American Sporting Goods (ASG), a southern California-based manufacturer of athletic footwear and apparel, said it had agreed to licensing terms with Icon Eyewear. The licensee will produce and distribute sunglasses under the AND1 and Avia brands for ASG.
“ASG selected Icon Eyewear as the licensee for Avia and AND1 sunglasses in large part for their renowned expertise in fashion and sport design, as well as their diligent attention to utilizing quality materials,” said ASG CEO, Tom ORiordan. “Icons design team includes a national class distance runner and a high fashion designer; this is the perfect fit for our brands. We are extremely pleased to have Icon Eyewear as part of our growing family of licensees under the ASG umbrella.”
Based in Secaucus, NJ with showrooms in New York City, Icon Eyewear will create AND1 sunglasses designed for the fashion forward, urban man. Stylish metal shields and hip plastic aviators will highlight the line. All styles will be consistent with AND1s “street sport” styling that has developed a loyal following over the years.
The Avia brand eyewear will feature high tech running and biking sunglasses for the competitive athlete, as well as a moderately priced collection of active-inspired styles for the everyday fitness consumer. The technical sunglasses will be made with aluminum and plastic frames featuring both polycarbonate and polycarbonate polarized lenses. All lenses will also have anti-reflective coatings and ventilation systems to reduce fogging. The active-inspired collection will include both metal and plastic frames and range in styling from technical sport to fashion.
“Icon Eyewear is excited to enter into a partnership with ASG to produce top quality sport and fashion sunglasses at affordable prices for both the Avia and AND1 brands,” said Mike Cotton, Icon Eyewears Executive Vice President. “The combined strengths of both Icon and ASG will no doubt bring retailers and consumers alike the finest assortment of eyewear money can buy.”
