Collectors Spotlight - December 2006 - banarno
Age: 42 / England
banarno: Lee Silver
How long have you been a collector of Oakley items?
Technically since 1993, so 14 years.
How did you get into collecting Oakley?
Like so many people, I remember seeing Greg Lemond race in the 1986 Tour De France wearing Yellow Factory Pilot Eyeshades, but I never really took to those, but then, the very next year, he wore a new breed of sunglasses called the "Blade" in Neon Yellow. I discovered that the lenses and earpieces were interchangeable, and I was totally smitten. It wasn’t until 1989 that he wore a brand new pair of sunglasses called Mumbos, supporting the now legendary HDO lens technology, so naturally I had to get a pair of these as soon as possible. Then came Sub Zeros in 1992, and two pairs of Zeros the year after. I would say it was at this point that I realized I was becoming a collector.
What is the first Oakley item you remember having?
A Neon Green Blade, with Orange Iridium lenses bought back in 1988.
What is your biggest Oakley regret? (if any)
Maybe meeting some guy called Dann………
What is your next Oakley purchase likely to be?
Hmmm, that’s difficult one, maybe one of the 2007 releases or something.
What do you consider the "jewel" of your collection?
That’s a hard one, but I would have to say the 1st Generation M Frame Strip Lens, as it's simply the rarest thing I own, and impossible to replace.
How do you store/display your Oakley collection?
Well, this is the part where I differ from almost everybody else on the site, as all of my collection is mint, boxed (with correct microbags, warranty cards, iridium scratches cards), and stored away out of sight. One of the big reasons for doing this is the fact that I hate cleaning them and risking scratching them. Another reason is to prevent my vintage pairs from becoming brittle. I only allow myself to wear one pair, which is the Ducati Five 3.0.
Do you have a favorite Oakley retailer?
Well most of my buying is done online so I do not have a favourite retailer.
Do you customize?
Oh yes of course! I have a few that I have done in my collection, and also have a few more yet to materialize when I get the time (and money). I have also seen some super efforts by fellow members on the review, especially when done properly, and there are some lovely combinations to behold in other member galleries.
What other Oakley products do you collect?
It has always been just the sunglasses for me really, but I still like to buy the odd piece of apparel, and I wouldn’t mind a couple of shoes when I get around to it.
What other hobbies/collections/passions do you have?
I am an avid astronomer, and up until recently I had a huge telescope (which I ended up selling) but I will be hunting round for something similar early next year I think.
I am a part time puppeteer, and perform the occasional show at a local school for the children (and adults!)
Also I've started to collect the odd comic or two, which I'm beginning to enjoy more and more.
What advice do you have for new Oakley collectors?
Well it would be hard to actually give someone advice about collecting anything really, as collecting is such a personal pursuit, but regarding any form of collecting, you usually find people gravitate towards the rare, expensive items, or generally anything that they find cool or nice looking. Then, there's the items that have specific sentimental value, or cherished memories as well.
Regarding Oakley's though, there is also a difference between “having a big collection” where you wear everything in rotation, and run the risk of damaging them in some way, but simply enjoy the way they all look, and “being a collector” where you buy exclusively to store or display, and enjoy the aesthetics of each individual pair whether they suit you or not.
So, it’s a hard question to answer, but as with any personal hobby, you have got to want to collect for yourself and not others.
What do others think about your Oakley collection?
Well my family are just used to me by now, but none of them are really that interested, except my Mum, who likes to see every new pair I get (and to give me her opinion whether or not they suit me)
What's your fondest/most astounding Oakley memory?
That might be back in 1992, when the first Sub Zero #1 arrived at a local surf shop, and my friend and I snapped up the only two pairs they had.
Any final words?
I am grateful to be spotlighted in this section of the website. A collective thanks to all the members of the O-Review for being such a close knit, family style community, and to those members I have had the pleasure of actually meeting, who were truly some of the nicest people I have ever met. Lastly, a big thank you to Dann, (the madman in charge) and Jason (the eternal hostmaster). Where would we all be without you?
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