Zac Posen Launching Debut Sunglasses Line

Zac Posen is the latest designer to branch into sunglasses, teaming up with international eyewear brand Illesteva for his debut in the realm next month.

The limited edition launch will include two different shapes -- a cat eye style and an oval frame, with colors to include yellow, clear, tortoise, green, brown and leopard print.

Retailing at $300, the frames will be on sale via illesteva.com, as well as in boutiques including Colette and Opening Ceremony.

Posen told WWD March 20 that sunglasses will play an integral part in expanding from ready-to-wear into other arenas.

"As we develop the Zac Posen brand, sunglasses allow me to maintain an aspect of flare and attitude for clothing that transitions into day," said Posen, who joins designers including Jean Paul Gaultier to enter the arena (his debut range launched in Mikli boutiques back in January). Meanwhile, US jewelry designer Alexis Bittar recently revealed plans to launch eyewear in 2013.

While Illesteva's frames have previously shown up at shows for labels including Band of Outsiders, the Posen launch marks the company's first brand collaboration.