Collectors Spotlight - September 2007 - american image
Age: 40 / Europe / NL / Helmond
american image: science wrapped in art dealer
How long have you been a collector of Oakley items?
Since 1985
How did you get into collecting Oakley?
I started with my collection back in 1985, when I was riding motocross bikes, and I simply couldn't say goodbye to the goggles I used up. After Oakley introduced the eyeshade, I simply kept what I was wearing. I am a catalogue-freak, so during that period of time I simply asked for catalogues from my MX dealer, and he gave all his ones to me. things got easier when I started my shop in 1997, so I could just order what I liked for myself, AND order regularly for the shop. Catalogues also just kept on coming to me, thanks to a very cool sales rep. here in the Netherlands.
There was and is something that I just liked about the brand, and it is hard to describe, but I always felt that Oakley was worth keeping, and unlike other brands, Oakley's unique design and quality just is second to none.
( and I looked damn cool wearing these goggles and shades - hahahaha - )
What is the first Oakley item you remember having?
Easy answer , the MX goggles 0/20 factory pilot
What is your biggest Oakley regret? (if any)
Losing a brand-new twenty (XX) with ruby lenses, while jet-skiing, doing a "submarine-move"; diving under water completely with the jet ski, and forgot to take of the glasses before I took off.
What is your next Oakley purchase likely to be?
I got the Hijinx Bruce Irons, AND I got the C100 GasCan, So for now , I'm done
What do you consider the "jewel" of your collection?
The 0/20 goggle my mother found in my old gearbag. It brought back some REALLY good memories. As far as eyewear goes ; the PLATE is one of my favorites, and I am totally hooked on the THUMP ( both the first, thump 2 , and thump pro ) and there isn't a day I don't use them.
How do you store/display your Oakley collection?
I have an old ARNETTE display, and an old Oakley display. When I have the chance however, the doublewide is on my wishlist ( I hope my salesrep. is reading this !!!! )
Do you have a favorite Oakley retailer?
Of course ; ME !! hahahaha
www.americanimage.nl
Do you customize?
if you consider swapping lenses - original lenses - then yes.
if you mean dismantling frames and whatsoever, no.
I like the configurations Oakley provides, and BTO does the rest if I have a certain wish.
What other Oakley products do you collect?
I don't consider it collecting, but ever since Oakley started making apparal, footwear, watches and accessories, I wore nothing else but Oakley, no other brands.
my personal closet is as stuffed as it can with Oakley gear.
What other hobbies/collections/passions do you have?
My children and wife are my "other" passion, but I still like to go watch some motocross-races, do some jet-skiing, go out and wakeboard in the summer, and snowboard in the winter. ( with Oakley gear, of course ) I used to "do" cars with audio and rims , but that is on a low priority level nowadays.
What advice do you have for new Oakley collectors?
Watch your wallet is the first thing that comes to mind, the second thing is that if you buy Oakley, buy it because YOU like it, and for no other reason than that.
What do others think about your Oakley collection?
Only my closest friends, and family ( yes ; o-reviewers, I consider you to be my Oakley-family ) know that I have such collection, and they all think I am completely crazy ! My wife - who I know 15 years - doesn't know me any way than with a pair of Oakley's . She doesn't like all the styles, but she lets me. I give her a new pair every now and than, and my two children are both completely into Oakley also; one of their very first words I learned them was in fact ; Oakley, mammy, daddy, Too bad Oakley doesn't produce children's gear....
For the rest of the family; my mom , dad , brother mother in law, father in law, brother in law, and a whole bunch of nephews and cousins are at least owning one pair themselves...
What's your fondest/most astounding Oakley memory?
The first one ;visiting H.Q. in 1992 with a good friend of mine, and meeting Mike Parnell, Lewis Wellen ( old sports marketing guy ) and lots of other people.
The other one ; when Mr. Jim Jannard visited this site and called my collection "great" http://www.o-review.com/forum_detail.asp?ID=5754
that was pretty cool too...
Any final words?
If you like Oakley that much, and you are a commercial talent , go work in a shop where they sell Oakley, or do like me, start your own shop, and sell it yourself !!! You don't have to own a big store , if you are 100% behind the products you are selling, the satisfaction you get when another person walks out with an Oakley on his face, or bought a tee or whatever, is priceless...
And, of course a big thank you for Dann and all the others who keep the review the way it is.
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