About Oakley

Oakley, Inc. is a globally renowned designer, manufacturer, and distributor of high-performance eyewear and sports equipment, best known for its innovative sunglasses and goggles. Founded in 1975 by Jim Jannard with an initial investment of just $300, the company began by selling specialized motorcycle grips called "The Oakley Grip" from the back of Jannard's car at motocross events. These grips used a proprietary material called "Unobtainium," which improved grip performance and later became a signature component in Oakley's eyewear for nose pieces and earsocks[1][2][4]. Oakley entered the sunglasses market in 1984 with the release of the "Factory Pilot Eyeshades," sports sunglasses designed for athletes. The brand quickly gained prominence when cyclist Greg LeMond wore Oakley sunglasses during his 1986 Tour de France victory, establishing Oakley as a leader in high-performance sports eyewear[1][3]. Oakley’s products emphasize technological innovation, including interchangeable lenses, high optical clarity, and durable, damage-resistant materials. Over time, the company expanded its product range to include footwear, watches, apparel, backpacks, and optical frames, holding over 600 patents related to eyewear and performance gear[1][4]. Key milestones for Oakley include going public in 1995, raising $230 million, acquiring several sunglass specialty retailers in 2001, and ultimately being acquired by the Italian eyewear giant Luxottica in 2007 for $2 billion[1][2]. Oakley maintains a premium brand image by selectively distributing its products through specialty stores and aggressively protecting its patents and trademarks against unauthorized sales and counterfeits[1]. Today, Oakley remains a dominant force in sports and lifestyle optics, celebrated for its bold design, technological innovation, and strong ties to professional athletes. Its heritage reflects a blend of performance-driven engineering and cultural influence, making it a significant player in the intersection of business

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Introducing the Future of Smart Glasses

16 Sep 2025 15 views

#smart_glasses #tech #innovation

Meta and Ray-Ban's latest innovation in smart glasses: a cutting-edge display and partnership with Oakley.