Outlook Eyewear, a division of Safilo USA, Inc., is pleased to announce the re-introduction of the I SKI collection of sunglasses to the marketplace in January 2011.
I SKI was originally developed in the early 1970’s in response to the need for moderately priced, yet specialized all weather skiing sunglasses. The brand was eventually phased out in the late ‘90’s. In early 2010, members of the original I SKI product development and management team who are now with Outlook Eyewear saw the opportunity to re-launch the line under the Safilo umbrella.
With the growing popularity of retro styles among the youth, as well as the importance of heritage brands with the original generation meant that the timing was right. Archives were searched and old factories were contacted. The dusting off of old sunglass molds soon commenced so that I SKI could be re-launched as it should be…classic vintage styles from an iconic brand.
I SKI was one of the early companies to popularize the economical all-weather lens. This is a rose or amber based lens with a split mirror on the front and an anti-reflective coating on the back of the lens. Perfect for a full day on the slopes, the split mirror on the front of the lens reflects glare from above and below, yet leaves the center of the lens open for good vision when a cloud blocks the sun.
I SKI soon became all the rage for recreational skiers during the mid 1970’s, and a few of the early icons of skiing, such as Wang Wong, were seen wearing the brand. I SKI eventually reached beyond the ski industry and became popular on the street with people who never hit the slopes, but were interested in the very latest in sport sunglass fashions and technologies.
The new collection contains a total of 16 styles of which 13 are plastic, one metal, one plastic/metal combination, and one plastic/leather combination. All styles are unisex. Classic colors fill the collection with most styles being offered in black, blue, white and red. Tortoise, crystal, crystal red as well as triple laminates in combinations of red, white and blue are also used throughout the collection.
I SKI sunglasses are manufactured and distributed by Outlook Eyewear based in Denver, CO, a division of Safilo Group since 2003. The I SKI collection will be sold at sporting goods stores as well as select department stores. The suggested retail price range of the collection is $22 -$28.
“I SKI has the authenticity to claim the vintage sports look as its own. The models and color palette are truly trend right and outstanding. Our Outlook division’s creativity and ability to capture the market’s pulse at very affordable pricing makes this collection truly exciting to launch,” says Ross Brownlee, COO of Safilo Americas.
About Safilo Group
The Safilo Group is worldwide leader in the premium eyewear sector and maintains a leadership position in the prescription, sunglasses, fashion and sports eyewear sectors. Present in the international market through exclusive distributors and 32 subsidiaries in primary markets (U.S.A., Europe and Far East). The main proprietary branded collections distributed are: Safilo, Carrera, Smith Optics, Oxydo, Blue Bay, and the licensed branded collections are: Alexander McQueen, A/X Armani Exchange, Balenciaga, Banana Republic, Bottega Veneta, BOSS by Hugo Boss, Diesel, 55DSL, Dior, Emporio Armani, Fossil, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, HUGO by Hugo Boss, J.Lo by Jennifer Lopez, Jimmy Choo, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, Liz Claiborne, Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Max Mara, Max&Co., Nine West, Pierre Cardin, Saks Fifth Avenue, Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent and, starting from Fall 2010, Tommy Hilfiger.