Oakley – Technology meets design innovation

Words: Anne-Marie Becker

Back in the early 90s, Oakley sports sunglasses were not only the favourite accessory of athletes of all kinds but were also a popular statement piece for all fashion enthusiasts. Three decades later, we still can’t get enough of Oakley’s sleek sunglasses.

Surprisingly, the American brand only started designing and selling sunglasses several years after its founding in 1975. It all started in James Jannards garage, where the founder of Oakley initially worked on grip bars for motocross motorcycles. He wanted to ensure enough grip so that they would not become slippery even in heavy rain. For this, he developed Unobtainium, a unique material that is synonymous with the typical Oakley grip and still used in the temples and the bridge of the sunglasses.

What started out as a brand for motorcycle goggles and eyewear for skiing or cycling, evolved into an absolute fan favourite even outside of the realm of performance sports. The reason for Oakley’s success lies in its ability to combine unique and innovative designs with groundbreaking technologies. Thanks to Oakley High Definition Optics® technology, you’re always guaranteed uncompromising clarity and precise vision from all angles, regardless of whether you’re performing sports or going about your daily life.