Bionic Eye

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Optiq is also doing well with the
first flex metal in the economy priced
Minimize collection. “This material has
been very expensive,” says Coulson.
“But we are now able to bring a flex
product to the market at a very
reasonable price.”
Optiq is known for having children’s
eyewear in a wide range of sizes, from
36 to 47. “Dispensers tell us it is difficult
to get small eye sizes, so we offer an
enormous range,” explains Coulson.
Westgroupe Kids is all about style
and choice, according to vice-president
Beverley Suliteanu. Their collections
include Super-flex kids available through
Western Optical and Converse Kids from
Wescan.
Suliteanu points to the growing
popularity of memory metal in children’s
eyewear. Converse Eyewear has recently
added three new styles in memory
metal to its kids’ collection. The memory
metal bridge and temples provide the
maximum flexibility and restoration,
while all three styles have the cool
styling that is demanded in a Converse
product.
Continuing advancement in the
technology of spring hinges has allowed
Super-flex kids to incorporate 180 degree
spring hinges to many models for
increased durability.
According to Suliteanu, styling is
critical in the kids’ segment today.
“Children, pre-teens and teens all want
cool looking frames but nothing
extreme. Colour choices have
increased and, along with
popular eye shapes, mirror that
of adult styles. It is all about
choice and allowing the child
to choose a frame that
best reflects their taste and
personality.”
The Souris Mini brand of
children’s eyewear originated in
Quebec and is distributed
internationally by Optique Cerem.
This brand has high fashion
apparel stores for children in
Quebec and the Atlantic
NERDS NO MORE!
VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |
provinces and the eyewear colours, in
fifteen models, match those in apparel.
President Ruben Cohen is excited to be
adding another brand that originated in
Quebec to his already successful
children’s business. “Gusti is for the
rough and tumble, sports-oriented kid,”
says Cohen. “They specialize in sports
clothing for kids, so the eyewear is a
natural extension for them. The quality
is superb, with European metals and
plastics. We support the product with
good service and an excellent guarantee.”
Gusti will be available nationally this
August.
Tweens (aged 9-13) are the lucky
ones with the new GUESS Tween
Collection from Viva International Group.
Launching this summer, the collection
features a variety of materials, including
handmade acetate, stainless steel, and
memory metal, as well as combination
materials that showcase the fashion
forward and innovative design concepts
of the brand. The three streamlined
memory metal styles offer the technology
of nickel titanium for the active lifestyle
of today’s tween, equipped with
rubberized temples for a secure fit. The
two new stainless steel models are
available with rectangle or oval fronts
and temples adorned with the GUESS
by Marciano logo with hearts. Every
model features spring hinges that
provide added comfort and durability.
“We wanted to create styles that
mirror the trendsetting designs and
brand elements found in our adult
collection, yet sized just right for a
tween,” says brand manager Jennifer
Orentas. “Tweens are becoming more
brand savvy and exploring new accessory
options, including optical styles.”
DOC & Associates is the proud
licensee for Slinky, a brand with world
wide recognition. “Slinky has been
around for over 50 years,” says DOC
president Doris Ouellet. “It's a universal
toy that everyone has played with, boy
or girl. We have translated this
phenomenon into a serious eyewear
collection for kids, from 8 to 15.”
First launched at Vision Expo East
in 2007, and now distributed in Canada
exclusively by DOC, Slinky started with a
memory eyewear collection, mostly for
boys, in 12 pieces available in two
colours each. “Durability is key to this
line, which is especially important for
boys,” says Ouellet. The latest collection