Colors in Optics, Ltd. (CIO) was founded in 1978 by President and Designer Sanford
Hutton. Sanford, a licensed optician, pioneered the use of ‘color’ in the industry
by making a number of classic frames in 25 vibrant colors including cherry red,
cobalt blue, emerald green, and violet etcetera. His implementation of color into
frames revolutionized eyewear. The look was an immediate sensation and was reflected
in the movie “Annie Hall” starring Diane Keaton and “American Gigolo” starring Richard
Gere. This catapulted the Colors in Optics look into a fashion icon. The company
adapted its name because of its innovative and unique process of integrating color
into optical and sun frames.
Colors in Optics, Ltd. is a thirty year old privately held United States corporation.
CIO had its own manufacturing facility in New York for twenty years and was one
of the last American manufacturers in the industry. Through the world of manufacturing,
CIO fine tuned its product development capabilities and furthered its ability to
create trend designs. Due to the fine creative abilities of CIO a number of apparel
and accessory brands sought licensed partnerships. The brands currently include;
Steve Madden, Rocawear, Jessica Simpson, A.B.S by Allen Schwartz, Andrea Jovine,
Unionbay, and Southpole. CIO is also the exclusive North American distributor of
Phillipe Charriol eyewear, Trussardi eyewear and Blumarine eyewear. In addition,
for ten years, CIO was the exclusive North American distributor of Gianni Versace
eyewear.
Today, Colors in Optics, Ltd. maintains a complete design and creative staff headed
by Vice President and Head Designer Rhona Hutton who insures paramount style and
quality to its growing roster of licensed brands. CIO specializes in all categories
of eyewear including sunglasses, ophthalmic frames and readers. CIO is a top resource
to department stores, specialty stores, and fine optical boutiques and is an important
force in eyewear design and distribution.
CIO was listed by Accessory Magazine as a “Top 100 United States Resource.” Furthermore,
Rhona Hutton, Vice President, was listed as one of the “Best Accessorized Designers”
in Accessories Magazine.
The company is internationally known for its unique ability to capture fashion trends
and execute the designs of the highest quality aimed at specific price points.
Colors in Optics, Ltd. is involved with charities for the blind as well as helping
student opticians.