IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 3, 1997--Oakley, Inc. (NYSE:OO) today announced that Romeo, the first product in the X Metal eyewear line, was released on Friday, February 28, to selected high-end optical retailers in California.

"We are very excited about the release of Romeo. The X Metal design and manufacturing technology represents a radical application of a new metallurgical process, previously unheard of in the eyewear industry," said Jim Jannard, Chairman and President of Oakley. "We look forward to the response from our retailers and loyal Oakley consumers who have been eagerly awaiting the launch of Romeo."

In the coming weeks, the company will continue the orchestrated release of Romeo, with a wider distribution to select retail accounts throughout the country. The company indicated that Romeo's suggested retail price in the U.S. is $250. Romeo will soon also be released to an elite group of athletes and personalities who will be involved in marketing the product.

Oakley is an innovation-driven designer, manufacturer and distributor of high-performance eyewear.

CONTACT: Oakley Inc., Irvine

Link Newcomb, Chief Operating Officer

Renee Law, Corporate Communications Manager

714/951-0991