NEW YORK (June 10, 2020) – Spotlight Licensing announces Bonavista Optics, Inc. (Oakwood, Ohio)as a new licensed partner, creating a Downton Abbey-inspired line of custom sunglasses and eyeglasses.
“Downton Abbey’s story, music, photography and talent are a feast for the senses”, says Bonnie Ashley, owner of Bonavista Optics. “This has been an exciting process, bringing some of that art and ambiance into eyewear. We are presenting an optimum product to the discerning Downton fans and anyone who loves sophisticated and stylish eyewear”.
Ms. Ashley is designing a wide variety of eyewear, of which there will be two Premiere Limited-Edition Sunglass models that are being hand-made in London. This will be followed by a complete line of uniquely elegant sunglasses and an ophthalmic line of exquisite eyewear, along with further surprises to be announced. The eyewear will be available first in the USA and Canada, followed by the UK and European region. Sunglasses will be ophthalmic quality, meaning purchases will be able to have prescription sun or computer lenses made for them if they so choose.
“We were impressed with Bonnie’s enthusiasm and her design ‘vision’ including vintage models with a Downton Abbey twist, all made of the finest quality materials and workmanship.” says Spotlight Licensing President Carole Postal.
Downton Abbey sunglasses will be sold online at bonavistaoptics.com as well as on Amazon. Pre-sales began May 2020. In addition, the ophthalmic line of eyewear will be showing up exclusively at participating optical stores or eye doctor’s offices in the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom and EU within the year.
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About Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey aired for six seasons on MASTERPIECE on PBS in the US and reached more than 26 million viewers in its final season, making it the highest-rated PBS drama series of all time. A Carnival Films/MASTERPIECE co-production, the series was written and created by Julian Fellowes and executive produced by Gareth Neame, Nigel Marchant, Liz Trubridge and Fellowes. Downton Abbey is one of the largest UK drama exports of all time, seen in over 250 territories worldwide. With 15 wins and 69 nominations, it is the most nominated non-US show in the history of the Emmys. Also, the winner of three Golden Globes, a special BAFTA and four Screen Actors Guild Awards, the series has captured an extensive fan-base worldwide. Downton Abbey the movie was released in 2019 and became the highest-grossing domestic film in Focus Features’ history. The movie was a Carnival Films production, with Focus Features and Universal Pictures International distributing.
About Carnival Films
Carnival Films is a division of NBCUniversal International Studios and one of the UK’s leading drama specialists. The company is responsible for the global television phenomenon and movie sensation Downton Abbey, which topped $190m at the box office and set a new opening record for Focus Features. Carnival’s current slate also includes new drama Belgravia for ITV/EPIX, and the television adaption of Robert Harris’ novel, The Second Sleep. Other shows produced over Carnival’s history include Jamestown, Stan Lee’s Lucky Man, Poirot, Hotel Babylon, Whitechapel and Dracula, as well as award-winning mini-series such as Traffik, Any Human Heart, The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies and The Hollow Crown anthology. Carnival has received a host of national and international awards including Primetime Emmys, Golden Globes and BAFTAs, and has been recognised as the UK’s best production company at both the Bulldog Awards and Broadcast Awards.
About Bonavista Optics
Bonavista Optics, Inc. is an independent eyewear company based in Oakwood, Ohio, which specializes in Custom Eyewear Solutions for the entire family. Company owner and eyewear designer Bonnie Ashley is a licensed and certified contact lens and spectacle optician who began working in the optical industry in 1980. For more information, visit www.bonavistaoptics.com.
About Spotlight Licensing
Spotlight Licensing and Brand Management, Inc. (spotlightlicensing.com) is a New York City based boutique licensing agency specializing in representation of Entertainment, Art/Design, Digital properties and Character Brands including BOO The World’s Cutest Dog, Call the Midwife, Downton Abbey, ELMER the Patchwork Elephant, The Last Kingdom, Little House on the Prairie, Precious Moments, and more.