Optical Prism October 2013 | Page 24

“Willie is a true American Icon and it runs deep in the bloodline. I am proud to be friends with Willie and his beautiful family.” Q A What level of input did Willie Nelson have on this particular line? Willie Nelson’s input to the actual design of the eyewear line was indirect. His music and personality have influenced Varvatos as a designer for decades and it was that influence which bled into the eyewear. In the campaign image, Willie is wearing the V353, one of our best sellers, and one of John’s favourites. He loves the sun clip and thinks the frame is an excellent fit for Willie. I have to say, I agree. Q What makes Willie Nelso an ideal model or spokesperson for the John Varvatos’ line of eyewear? Willie Nelson is one of the most recognized American singer-songwriter icons as well as a celebrated author, poet, actor and progressive activist. “In all the iconic music ad campaigns we have shot over the last eight years, I have never been so moved as I was working with Willie Nelson and his sons,” says designer John Varvatos. “Willie is a true American icon and it A runs deep in the bloodline. I am proud to be friends with Willie and his beautiful family.” Q A What direction do you see the line moving in next year? Varvatos is guiding his brand through a “return to elegance” and I am following right along with the eyewear. I am working on refining the collection an ??????????????????)????Q????????????????)?????????????????????)????????????????????)????????????????????()??????????????????)??????????????()D()!?????????)??????????????)???????????????)?? @????????????))????Y??????????)?????????????)???)???)??)???????$???????)????????????????????)??????????????)??????????)??)??)?????????????????)???????????????????????)?????????????????)??????!????????????))????????????????)?????????????????????)?????????Q???????????)??????????????()()Q???)????Y?????)?????????????????)???????????????????)???????????????Q???????)????q????????????t?????)???????????????????Q??)????????????????????)????????????????????)???Y??????????)??????????????????????)?????????????????]?????)9??????????????????)?????????????e????????)????????????????)???????????((??()=AQ% 0?AI%M4???= Q= H?????((0