Sunglass season is here and if you’re still having a hard time choosing your next pair of Oakley shades, it’s always a good idea to go back and take a look at some of the brand’s all-time classics.
The company’s eyewear has been ahead of its time for over four decades now. So whether you need some inspiration or just fancy a trip down memory lane, here are five iconic Oakley moments for you – including some very familiar faces:
Dennis Rodman
In his prime, Rodman was rarely seen without glasses when off-court, and Oakley’s innovative designs matched his larger-than-life persona and outlandish outfits perfectly – pictured here in a pair of early Oakley Sub Zeros in the (otherwise rather forgettable) “Double Team” movie.
Lil’ Jon
Arguably the most ‘ordinary’ model on this list, but none the less iconic: Tell someone “Guy from Atlanta with black dreadlocks and white Oakley shades” and they will know you talk about Lil’ Jon faster than you can say “Yeah!”.
Cyclops
When the X-Men leader‘s powerful beams of energy can be controlled by nothing but your eyewear, you’re probably doing something right (or have a clever marketing team). Either way: When Cyclops puts down his Oakleys, better expect trouble – but they look just as badass when worn.
Michael Jordan (& Scottie Pippen)
Six trips to the Finals, six championship rings: Michael Jordan did win, win, win long before another avid Oakley wearer (T-Pain). And when he did, MJ became known for wearing cutting edge Oakley shades at award ceremonies. Here, he’s pictured wearing the “Romeo” model in 1997.
Ado Bolton & André 3000
Even though Ato Boldon ‘only‘ won a silver medal at the men’s 100-meter race, he was the runner that turned everyone’s heads at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. The Trinidadian wore a pair of Oakley‘s “Over the Top” model that definitely lived up to its name.
Originally developed for athletes, the uber-futuristic sunglasses quickly gathered fans in other parts of popular culture, too. One of them was André 3000 from Outkast, who effortlessly included the shades in his stage wardrobe like only the ATLien could do.
