Frame: Flores #1, Flores #2, C100

No matter what you think of Flores' background or his art, you have to admit he makes a great pair of sunglasses. And no matter what you think of the fashion-oriented Gascan, you have it admit it makes great art. Or is that the other way around....?

The Oakley Artist Eyewear Series started off with a bang when the first two DF glasses and the C100 pair hit the market. After several seasons of bland designs and boring colourways, the artist series was a nice departure and caused quite a stir in the Oakley collecting community. Nowadays, the three pioneers of Oakley's current hot design concept have become the major collectibles for 2007 with more of the Artist Eyewear Series coming up in the near future, a blessing for all of us.

The DF #1 (Brown) is probably the most coveted out of the three current art Gascans, as it is viewed as the rarest and most exclusive out of the bunch. However, in the long run, it many turn out that the DF #2 (Blue) may be rarer and tougher to find--both in terms of the frame and in terms of variations--due to the near total recall and its back story. The C100, of course, is also up there for exclusivity with its 399 Euro price tag.

I'm quite happy with the work Oakley has put into the current art series, because it's showing great development with each successive release. They've really showed great developments with their proprietary pad print process. The DF #1 looked cool, but the DF #2 looked even cooler than the previous with its bold blue colour. The C100 was even better than those two and contains my personal favourite art on the glasses yet. Then the Chantry Hijinx was released, and I was even more impressed; it's certainly, IMO, the best application of art on a frame yet (though not my favourite piece of art) as I've stated in my Hijinx review.

All in all, a very cool development in terms of Oakley wear. I look forward to what the future brings to this lineup.

5 of out 5 for being innovative.

Review dated July 20, 2007

Frame:Polished Black
Lens:O-Store London G30

way way nicer than the O-store london Riddles.
the Polished Black goes very nicely with the Gen 2 G30.
great combo compared to the otherwise unimpressive gascan range.

Frame: Grape
Lens: Grey

The long awaited and most anticipated Gascan. I was lucky enough to try one of these a few months back now and very much enjoyed the style and fit of the frame. Streamlined and sleek, a very attractive piece. Now I am torn. When I finally put a pair to test though I do find that they start to slide away with heavy sweat or even facial movements. I can't be sure if it's the shorter stems, not necessarily the lack of unobtanium, but maybe the lack of curve in the stems too? Unless they just aren't wide enough from orbital edge to orbital edge a la the Riddle. They may benefit from the little implants like the Dartboard and/or slightly longer, curved stems. They do manage to remain an amazing frame and look great. Make sure you give them a try if you come across them.

Frame:Blue Flores
Lens:Grey

Personally i prefer the brown ones but these are still gorgeous and had an absolute nightmare getting them but once you see them together displayed in all their glory the insane prices all become worth it. if you have the first do whatever you can to get the second!

Frame: Polished White
Lens: Black Iridium

After my Fuel Cell was 'sequestered' by my 15-year-old son, I got interested with the Gascan because of its similarities with the Fuel Cell so I bought a pre-loved pair last 04 May for about $72. I chose the polished white because I thought they were unique and I seldom see men in my place wearing sunglasses of these colors.

The Gascan lens are a little smaller than that of the Fuel Cell but it also offers some sort of protection/cover to the periphery of the eyes - which I like.

Currently, my Gascan is among my favorites and I wear them interchangeably with by Monster Dog.