Columbia Sportswear Company launches its first collection of sunglasses and optical eyewear designed for sports

[the brand] / A leader in the manufacture and distribution of outdoor equipment and skiwear in the USA, the Columbia brand is distributed in over 30 countries. A worldwide brand created in Portland, Oregon in 1938, Columbia now covers every segment of outdoor activities, from hiking shoes to sportswear, functional wear and the highly technical wear of the Columbia Titanium and GRT collections (in particular anti-perspiration wear, convertible and foldable systems) which are the hallmarks of the brand. Columbia ranks among the world leaders in apparel for skiing, snowboarding, trekking, fishing and hunting, as well as golf wear. Its line of accessories (caps, socks, gloves, backpacks, etc.) has now been rounded out with a collection of sunglasses for casual and sports uses.

[ Columbia Sunwear ] / Developed in collaboration with experts in the field of outdoor and professional sports activities, the Columbia sunglasses collection features frames with stylish lines and fitted with Columbia Carbonium™ high-definition lenses guaranteeing protection, comfort and perfect visual acuity. With frames designed for confirmed athletes performing under extreme conditions and for people who enjoy nature to the fullest, the Columbia collection offers technical innovations such as the Diagonal Secure Fit System.

The Columbia sunwear collection includes 16 models in both plastic and metal frames. The plastic models made of Grilamid TR90 are ultra lightweight and their taut lines give maximum protection. The metal models, with their fine, fluid lines are also perfectly adapted for use in sports activities.

The Columbia collection consists of the "Core" range - sports and casual frames for amateur athletes who want functional and protective frames, and the "XST" range (eXtreme Sun Technology), offering stylish and aggressive designs for tough usage conditions and a more extreme look.

Most of the models have mirror lenses (orange, blue, silver flash finish…), just right for the latest fashion trends.
A brown-orange lens with dual shaded silver mirror finish is specially designed for skiing and all-weather usage.

[earpiece with Diagonal Secure Fit System™ ] / - A Columbia innovation designed to improve adherence of the frame during intensely active use. All of the Columbia frames are fitted with the Diagonal Secure Fit System™, the earpiece with a unique shape adapted to the shape of the human head in order to provide a perfect hold even under extremely athletic conditions.


[Columbia Carbonium™ lenses] / - all of the Columbia lenses are made of polycarbonate and offer maximal shock resistance. The off-center optical axis provides total visual comfort and zero distortion, which means perfect optical quality. Made of carbon components, the Columbia Carbonium™ lenses filter 100% of UV rays, with extra protection against infra-red rays that standard polycarbonate can't match, thus preventing eye irritation due to dryness. This feature is especially appreciated by wearers of contact lenses.


[Columbia Prescription Eyewear] / Adapted to active lifestyles, the Columbia collection is launching 15 models remarkable for their dynamic lines: structured and stretched rectangles, and barrel shapes available in a selection of natural colors and in soft steel. Inspired by sportswear styles, the Columbia prescription eyewear collection is designed for men and women who want functional frames combined with a sporty look. The models offer a host of technical features: the Diagonal Secure Fit System™ earpieces provide comfort and perfect hold, even during extreme activity.


[Communication and distribution] / Brand signs, panels and presentation displays are available for opticians. In addition, the Columbia Sportswear brand is leading various sponsoring activities and regularly communicates in the general e press. The advertising is striking and identifiable thanks to the tone and the presence of CEO Gert Boyle.


Manufacture and distribution: L’Amy Group
Prescription collection: 109 - 115 Euros recommended retail price
Sunwear collection: 49 - 84 Euros recommended retail pric
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Contact: L’Amy Group
Agnès BONNAVENTURE
agnes.bonnaventure@lamygroup.com
Tel : (33) 03.84.33.77.00.


Columbia eyewear is manufactured under license by L’Amy Group for Columbia Sportswear Company North America Inc. © Columbia Sportswear Company

 

FEATURES OF THE COLLECTION


SUNWEAR


Trekker Model: classy lines for all-out sports
Plastic frame of Grilamid TR90 for ultimate lightness, sturdiness and comfort. The aggressive, taut lines offer excellent coverage and protection from the sun. Diagonal Secure Fit System™ earpieces ensure perfect hold on the face during intensive sports usage and the Columbia Carbonium™ lenses with off-center optical axis give perfect vision, 100% protection from UV rays and extra protection against infra-red rays.

Recommended retail price: 59.95 €

Photos: Trekker 2003 Metallic blue, Columbia Carbonium™ lenses in mirror orange
Trekker 2003 Platinum, Columbia Carbonium™ ski lenses in high contrast orange

 

Alpine Lite XST Model: fashion trends meet the world of sports
The taut lines of the metal frame fit the face perfectly. The lenses have no bottom or side rim in order to offer athletes a maximal field of vision. The Columbia model "Alpine Lite" features the Diagonal Secure Fit System™ earpiece for optimal hold during intense sports activities, while the Columbia Carbonium™ lenses with an off-center optical axis provide 100% protection from UV rays and extra protection against infra-red rays.
Recommended retail price: 79.95 €

Photos: Alpine lite 8001 Silver, Columbia Carbonium™ lenses in gray silver flash

 

PRESCRIPTION EYEWEAR

 

Alpenberg 104: Frame made of stainless steel with flexible temples. Available in four shapes: sports rectangle, oval, rectangle and barrel. Columbia Logo engraved on the temple and the “bug” on the earpiece with Diagonal system.
Colors: Bordeaux, satin silver, beige and deep blue.

Recommended retail price: 109.00 Euros

 
Tahoe: A rimless frame with strong presence of bridge/end-pieces, for those who like to stand out in the crowd. Available in three shapes: rectangle, soft rectangle and cushion.
Colors: azure blue, satin silver, satin beige, ruthenium

Recommended retail price: 115.00 Euros