Maui Jim and Vinylize Collaborate to Create Limited Edition 'Hula Blues' Sunglass

LAHAINA, Hawaii, June 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As vinyl records are projected to sell 40 million units this yearⁱ, it's safe to say that vinyl is making a comeback. Which is exactly why the trend-forward designers at Maui Jim, have spent the last few years collaborating with Vinylize to create a unique line utilizing the brand's PolarizedPlus2® technology that blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays, plus, eliminates glare, while boosting natural light and color to unmatched levels.  

The leading premium sunglass brand and the original vinyl eyewear manufacturers have created a limited-edition sunglass, handcrafted from vinyl records called Hula Blues. The design is inspired by the original vintage printing of the sheet music booklet for the Hawaiian classic Hula Blues from 1923. The Hula Blues sunglass frame fuse Vinylize's proprietary production with Maui Jim's patented PolarizedPlus2® lens technology to introduce the ultimate combination of expression, vision, and style.

"The Hula Blues sunglasses merge classic vinyl, modern style and state-of-the-art eyewear technology, to create a one-of-a-kind, fashion-forward premium sunglass," said Jay Black, VP of marketing at Maui Jim. "While vinyl is enjoying a revival because people like to own their music in analogue format, we saw an opportunity to work together to create a unique collection. We couldn't be more excited to have Zack and the Vinylize team as partners, as we feel the collaboration resulted in something that our consumers will love as much as we do."

This limited-edition frame will only be available in 6,000 pieces on www.MauiJim.com and in retailers, starting July 1. Each Hula Blues frame is handcrafted from a vinyl record in Vinylize's European workshops. The interior is detailed with vibrant artwork inspired from the original 1923 sheet music booklet. Available in Neutral Grey and HCL Bronze lens colors, this new frame is intended to offer a timeless look while enhancing the world's true colors and vivid details.

Like all of Maui Jim's sunglasses, the Hula Blues are recommended as an effective UV filter for the eyes and surrounding skin by The Skin Cancer Foundation. Made with Maui Jim's optically correct, distortion-free lenses that feature patented lens treatments and color enhancing technology, the sunglasses are also available in prescription.

"We had been upcycling vinyl records into premium eyeglass frames for years and wanted to make the best possible pair of sunglasses.  While we were approached by other sunglass manufacturers in the past, we never found the right partner—that is until Maui Jim came along," said Zachary Tipton, founder of Vinylize. "From start to finish the partnership and creative collaboration with Maui Jim has been seamless. Their prescription-ready, durable, and polarized sunglasses, and ties to Hawaii are exactly what we needed to create a unique product that highlighted both of our proprietary technologies."

Hula Blues brings a one-of-kind style and design not only in the glasses themselves, but also in the unique case that fuses rattan and black with a custom printed interior inspired from the original graphic design of the Hula Blues sheet music. The Hula Blues is available in time for summer, online and at select Maui Jim retailers. To see more of Maui Jim's sunglasses featuring over 125 styles, visit www.MauiJim.com.  

About Maui Jim
Maui Jim sunglasses were born on the beaches of Maui and designed to protect eyes from the harsh rays of the island sun. Today, Maui Jim is recognized for unparalleled "Aloha Spirit" and customer service as well as patented PolarizedPlus2® lens technology, which blocks 100 percent of UV rays and eliminates glare while enhancing color, definition and depth perception.  Maui Jim sunglasses have earned the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation as an effective UV filter for the eyes and surrounding skin. For more information, visit mauijim.com, follow us on Facebook or on Twitter and Instagram at @OfficialMauiJim.

About Vinylize
Vinylize remasters vinyl records into premium eyewear and accessories. Born from the remains of an Eastern Bloc factory in 2004, their award winning durable frames are hand-crafted in Budapest, Hungary. Vinylize pioneered the vinyl eyewear market and remains the market leader today, combining the height of fashion with a truly original and striking concept. Check us out at www.vinylize.com, facebook and Instagram @vinylizeeyewear.

ⁱ Forbes "Vinyl Sales Aren't Dead: the 'New' Billion Dollar Music Business"

SOURCE Maui Jim