NEW SHADES FOR HOGAN

Runway / News

October 26, 2009

Made in Italy...

With the fashion world still buzzing about the news that the Olsen twins are venturing into sunglasses (and a juniors' line for JC Penney called Olsenboye by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen), word is now that Hogan has expanded into eyewear as well. I’ve never felt that Hogan has had a major presence in the States – they seem to always be overshadowed by Tod’s though they appear, from my personal observations, to be a lot more popular abroad. Given that the Hogan shades, which have just hit 45 Hogan stores worldwide along with select opticians (prescription frames are hitting retail outlets in March 2010), will be retailing for between $285 and $375, I’m curious if they will be a state-side success.

The shades have been licensed to Marcolin, and while the prices are fairly steep, they are in keeping with ones typical of Hogan. One thing is for sure - they’ve been a success with celebrities. Among those who were gifted and seen sporting the shades are Naomi Watts, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Moss, Daisy Lowe, Kiera Chaplin, Colin Firth, and Anna Friel.

The collection includes 16 styles for men and women in black, brown, and plum. All of the Hogan frames are made in Italy from plastic, metal, or combinations of the two. The big question is now whether or not First Lady Michelle Obama will be seen in the shades. Given that Hogan’s apparel line is designed by one of her faves, Thakoon Panichgul, it shouldn’t be too hard to get a pair in her hands.