OAKLEY ROMEOS
Peter Yee [Sr. Design Director 1993-2018] mentions the development of the Romeo was shrouded in secrecy, akin to "black ops." Nobody outside the project saw the designs or knew details, underlining the exclusive nature of this launch.
The hype that followed the Romeo marked the world's first 3-D sculptured, hypoallergenic, all-metal frame – a milestone in eyewear innovation.
In a interview showcasing the behind the scenes proccess of the X Metal. Gardner Wade [Director of Engineering] sheds light on the complexities and secrecy surrounding the metal used in the Romeos, stating, "The metal itself, they would put on three or four different trucks to get it here so that the original truck driver didn't know where it was going and the truck driver didn't know where it came from." This further emphasizes the lengths Oakley went to in protecting and pioneering their technology.
The early 2000s saw Michael Jordan, frequently sporting the X Metal Romeos. This era solidified the sunglasses' status as more than just eyewear; and it became a status symbol.
Spanning over two decades, the X Metal Romeos have weathered the changing tides of fashion and technology. From their groundbreaking launch in the late 1990s to their enduring presence today, they continue to be innovative in the future of design.
Into the 2000s and beyond, collectors of rare and unique eyewear have held the X Metal Romeos in high esteem. The fervor with which these enthusiasts seek out and cherish every model echoes the sunglasses' lasting impact and iconic status.
Reflecting on the journey and the ethos behind the X Metal Romeos, designer Peter Yee offered profound insights in a recent interview with ConceptKicks. Yee notably remarked on Oakley's fearless approach, saying, "Oakley was unafraid. Unafraid to experiment, unafraid to stand out. And that's precisely what drove the design philosophy behind the X Metal Romeos." His reflections, peppered with decades-spanning wisdom, illuminate the boldness and inventiveness at the heart of the Romeos’ design. Yee's focus on uniting groundbreaking aesthetics with practical functionality echoes through the continued popularity and admiration of these iconic sunglasses.
X-Metal Plant Manager Tony Charles made mention that these marvelous sunglasses were "...virtually indestructible. We've driven over it with a tank,” showcasing the Romeo's unparalleled durability. This durability, combined with the XYZ Optics, as Tony Charles explains, exceeds industry standards for high velocity and high mass impact, making them "the best optics on the planet for high velocity and high mass."
Tracing their journey from a groundbreaking launch in the late 1990s to a revered icon in the realms of sports, cinema, and collectors' showcases, the X Metal Romeos continue to live on as a statement piece to Oakley collectors.
