ONE OF THE definitions of “launch” is “to send forth, catapult, or release.” It’s an optimistic word for putting it out there and inherently implies hope. This year was packed with hopeful introductions of many fun and appealing new lines, brands, products and licenses. Here are a few of our 2017 favorites.
KREWE (ABOVE)
Their sunglasses were already a celeb and cult favorite, so New Orleans-based KREWE expanded to optical this year. Handcrafted models MARENGO and ROYAL are classic silhouettes with a high cool factor.
sales@krewe.com | krewe.com
$235 / $315
COCO AND BREEZY
Founded by twin designers Corianna and Brianna Dotson, who handmade their early designs, Coco and Breezy has been on fire since they launched to a larger audience this year with Eastern States Eyewear. Cozy up to red-hot model HESTIA.
(800) 645-3710 | eseyewear.com
$290
COSMOPOLITAN
Distinctive designs and bold colors made the Cosmo line stand out from other fashion-magazine launches this year. Holiday-party ready model GIGI perfectly embodies Helen Gurley Brown’s sparkly spirit.
(877) 886-2824 | matcheyewear.com
$150
STEVE MADDEN
An impressive launch that built upon, but was not dependent on, the shoe line, we appreciated the focus on the sometimes-overlooked men’s market. Solid offerings include textured model CHIPPA.
(800) 645-3733 | cvoptical.com
$175
RAY-BAN
Ray-Ban gave their loyal fans more to love this year by adding a prescription lens program. Ophthalmic models like RB5121 combine the style customers want with the prescription lenses they need. Identical to the classics, the prescription lenses feature the etched Ray-Ban logo.
(866) 472-9226 | ray-ban.com
$175
GX BY GWEN STEFANI JUNIORS
Gwen Stefani’s popular gx line expanded into kids this year with exuberant results. Timely tween-dream model GX800 comes with six interchangeable magnetic emojis for the temple.
(800) 242-8872 | tura.com
$175
MARCHON X LONGCHAMP
Longchamp bags embody timeless style — so does their eyewear. Dig your bag out of the closet and get matchy-matchy with elegant model LO2604. We have sunglasses to look forward to next year.
(800) 645-1300 | marchon.com
$185