I'm Not Going to Take Off My Stinking Glasses, Says Jeb

"'I can’t see without glasses,' Bush said with exasperation, drawing laughs from the audience as he spoke at a town hall in Lebanon, New Hampshire. 'I’m not going to take off my stinking glasses,'" reports WQAD. "Aiming to appear authentic, politicians rarely reveal the image-conscious side of their campaigns. But Bush did so Tuesday for that exact reason, showing some vulnerabilities in an effort to convince voters of his authenticity. Asked later by reporters why he was told to remove his glasses, Bush joked that perhaps it was their combination with his “bushy eyebrows” that turned people off." Read more.

Adidas and Italia Independent Sign Eyewear Licensing Agreement

"German sportswear firm Adidas AG said Thursday it had signed a license agreement with a small Italian company, Italia Independent SpA, to make eyewear for its Adidas Originals collection, as both firms try to boost their brands by tapping into a larger customer base with medium-priced eyewear," according to a Market Watch report. Read more.

New Eyewear from ProDesign

"The 'natural' look is still a very important trend and one of the favorite materials right now is horn. The horn pattern is beautiful, exclusive, and gives associations to something 'old-style' and handcrafted," according to Midwest Lens. "ProDesign doesn’t use horn, as the material cannot be adjusted, but they have found an attractive handmade block acetate raw material which is the closest to horn you can get and still have the benefits of individual adjustment. To build on the 'old-style' material, they have made three shapes as combo styles and added one as full acetate. The rivets complete the retro theme." Read more.

Trussardi Fall 2012 Collection

"Trussardi is a chic, sophisticated statement of a cosmopolitan confidence which showcases the finest materials and spontaneous, Italian-inspired styling.  Embracing an individual flair that beautifully mixes classic elements with trendy accents; the Trussardi look is always elegant, striking and original.  An unwavering attention to detail and obsession with excellence ensures that Trussardi continually consolidates its reputation for being one of the very best upmarket international fashion brands." That's the word from Eye Surf. "This fall, women’s optical styles are heavily influenced by several upcoming trends including an ongoing passion for light and translucent lacy looks and an expansion of this year’s love of geometric cut-outs, mesh and other holey fabrics.  The contrast between the light and texture characteristic of this trend is beautifully reflected in a brow-heavy frame or mottled temples." Read more.

Esprit Releases Fall Line

"Created on the basis of the Esprit philosophy, Esprit Eyewear takes its cue from the very latest fashion trends," notes Mido365. "The new vision models in the fall/winter collection are smart, cutting-edge and of very high quality. The frames for women are sophisticated but discreet, feminine and cool, with round and softly rounded ovals or slightly retro, modern shapes. The new color combinations seen on this fall's runways have the lion's share of nuances ranging from wine to those inspired by tweeds and today's highly successful 'ombre" hair and makeup trend transferred to accessories and apparel." Read more.

Robert Marc Opens New Boutique in NYC

"Eyewear designer and ACE Visionary Award winner >Robert Marc has opened a new boutique on 1225 Madison Avenue, near 88th Street — his fifth store on the avenue, Eighth in New York and ninth overall in the U.S." That's the WWD post. Read more.

Argyleculture's Improvisation Adds Two Looks

"Improvisation involves taking well known standards and transforming them by adding a unique element or twist," reports Eye Surf. "The Argyleculture “Improvisation” collection features two looks that combine bold color combinations and the latest men’s fashion trends. Sanders and Mobley offer the latest looks for the urban graduate looking to make a statement with his eyewear." Read more.

Eyeglasses Reportedly Improve Memory

"Eyeglasses that stimulate alpha brain waves and improve memory," starts the Midwest Lens post. "No, it’s not an accessory for superheroes but the outcome of 10 years’ research by Francesco Ferro Milone of Vicenza, the former head of neurology who is now 85 and has created a device called Mnemosline. Instead of lenses, the glasses have two red LEDs with light impulses that increase alpha wave activity to help memory recovery. Ferro Milone created them together with colleague Adolfo Porro, former head of geriatrics." Read more.

Round-Up of Google's Virtual Reality Eyewar

Time reports that "given that the first version of Project Glass could be a year away, don’t get your hopes up for contact lens computing any time soon. But seeing as Microsoft is already researching the concept for medical applications, Lee’s claim that smartphone-like contacts are the next natural step in the process doesn’t seem so far-fetched." Read more.

New Line fo Eastern States Designed Entirely by an Artist

Eye Surf reports that "Eastern States Eyewear introduces Randees Kandees, the industry’s first sunglass collection designed entirely by an artist.  Designed by New York City talent, Randee Bassen, Randees Kandees is a full scale sunglass collection that will be distributed under ESE’s Exces Eyewear umbrella.  Combining her unique talents as an artist with her original views of fashion, Randee has created a collection that features a wide array of vivid plastic colors gracing several eclectic, youthful designs.." Read more.