O’Neill inks new eyewear line

California surf label O’Neill and action sport manufacturer Orange 21 signed a global licensing deal to launch O’Neill Eyewear. The two will work closely to design, develop, market and sell the sunglasses and snow goggles, which will be launched to the market in March 2010.

Michael Neil, O’Neill’s Global Head of Brand Development & Licensing said: "Due to O'Neill's integral connection with the beach and snow lifestyle, Eyewear is a natural extension for O'Neill and who better to team up with than the experts at Orange 21. They have proven competence in the eyewear category, which they have successfully gained over the last 15 years with SPY OPTIC.”

O'Neill was founded in 1952 by Jack O'Neill, who pioneered the first neoprene surf wetsuit. The lifestyle label is available across the globe.