Oakley Heritage Collection: the evolution of a revolution

Look at the history of Oakley and you’ll see moments that changed everything. Radical new creations from design-crazy visionaries yanked the rug out from a world that was complacent with everything conventional. Style was reinvented, limits were shattered and athletes discovered a whole new realm of possibility. People looked at the latest Oakley innovations with slack-jawed shock, and thoughts of “what is that?” were followed by “where can I get one?!”

Turn back the clock three decades and you’ll be in a time when few Tour de France riders bothered with sunglasses. Some wore aviators and generic frames in competition, and those shades provided little more than a fashion statement. The riders may have looked good but they certainly did not see well. As far as impact protection was concerned, good luck with that!

In 1984, then-garage-based brand Oakley introduced the Eyeshade, an innovative sunglass design for professional cyclists derived from the O-frame snow goggle. A few years later, the Razer Blade was introduced, followed by the Frogskin, setting the bar for performance eyewear higher with each release. The radical designs turned heads and changed minds.

Now, 30 years later, the eyewear giant aims to salute the early era frames that elevated their brand and overall identity to a level few brands have ever been able to achieve. To do this, today Oakley announces the Heritage Collection, complete with the three original design reissues and four modern design updates.

The Collection salutes the evolution of a revolution by bringing back vintage rarities for a limited time. It’s a chance to own a piece of history with a classic look that shows your respect for sport heritage and smooth retro style. Oakley Eyeshades™, Razor Blades™ (soon on Otticanet.com) and Frogskins® will be offered with commemorative highlights and collectible extras adding riffs to a few contemporary designs so today’s athletes can carry the colors of history and pride.

Get your piece of history on Otticanet!