Monthly Archives: June 2009

New Eyewear

I’ve added two new lines to my eyewear collection with Kenmark Optical.

A sample of my new Rhedux eyewear

A sample of my new Rhedux eyewear

The first is Rhedux. Like my menswear Rhedux collection, this line is environmentally responsible—a perfect match for customers who want to reduce their impact on the earth without sacrificing look and quality.

Rhedux has three new styles. Each uses 30% recycled acetate for the temples, and has an inlay of recycled wood pulp (used in the paper industry).

Who knew wood pulp could look so elegant?

Who knew wood pulp could look so elegant?

The “demo” lenses (the ones in the frames when you try them on in the store) are made using polylactic acid—a biodegradable plastic from renewable resources such as corn. These lenses break down into carbon and water when incinerated (Whole Foods makes their juice cartons and containers out of the same material). I’m pleased that Kenmark has begun using these lenses in nearly all of their new styles, because millions of those demo lenses are discarded every year, and up to now, they have been made from indestructible plastic (and most still are).

The second new line is called Interchange. Each frame comes with three temples that can be switched out for a different look. There are currently five shapes available, with more in development. These are my new favorites because my doggies always chew on the temples! Now I have spares – and can even color coordinate with my clothes.

interchangetemples_sm1

Selection of Interchange temples

Each front shape comes in one front color and five different lens shapes (the optician can put any of the five different shaped lenses in the front piece). Each frame comes with three color coordinated temples that can be switched out for a different look: a translucent color, one of my pattern designs, and one patterned acetate temple that is thinner in profile than the other two.

Patented Interchange hinge

Patented Interchange hinge

The interchange system uses a patented endpiece/ spring hinge system with a release mechanism that makes it extremely easy to switch out the temples. To see more about my new Rhedux and Interchange line of eyewear, visit my section of the Kenmark Optical website at: jhanebarnes.com/kenmark