(PRESS RELEASE) HAUPPAUGE, NY – ClearVision Optical announces a new strategic relationship with Frameworks and the launch of Spectaculars, a collection of authentic, vintage-inspired eyewear manufactured in the United States. ClearVision was founded in 1949 as a distributor of American eyewear, and nearly 70 years later the company honors this heritage through its offering of Spectaculars’ beautifully crafted, made-in-the-USA eyewear collection.
The collaboration with ClearVision and Frameworks came about organically; the two family-run businesses share similar values, and its executives – ClearVision’s David and Peter Friedfeld and Frameworks’ Bill Vetri – have known each other for more than two decades. Vetri has made a name for himself as one of the forefathers of the American vintage concept, amassing a large collection of vintage frames and originating one of the first vintage eyewear shops in New York City. As a leading US manufacturer, Frameworks combines time-honored traditions that are the hallmarks of the Spectaculars collection with modern production processes and a method of hand-finishing, resulting in eyewear that is truly new American vintage. Now, through the company’s new relationship with ClearVision, Frameworks will have the opportunity to bring its iconic eyewear to consumers nationwide.
As part of a unique distribution strategy, ClearVision will create a network of brand aligned retailers, fully supported by an online presence that is managed by Spectaculars and that will work to promote the partner locally. An alternative to the recent trend of selling high-end collections via e-commerce, this retail strategy will provide online and social support to promote the collection and reinforces the importance of consumers visiting a local practitioner for their eyewear needs.
“Over the last few years, we’ve seen a real market shift, with many brands going direct-to-consumer.” says Peter Friedfeld, Vice President of ClearVision Optical. “We are working to create an online presence for the retailer in order to drive consumers into a practice, rather than promoting buying online. We know the retailer is the most important link in this chain and we want to partner with them, not compete with them for a sale.”
Friedfeld adds, “We believe in what Spectaculars is doing and look forward to sharing it with a community that understands the value of a quality product that tells a story.”
The initial collection will feature 26 styles of eyewear and sunglasses. Spectaculars’ vintage designs and use of exceptional materials have gained a cult following with stylists, and have been worn by celebrities including Johnny Depp, Lady Gaga, Brad Pitt, Jessica Biel, Denzel Washington, Stanley Tucci and more.
“Spectaculars will bring something very special to the market,” says Bill Vetri, President of Frameworks. “American vintage is American style, and the only way we can truly support those two concepts is with handcrafted goods that are produced in the USA. Just as I have spent years developing the ultimate collection of made-in-America eyewear, our new alignment with ClearVision was a long time in the making – but well worth the wait.“
Spectaculars will be available for preview at Vision Expo East, in the Galleria, Booth #G734, and in select American cities over the next 6 months.