Solaris unveils dazzling Dior sunglass collection

Solaris, the region's first dedicated boutique for designer sunglasses, has unveiled the new 2008 sunglass collection from Dior, an eclectic and daring line that combines glamour with a bold edge.

The collection, according to Katia Andrejev, Brand Manager, Solaris - Middle East, already counts pop diva Gwen Stefani among its devotees.

"That should give you some idea," Andrejev says, "of what this new collection is about".

The emphasis this year is on eye-catching glamour.

The Grand Salon Limited Edition, with its plexi-mirror flower motifs, exemplifies the ornate and dazzling detailing that characterizes much of the collection.

A similar spirit provides inspiration for the Indinight sunglass line, with its head-turning mosaic of Swarovski rhinestones surrounding the famous Dior logo.

Highlights from the new Dior collection include luxe hippie styles that reflect '60s and '70s chic with a contemporary twist, while the Dior Cottage and Cannage go for classic, understated elegance.

Paris Hilton has been spotted wearing the latest Dior collection, along with Jessica Alba, Paris Hilton, Halle Berry, Kate Hudson, Lindsay Lohan and Jennifer Lopez.

"The Dior 2008 range is already a big hit among the celebrity set, and I think it'll go down very well in Dubai too," says Andrejev. "People here really like to express themselves with their sunglasses—everybody has a favourite pair. Dior's new collection, I think, raises the bar with the range and the boldness of its designs. If sunglasses say something about who you are, this line daringly states Chic".

Solaris, the cutting-edge French sunglass concept store, has been brought to the Middle East by M.H. Alshaya Co., to offer the best models from over 50 world-leading brands, including Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Versace, Rayban, Armani, Dior and Oakley. Solaris boasts more than a thousand styles of sunglasses, from glamorous wrap-arounds to trendy aviators and luxurious diamante-decorated styles.

Solaris has a stand-alone store in Deira City Centre in Dubai, The Avenues, the largest mall in Kuwait and Villaggio Mall in Qatar.

The brand also has a presence at shop-in-shop locations in Debenhams stores in the Mall of the Emirates and Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai, Kuwait International Airport. Globally, the brand has over 50 outlets, including Paris, Milan, Monaco and St. Tropez.