Orange 21 Inc., the parent of Spy Optic, officially announced the creation of its new Music Division. Fran Richards, current VP of marketing for Orange 21, was appointed the new
position of VP of business development and head of the new music Division.
“No other subculture has the amazing power to communicate and permeate so many different types of hearts and minds as music,” says Stone Douglass, CEO. “Investing in the Music Division completes a circle in our portfolio of lifestyle brands and we expect it to be a great fit.”
With years of both action sports industry and music industry experience, Richards has proven his value as a key player within the Orange21 organization. The creation of this new division will allow Orange 21 further space to grow as a global player in lifestyle eyewear.
“Our first eyewear brand in the Music Division is a joint partnership with Multi-platinum recording artist, Mary J Blige and Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records. Her new collection, Melodies by MJB, is a luxurious range of high-end acetate and metal frames inspired by Mary's own passion for sunglasses,” says Richards. Launching in exclusive retail Holiday 2010, the Melodies by MJB collection has already been hard at work in the media. The buzz is out; stay tuned to melodiesbymjb.com for all the details.
In other Orange 21 news, Brand Manager, Matt Harkins has taken on an expanded role and will be overseeing the marketing efforts of the company as well. Harkins' new role as VP-Brand Management will assure for a smooth transition and continue the Orange 21 strategy of good times and good product.
Orange 21 is a premium producer of eyewear. Based in Carlsbad, California, its brands include SPY Optic, O'NEILL Eyewear, Margaritaville Eyewear and Melodies by MJB.
