OAKLEY SIGNS DAMIAN LILLARD TO ROSTER TO CARRY ON BASKETBALL LEGACY
DEBUTED BY LILLARD, OAKLEY RELEASES OAKLEY MUZM SERIES 1875 X METAL® EDITION AND CONTRIBUTES $140,000 TO LILLARD’S RESPECT PROGRAM

Thursday, March 4, 2021 — Today, Oakley®, a leader in sport performance and optical innovation, announces a multi-year partnership with the newest member of Team Oakley, Damian Lillard. With a strong heritage in the sport, Oakley looks to the future of basketball by tapping the six-time NBA All-Star, Damian Lillard, to carry over the brand’s legacy in basketball.

Lillard is a highly regarded athlete who consistently shines under the intense pressure of opposing defenses and always takes challenges head-on with great tenacity. Lillard is known for his individualistic style both on and off the court and his passionate and hard-working attitude that continues to propel him to the next level. The one of a kind point guard for the Portland Trail Blazers joins a roster of elite Team Oakley athletes, including Patrick Mahomes II, Diamond DeShields, Lamar Jackson, Mikaela Shiffrin and more, who continue to shape the future of sport.

“I strive to be the best on the basketball court but I also work hard to give back to my community and help foster the education of future generations” says Damian Lillard. “Oakley understands what I want to accomplish both professionally and personally so I’m looking forward to being the new face of Oakley basketball.”

The imaginative and disruptive spirit of Oakley was marked by the release of a new design aesthetic that firmly launched the brand into the cultural mainstream in the ‘90s. The relentless drive to redefine the next generation of eyewear with unique, sculptural shapes led to the development of a never-before-seen wire design. The result was X Metal® Romeo and Juliet, the brand’s first sculptural wire frame glasses that were unmistakably Oakley. Part of the X Metal® family of eyewear, the frames were named for their unique, proprietary blend of metals ideally suited for extreme performance requirements. In addition to radicalizing the optical engineering industry, the frames went on to influence the worlds of sport and culture, being worn by the likes of basketball icon Scottie Pippen.

For the release of the iconic frames, Oakley’s research and development took more than two years, resulting in over 400 designs alongside endless modeling and testing to land on the perfect design – a hand-finished, 3D printed and titanium-cast frame. Now almost 25 years later, Oakley is re-releasing the iconic frames, the Oakley MUZM Series 1875 X Metal® Edition. The lightweight, adjustable frames are made of hypoallergenic titanium powder and engineered to naturally fit around the skull. The frames feature interchangeable nosecombs for a dialed-in, customized fit alongside ultra-sharp optics for those who demand uncompromising performance in eyewear. Original elements from the ‘90s frame remain in this updated version including socks, nosepads and flexbombs.

Damian Lillard wore the iconic frames prior to tipping off against the Golden State Warriors last night. This Collector's Edition drops on March 5th at 11AM EST. Each coveted set will be signed by Scottie Pippen as a nod to the past and Damian Lillard as an ode to the future. Only 14 limited-edition Oakley MUZM Series 1875 X Metal® Edition sets will be available for purchase in North America exclusively at $14,000.

In addition, Oakley will contribute $140,000 to RESPECT, a program founded by Oakley ambassador Damian Lillard. RESPECT supports the next generation of high school students by challenging them to stay in school to get a solid education, while encouraging them to show up, work hard, and be kind.

“While Oakley has been part of the basketball scene for decades, signing Dame, one of the most formidable players on the court, is a huge moment for the brand,” said Caio Amato, Oakley Global Marketing Director. “Not only does his energy bring an undeniable skillset, competitive drive and bold style, but also a passion to give back to the community. The sky’s the limit when it comes to collaborating with Damian to innovate eyewear both on and off the court.”

For more information on Oakley’s athletes and the collection, go to Oakley.com.

Well, they have my attention. Ha Ha.

Hyped! Appreciate the hints, Oak. Thanks!

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Oh no. I guess we should be gearing up for a 1-of-10 factory custom Romeo and Juliet for $3k each. For those thinking I know more about this than I actually do: it's just a guess; don't take that as gospel on my part.

Oakley Coin to the moon!!

Can't believe they didn't renew the trademark for Romeo.

Thanks Oak, I will be watching to see if I can get any pieces, whatever the item they are preparing.
But it will be the eyes of the guy the value ...

Definitely thinking they’re gonna be beyond super limited and cost an arm and a leg so I ain’t holding my breath to get a pair!

Damian Lillard with Romeo tonight, Portland Trailblazers:

Oh no. I guess we should be gearing up for a 1-of-10 factory custom Romeo and Juliet for $3k each. For those thinking I know more about this than I actually do: it's just a guess; don't take that as gospel on my part. - Oak

Given the current times, I'd say $5k plus now that you posted a picture. So they found some parts sitting in a closet or they got a titanium supplier the specs and molds from the old plant?

Putting aside what will be revealed on Friday and not addressing it, I would think a potential Romeo or Juliets can occur in a number of ways:

1) Crate find, which is probably the Vegas odds-on favourite if everyone is placing bets. It wouldn't be the first time Oakley found a crate of X-metals in inventory like what happened with the Mars many years back: https://www.freshnessmag.com/2010/08/19/oakley-x-metal-mars-sunglasses/

2) 3D printing. Lux has had 3D metal printing capabilities for many years through Digital Metal's printers, which may include titanium. I know Oakley has been using HP printers for the last few years, but I'm not sure those are titanium 3D printers (probably not). Either way, this is a route that can be leveraged if they want.

3) Titanium factories. Lux has had titanium manufacturing capabilities for many years and even recently bought the complete share of the Japanese company they were minority partners in producing Ti eyewear for inhouse brands like Oliver People. Perhaps that capability can be leveraged.

4) Outsourcing. I suppose the manufacturing can be outsourced.

In any case, if that can boost the hype around original X-Metals before I start selling mines, I'm up for it ^_^

In any case, if that can boost the hype around original X-Metals before I start selling mines, I'm up for it ^_^

- BiGCoB

NO!!! Don't do it!

Putting aside what will be revealed on Friday and not addressing it, I would think a potential Romeo or Juliets can occur in a number of ways:

1) Crate find, which is probably the Vegas odds-on favourite if everyone is placing bets. It wouldn't be the first time Oakley found a crate of X-metals in inventory like what happened with the Mars many years back: https://www.freshnessmag.com/2010/08/19/oakley-x-metal-mars-sunglasses/

2) 3D printing. Lux has had 3D metal printing capabilities for many years through Digital Metal's printers, which may include titanium. I know Oakley has been using HP printers for the last few years, but I'm not sure those are titanium 3D printers (probably not). Either way, this is a route that can be leveraged if they want.

3) Titanium factories. Lux has had titanium manufacturing capabilities for many years and even recently bought the complete share of the Japanese company they were minority partners in producing Ti eyewear for inhouse brands like Oliver People. Perhaps that capability can be leveraged.

4) Outsourcing. I suppose the manufacturing can be outsourced. - Oak

Agreed on the crate find. 3D printing has come a long way but I wonder how good the metal printing is. Now, I'm more than sure the printers O and Lux have are top of the line and I'm not certain how 3D metal printing works - but, is it that good to produce and sell product? Some of the polyamide/plastic printing you can see the "lines/layers" when produced. I also wonder if these would be true X-Metal or straight Titanium frames if they were new and not NOS.

From the look of these images it looks old school and not a gold version or has special coatings or lens tints. No matter, it is still exciting and can't wait to see what's up tomorrow.

There are products out there that are 3D printed and sold directly to the public (naturally with some finishing after it comes off the printer). Parasite Eyewear and Mykita do this with polyamide. It can be certainly fine-tuned but the tech is there to go straight to the consumer. Bike parts can 3D printed in metal. They do look good.

X-metal is more or less consumer grade titanium. G5. It's just marketed in such a way to make it appear "mythical", but in material terms its just like most consumer grade titanium products.

Nice and good to know. Thanks Oak!

I guess I am a sucker for the "marketing" and the "mythical." Ha Ha.

It’s been revealed. 14 made for $14,000 each. Holy fuck:


OAKLEY SIGNS DAMIAN LILLARD TO ROSTER TO CARRY ON BASKETBALL LEGACY
DEBUTED BY LILLARD, OAKLEY RELEASES OAKLEY MUZM SERIES 1875 X METAL® EDITION AND CONTRIBUTES $140,000 TO LILLARD’S RESPECT PROGRAM

Thursday, March 4, 2021 — Today, Oakley®, a leader in sport performance and optical innovation, announces a multi-year partnership with the newest member of Team Oakley, Damian Lillard. With a strong heritage in the sport, Oakley looks to the future of basketball by tapping the six-time NBA All-Star, Damian Lillard, to carry over the brand’s legacy in basketball.

Lillard is a highly regarded athlete who consistently shines under the intense pressure of opposing defenses and always takes challenges head-on with great tenacity. Lillard is known for his individualistic style both on and off the court and his passionate and hard-working attitude that continues to propel him to the next level. The one of a kind point guard for the Portland Trail Blazers joins a roster of elite Team Oakley athletes, including Patrick Mahomes II, Diamond DeShields, Lamar Jackson, Mikaela Shiffrin and more, who continue to shape the future of sport.

“I strive to be the best on the basketball court but I also work hard to give back to my community and help foster the education of future generations” says Damian Lillard. “Oakley understands what I want to accomplish both professionally and personally so I’m looking forward to being the new face of Oakley basketball.”

The imaginative and disruptive spirit of Oakley was marked by the release of a new design aesthetic that firmly launched the brand into the cultural mainstream in the ‘90s. The relentless drive to redefine the next generation of eyewear with unique, sculptural shapes led to the development of a never-before-seen wire design. The result was X Metal® Romeo and Juliet, the brand’s first sculptural wire frame glasses that were unmistakably Oakley. Part of the X Metal® family of eyewear, the frames were named for their unique, proprietary blend of metals ideally suited for extreme performance requirements. In addition to radicalizing the optical engineering industry, the frames went on to influence the worlds of sport and culture, being worn by the likes of basketball icon Scottie Pippen.

For the release of the iconic frames, Oakley’s research and development took more than two years, resulting in over 400 designs alongside endless modeling and testing to land on the perfect design – a hand-finished, 3D printed and titanium-cast frame. Now almost 25 years later, Oakley is re-releasing the iconic frames, the Oakley MUZM Series 1875 X Metal® Edition. The lightweight, adjustable frames are made of hypoallergenic titanium powder and engineered to naturally fit around the skull. The frames feature interchangeable nosecombs for a dialed-in, customized fit alongside ultra-sharp optics for those who demand uncompromising performance in eyewear. Original elements from the ‘90s frame remain in this updated version including socks, nosepads and flexbombs.

Damian Lillard wore the iconic frames prior to tipping off against the Golden State Warriors last night. This Collector's Edition drops on March 5th at 11AM EST. Each coveted set will be signed by Scottie Pippen as a nod to the past and Damian Lillard as an ode to the future. Only 14 limited-edition Oakley MUZM Series 1875 X Metal® Edition sets will be available for purchase in North America exclusively at $14,000.

In addition, Oakley will contribute $140,000 to RESPECT, a program founded by Oakley ambassador Damian Lillard. RESPECT supports the next generation of high school students by challenging them to stay in school to get a solid education, while encouraging them to show up, work hard, and be kind.

“While Oakley has been part of the basketball scene for decades, signing Dame, one of the most formidable players on the court, is a huge moment for the brand,” said Caio Amato, Oakley Global Marketing Director. “Not only does his energy bring an undeniable skillset, competitive drive and bold style, but also a passion to give back to the community. The sky’s the limit when it comes to collaborating with Damian to innovate eyewear both on and off the court.”

For more information on Oakley’s athletes and the collection, go to Oakley.com.

Ummm, OK... OUCH!

Well, if it makes things better for all of your wallets, it is only $7k/pair as an average. :-D

It’s been revealed. 14 made for $14,000 each. Holy fuck:


OAKLEY SIGNS DAMIAN LILLARD TO ROSTER TO CARRY ON BASKETBALL LEGACY
DEBUTED BY LILLARD, OAKLEY RELEASES OAKLEY MUZM SERIES 1875 X METAL® EDITION AND CONTRIBUTES $140,000 TO LILLARD’S RESPECT PROGRAM
..
- Oak

Can you post a link to the press release, please? thx!

That's a nice mark up for a prizm lens added to the frame and a plastic box...

Okay then. Suppose the scalpers would have listed them for that anyway, so Oakley may as well get the amount up front.

Despite the price, there's no doubt it'll sell out and eventually be scalped. That's just how the world turns in collectibles.

Anybody who wants a Romeo + Juliet bundle for half that price, I'll deliver it to your place myself, worldwide.

Yeah, the packaging is a bit lackluster.