Reservados, a princípio, para surfistas e pilotos de motocross, os óculos de sol de alto desempenho da Oakley ultrapassaram o mundo dos esportes radicais que os originou e se tornaram um item onipresente na moda.
While Oakley is best known for its sunglasses and protective goggles, the brand was founded in 1975 by James “Jim” Jannard and began as a company that sold handlebar grips at motocross events.
In 1992, Jannard revolutionized Oakley's design approach by acquiring a 3D printer. Alongside NASA, Oakley was the only sportswear brand to invest in technology, and it was that pioneering spirit and devotion to innovation that set the standard for Oakley, summarizing its initial mission to “identify problems, create solutions, and wrap those solutions in art.”
Peter Yee was the first industrial designer to be brought to Oakley and his vision began to define the working spirit and design language of the brand after his arrival in 1993.
Finding aesthetic references in the automotive industry, in the human form and in Oakley's own archive, Yee was able to create products that sometimes seemed impossible.
Under Yee's direction, the Eye Jacket was the first pair of sunglasses designed in CAD and with 3D printing, a technology that enabled a more sculpted and rounded shape, moving away from the angular lines of the 80s.
In Brazil, the brand became popular in the suburbs starting in mid-2010, often mentioned by MCs of the still young ostentation of funk in their music.
In the lyrics of “Bonde da Oakley” by Mc Juninho and “Bonde da JuJu” by Backdi and Bio G3, the MCs list the outstanding products of the time, practically creating a catalog of the most desired items.
The use of Oakley glasses in the world of ostentatious funk not only reinforces the idea of wealth and success, but also incorporates an image of style and sophistication that is still part not only of the aesthetics but also of the imaginary of the outskirts of São Paulo.
