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Maui Jim’s Lava Flow line (model #250) boasts hi-tech new MauiGradient proprietary single gradient lenses |
US/HAWAII. Maui Jim Sunglasses is set to launch into travel retail a range of featherweight, flexible sunglasses made from a proprietary alloy which remembers its shape for all-day comfort.
The six-model MauiFlex collection, which was unveiled by Maui Jim at the IAADFS Duty Free Show of the Americas last month, is said to offer new levels of comfort and style, thanks to its light, ultra-flexible titanium-nickel “˜memory’ frame design.
The collection is equipped with lightweight Maui Evolution lenses that were developed to provide superior optics, scratch- and impact-resistance and a patented lens treatment that enhances colour. The new styles also boast the glare protection of Maui Jim’s patented PolarizedPlus2 lens technology.
These latest models from Maui Jim are durable and lightweight, comfortable and hi-tech, and crafted to provide fresh levels of sophisticated good looks while also standing up to the rigours of the harshest sunlight, the company said.
The new MauiFlex collection offers modified-rectangle and aviator styles designed to complement a wide range of facial shapes and frame-lens colour preferences.
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The new MauiFlex Fleming Beach (#321) sunglasses incorporate ultra-flexible memory frames |
The new models are High Tide (#323), Guardrails (#327), Freight Trains (#326), Coconuts (#322), Fleming Beach (#321) and Ironwoods (#320). All feature anti-corrosive traditional hinges, adjustable non-slip Rabalon nose pads, high-gloss finish and rubber temple tips.
“Our research shows that today’s consumers want it all when it comes to their sun-wear,” said Vice President of Marketing Linda Glassel. “They want sunglasses that look great, cut glare, provide durability and yet are light enough in weight to provide all-day comfort. Thanks to our MauiFlex proprietary alloy, we have six new styles that are tough enough to resist breakage, corrosion and tarnishing, are 10 times more flexible than spring steel and yet are 25% lighter than conventional metal frame materials.”
Director Global Travel Retail Giles Marks added: “Premium sunglasses are very popular purchases in travel retail and there is plenty of competition. However, Maui Jim has a unique selling proposition as we can offer sunglasses which not only look great, they provide a fantastic view too. The new flexible MauiFlex frames, which remember their shape, offer all this and are amazingly light and comfortable too.”
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This Maui Jim Freight Trains (#326) aviator model features the new MauiFlex proprietary alloy frames |
Maui Jim introduces new single gradient lenses
In other major product development news, Maui Jim launches its first line of styles for single gradient lenses.
Maui Jim has always been known as the leader in double gradient lenses. These lenses are dark at the top, light in the middle and dark at the bottom. But this spring season, Maui Jim is introducing proprietary single gradient MauiGradient lenses.
MauiGradient features a darker coating at the top that gradually gets lighter moving down the lens, so an appropriate amount of light is allowed to filter through certain areas, while less in places where protection is paramount.
“Our market research shows that some people find their eyes prefer a single gradient lens,” said Maui Jim Vice President of Marketing Linda Glassel. “Adding a single gradient lens to our portfolio made sense because our goal is to enhance how our customers see the world around them.”
All single gradient, Rx-able lenses are precision engineered using the company’s SuperThin lenses that are described as super-lightweight, scratch- and impact-resistant, and 20% thinner than conventional laminated polarized lenses. Each lens uses the company’s patented PolarizedPlus2 technology to cut glare and enhance colour. The ultraviolet ray reduction is superior because each lens has up to nine layers of built-in protection.
Maui Jim’s new single gradient lenses can be found in a range of frames, from fashion-forward to retro-aviators, crafted from lightweight, durable acetate or titanium with anti-corrosive hardware.
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This Maui Jim Ironwoods model (#320) includes HCL lenses and MauiFlex memory frames |
Selected options in the Pau Hana, Lani and Lava Flow frame styles feature the company’s trendiest, colourful designs, some with one colour on the exterior of the frame, and another on the interior:
• Pau Hana is a unisex frame for smaller faces that comes in black with dark brown interior and neutral grey lenses; Tokyo tortoise with Maui Rose lenses; honey with HCL bronze lenses; or dark tortoise with green interior and Maui HT lenses.
• Lani, for women, is an oversized squared-off duo-tone acetate frame available in gloss black, Koa tortoise or amethyst fade with neutral grey lenses; Tokyo tortoise with Maui Rose lenses; or ruby with sandstone interior and HCL Bronze lenses.
• Lava Flow delivers a fashionable statement in gloss black with neutral grey lenses, or a colorful burgundy tortoise frame with HCL Bronze lenses. The modified rectangular frame with a mid-size wrap complements most facial shapes.
New aviators on the market include Baby Beach and Wiki Wiki in pure titanium:
• Baby Beach, designed for smaller faces, is available in silver with neutral grey lenses; gold with HCL Bronze lens; or gloss black with Maui HT lenses.
• Wiki Wiki is a double nose-bridged, square aviator available in gloss black with Maui HT lenses; gold with HCL Bronze lenses; or silver with neutral grey lenses.
About Maui Jim
Maui Jim is one of the fastest-growing polarized sunglasses manufacturers in the world and sells more than 70 styles and 200 skus. Maui Jim Inc is based in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii and Peoria, Illinois.
For details, contact Giles Marks, Maui Jim Sunglasses, One Aloha Lane, Peoria, Illinois 61615, US, tel: +1 905 338 5524 or e-mail gmarks@mauijim.com Visit www.mauijim.com
