2012 marks a year of new ventures for designer Thom Browne, who will become the first American to show his collection at Aurora Fashion Week in St. Petersburg, Russia in April.  Mr. Browne is also expanding his label with the launch of an eye wear collection this year.

Slated to hit Barney’s New York this May, the sunnies, retailing for $475 each, will be inspired by the Forties, Fifties and Sixties with silhouettes that will include an exaggerated cat eye, a rounded shape and an oversize square frame.  Each design will come in three colorways – black, tortoise and navy and white.  Browne has added his signature to each of the frames with a tricolor tip.  The collection will also be available at Thom Browne stores.