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  2. The first Oakley sunglasses, Factory Pilot Eyeshades, were sport-oriented, resembling goggles and were released in 1984. These were followed in 1985 by the Oakley Frogskin, a casual sunglass style that was made in Japan.

    • Unobtainium and The Oakley Grip
    • Hitting The Track and Slopes
    • The First Oakley Sunglasses
    • Original Frogskins and The Introduction of Lifestyle Sunglasses
    • Blades and Mumbo
    • IPO and Luxottica Acquisition
    • Introduction of X-Metal
    • Modern Day Oakley and Prizm Lenses
    • Final Thoughts

    In 1975, James (“Jim”) Jannard, an avid motocross fan, wanted to increase the grips on motocross bikes. At the time motocross handles were covered with plastic which became slippery, especially when wet or muddy. Looking to solve this problem Jannard created a unique rubber material he coined Unobtainiumin the back of his trunk. Using Unobtainium, ...

    As the first foray into eyewear, Oakley released The Oakley Goggle. With only a few colorways available, it was originally designed for dirt biking and motocross, leveraging the market their grips had built. They soon followed up with the O Frame and Pro Frame. Shortly after in 1983, Oakley made the logical step into Ski Goggles with the O Frame. L...

    In 1984, Oakley released the O Wing grip, which would become its last original grip. This period began Oakley’s focus and efforts on eyewear. Starting with their first pair, the Oakley Lite, followed shortly after by the Factory Pilot Eyeshades. Both pairs leveraged large visor-like lenses and full-frame designs made specifically for sports. These ...

    In 1985, Oakley released the Frogskins – their first lifestyle frame on the market. A competitor to the already popular Ray-ban Wayfarer, they were the first Oakleys to feature a dual-lens design. Prior to this, all frames featured visor lensesas mentioned above.

    Along with the Frogskins, the 1980s brought in new innovative sports frames from Oakley. In 1985, they released the Blades, one of the pioneers of sport-specific shield lenses. The Blades were soon followed up by the Mumbo in 1989. Introduced in a very limited run these would eventually become the M Frame (short for Mumbo Frame). Through the 90’s a...

    In 1995, Oakley raised $230 Million during its IPO on the NYSE. Then only a year later Oakley ended up in a pricing dispute with Luxottica, who at the time was already the largest eyewear manufacturer and retailer. Luxottica ultimately pulled Oakley’s from the shelves of its stores including SunglassHut, Lenscrafters, and more. In 2001 and in respo...

    In 1997, Oakley introduced the first X-Metal sunglasseswith the Romeo. Jim Jannard who believed in disruptive design throughout Oakley’s history, wanted to create a pair of sunglasses out of titanium. In his own words from our Q&A on the forum with Mr.Jannard: The Romeo was followed soon after by the Mars, XX and eventually the Oakley Julietamong o...

    Many Oakley collectors see the IPO as the turning point in Oakley history. Eventually, over time the X-Metals and disruptive designs faded. Obviously, Jim Jannard is no longer in charge, though the company still retains their Foothill Ranch bunker and innovative culture. When asked how he is still involved with Oakley, Jim Jannard responded: In pas...

    Oakley’s history has been full of twists and turns. And there are plenty of other frames, shoes, apparel, innovations, and features that dictate Oakley’s history over the years. But ultimately all of this history and more has led to the sunglasses on your face. As we look to the future, we hope to see the return of disruptive design and innovation ...

  3. Oct 28, 2020 · In 2013, Jim Jannard, founder of Oakley, (somehow) found his way onto our small corner of the earth here at OakleyForum.com. He took the opportunity to answer some questions from the community. We’ve highlighted the top 25 questions and answers from Mr. Jannard here.

    • Who started Oakley sunglasses?1
    • Who started Oakley sunglasses?2
    • Who started Oakley sunglasses?3
    • Who started Oakley sunglasses?4
    • Who started Oakley sunglasses?5
  4. Apr 24, 2024 · Oakley, Inc. is an American company known for its innovative and stylish eyewear, particularly sunglasses. The company's story began in 1975 when James Jannard started Oakley out of his garage with an initial investment of just $300.

  5. Jun 24, 2019 · In 1975, Jannard started Oakley out of his garage with an initial investment of $300. Jannard named Oakley after his English Setter, “Oakley Anne.” Though Oakley would later become famous for its sunglasses, initially, it began as a company selling motorcycle handlebar grips at motocross events.

  6. Oakley’s first sunglasses, The Eyeshades. The year was 1983. Jannard was driving to Los Angeles from San Diego when the idea of Oakley’s first pair of sunglasses struck him. The sunset was glaring over the Pacific Ocean and directly on his left so the sunglasses he was wearing were completely useless at that point.

  7. Nov 12, 2023 · The brand's first breakthrough came in 1980 when Jannard introduced a unique motorcycle handgrip that featured a patented material known as 'Unobtainium.'. This material is still used to make the ear socks on Oakley glasses, increasing grip with perspiration.

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