments and in most of our significant markets around the world. Revenues grew 5 percent on a reported basis and 8 percent on a constant currency basis, driven by solid growth from several key franchises within our vision care segment, strong execution in our ophthalmic pharmaceuticals segment and increased demand for consumables, intraocular lenses and systems in our surgical segment,” said Brent Saunders, chairman and Ceo, Bausch + Lomb. Vision care segment revenues were $587 million for the first quarter of 2023, as compared to $560 million for the first quarter of 2022, an increase of $27 million, or 5 percent.

July 2023

Luxury eyewear brand Peoples from Barbados presents its bestsellers in new summer colors. Reflecting the summer vibe of Bajan life and style, the refreshing special color palette for summer 2023 combines sunset gradient shades with turtle, midnight blue or light sand-toned crystalline solids. Following the Bajan eyewear brand’s 2023 collaboration with luxury eyewear brand Linda Farrow, the bestsellers embrace summer with new colors for men and women, a true expression of the Bajan lifestyle with the warmth and beauty of the Caribbean sea and sky. Available in three best-selling colorways, the timeless unisex silhouette features sunset gradient shades on thick acetate temples with tonal combinations inspired by three different phases during the spectacular setting of the sun. “Our customers have been particularly drawn to this model with its enticing custom colors and versatile bold square shape,” said Alicia Hartman, Founder of Peoples from Barbados and Owner of eyewear store EYE Q Stylist Opticians in Barbados.

July 2023

The British brand Cutler and Gross launches its new metal collection which is inspired by the models from the 90s. The collection uses luxurious materials such as 18K gold, 18K white gold rhodium and 18K rose gold. Taking key shapes from the extensive design archive from the early 90s and reinventing them with precious detailing, the collection comprises six optical and sunglass models, each piece is considered and minimal in its nature, with lightness and functionality at its core. Referencing the Latin word for gold, Aurum, the collection is handcrafted in Italy and made in collaboration with the finest jewellers, using the highest quality of materials. Refined and luxurious in style, the collection includes either 18K Gold, 18K White Gold Rhodium, 18K Rose Gold, or a combination of both precious metals – Yellow Gold 24K + Rhodium 18K, or Rose Gold 18K + Rhodium 18K. Rhodium, due to its extreme shine, reflectiveness, and strength, is fast becoming the most sought-after material in the accessories market.

July 2023

Kuboraum transforms the concept of Crossover into a new limited edition capsule collection. Crossover is defined as a new genre-less genre where different musical styles meet and intersect to produce irresistibly extreme tracks that reach a new musical dimension. Crossover offers a wide-ranging exploration across the spectrum of musical styles, from classical to jazz, electronic to hip-hop/rap or experimental. With the motto of bridging our differences and melting the superficial boundaries of the mind, Kuboraum finds the ultimate innovative expression in the new capsule collection Crossover, with different and extreme details for each mask-like eyewear. Each mask in the collection is finished with one-of-a-kind handcrafted surface treatment and meticulously applied decorations by hand.

July 2023

Californian eyewear brand Salt has teamed up with Radford Motors to launch an exclusive, limited sunglasses collection inspired by the intersection of automotive, pop-culture and eyewear heritage. The collection features two different styles of sunglasses, each available in four exclusive colorways. In the new collection, Salt aimed to build on successful automotive eyewear elements from the past, while utilizing the best materials available today. Using Japanese aerospace-grade titanium, the partners have managed to strike an impressive balance between strength and weight. This ensures that even the most daring frames are extremely lightweight yet high quality. In terms of design, Salt blended the essence of both Radford and its racing heritage into the frames. While paying homage to the heritage of racing goggles by using titanium side shields and a grille, they also added an automotive influence to the designs. These elements not only add a stylish touch, but also allow for optimal airflow. The cloisonne plating is meticulously customized to perfectly match the gold leaf and color schemes. The Salt x Radford collection not only showcases a sophisticated look but also delivers exceptional performance on the road, ultimately providing a bespoke driving experience like no other.

July 2023

Modo presents new Sun Collection, which is the perfect balance between style and optical performance, the meeting point for technology and design. The Isa model, which has a retro-feminine form, is an ideal example of the collection concept. Each frame front is formed layer by layer using a digital data set, utilizing the latest in additive manufacturing that ensures ultimate precision crafting with limitless geometric capabilities. Modo’s 3D Additive Manufacturing System enables to offer a multitude of colors and styles with a tremendous reduction of surplus waste and without overproducing. Titanium details seamlessly complement the PA12 front, and rounded temple tips add weightless comfort. This unique hinge system eliminates many of the friction points and weaknesses of traditional eyewear arm securement methods. In an effort to put an end to cumbersome screws and unsightly welds, Modo has designed an innovative frictionless connection system based on interlocking hooks and cylinders made of durable beta-titanium set in an ultra-performing polymer frame front, promising increased stability, strength and flexibility. As with all Modo Sun styles, the Isa is equipped with High Chromatic Definition (HCD) polarized lenses that offer the best possible quality of vision.

July 2023

Tura has announced the renewal of its exclusive license with Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B and Gx eyewear collections. This renewal is for several more years. Stefani will continue as the primary designer for both collections, ensuring that the eyewear will continue to showcase her unique and fashion-forward approach to design. The collections will be available in North America through over 10,000 points of distribution including ECPs, optical retailers and fashion retailers, according to an announcement from Tura. Scott Sennett, Ceo of Tura, said, “Since the launch of the L.A.M.B and Gx by Gwen Stefani eyewear collections in 2016, Gwen’s passion for the product and fearless approach to its design have established her as a living icon in the eyewear industry. Over my nearly 30-year career in this industry, I have never seen a collaboration with an artist or celebrity generate such authentic design energy. These collections have broken new ground, and we are very grateful to Gwen for her vision and partnership with Tura.”

July 2023

French eyewear brand J.F. Rey launches Whisper. A form of minimalist style that emphasizes essential elements and reduces them to the utmost discretion. The new designs feature a more visible aesthetic that blends shapes and lines to create subtle, delicate vibrations. J.F. Rey’s new frames for women primarily feature a round shape that is timeless, universal and always contemporary. The models are crafted with refined metal and an extreme precision that highlights the lines as closely as possible. Additionally, the frames are available in a range of unexpected colors, such as lavender blue, fuchsia pink, spring lilac, poppy red, and apricot orange. These color palettes are inspired by popular make-up trends and are designed to create beautiful and creative contrasts in an unstructured manner on the front of the frames. This color scheme, which mimics make-up, sculpts the eyes and opens up the gaze, giving a stylish makeover that whispers elegance.

July 2023

Raen has launched its latest optical sun collection, which they highlight as being made with M49 acetate from Mazzucchelli and Zeiss Sustainable Polyamide Lenses. Raen Co-founder and Design Director Jordan Percy said: “We are proud to partner with Mazzucchelli, a leader in sustainable materials, for our latest collection. By incorporating M49 Bio Acetate into our designs, we are taking a significant step towards an eco-friendlier future. This partnership allows us to combine our passion for timeless designs with Mazzucchelli’s innovative bio-based material, creating a premium feel and look that Raen has become known for.” Elena Orsi Mazzucchelli, Product Development Manager said: “Raen is a brand that we’ve admired for quite some time. Their values and their approach to design align closely with ours—we both put quality and craftsmanship at the forefront of everything we do. It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with them on this collection, which showcases products capable of combining beauty, refinement and sustainability”. Raen has partnered with lens manufacturer Zeiss and incorporating the new Zeiss Sustainable Polymaide lenses into the collection, which are made partially of bio-based materials and produce 50% less CO2 emissions in production.

July 2023