Tennis Star and Fashionista Maria Sharapova Launches TAG Heuer’s First Eyewear Line Specifically Made for Women

Tiger is out, Maria Sharapova is in.

And we’re overjoyed.

Last fall, TAG Heuer announced that tennis star and fashion-lover Maria Sharapova would be the new ambassador and muse for a women’s series of TAG Heuer Eyewear, adding a much needed feminine perspective to the Swiss company that’s most recognized for its luxury watches and racing-inspired eyewear.

While the announcement of Sharapova as an ambassador for TAG Heuer Eyewear preceded the scandal surrounding TAG Heuer’s other marquis spokesperson, Tiger Woods, there is no doubt that marketing execs in Zurich are breathing a sigh of relief that they decided to bring the 6′ 2″ Siberian tennis star on-board when they did.

Even better, we just got a glimpse at Urban Optiques of the fruits of the TAG Heuer-Sharapova Eyewear collaboration and we’re extremely happy to say that it’s the complete opposite of last year’s Lindsey Lohan-Emanuel Ungaro partnership.

In other words, the Sharapova eyewear line rocks and we can’t see what else emerges in the coming months.

Frankly, TAG Heuer Eyewear has been ripe for a women’s line now for several years.

With women making more than two-thirds of the eyewear purchasing decisions in a household, the addition of a strong, athletic and fashionable partner like Maria Sharapova was a major coup for TAG Heuer.

The brand has traditionally focused on men, even though many of their frames and sunglasses look fantastic on women as well.

By making Sharapova — widely recognized as a style and fashion trend-setter — the face for the new TAG Heuer women’s eyewear line,  TAG has made it clear that they are committed to  providing sporty, stylish and fashionable eyewear not just to men, but also women.

The amount of PR TAG Heuer has dedicated to the Sharapova roll-out — right down to the on-site Sharapova fashion sunglass shoot —  suggests that they are serious about building out their women’s eyewear collection.

The first of the Sharapova Series Eyewear is making its way into Urban Optiques this month.

We have several of the TAG Heuer Sharapova Sunglasses on their way, and we can’t wait to see what happens with the ophthalmic line which is slated to roll out in the coming months.

From what we’ve seen so far, this is going to be one hot eyewear line in 2010/11.

In the meantime, check out the eyewear fashion shoot with Maria Sharapova below, courtesy of TAG Heuer: