Collectors Spotlight - December 2007 - oogie
Age: 39 / Seattle, WA
oogie: paul mcj
How long have you been a collector of Oakley items?
Fifteen years. My first Oakley eyewear purchase came seventeen years ago … but I would guess it's actually my second pair of eyewear that started the ‘collector' status.
How did you get into collecting Oakley?
I would say it pretty much grew over time. My first pair was followed up by a second a couple years later – at which point you realize, "Why not a third, fourth or fifth after that?" Once you have broken through the "Why do you need more than one pair of sunglasses" barrier, there is really no reason to stop. But my roots in purchasing more pairs of Oakley are in the late Blade, mid M-Frame, Zero and Eye Jacket eras (circa early 90's). In the beginning, my world of Oakley was pretty much limited to the eyewear.
I think the other contributing factor to getting into collecting Oakley is some sub-conscience personality issue. I would say I'm a very entertaining fellow to those that know me well. But I'm an otherwise pretty reserved and shy guy socially. So the Oakley obsession provides me with an outlet to display a little loud individuality without having to say anything.
What is the first Oakley item you remember having?
First pair was a Black/Orange Iridium Blade purchased in July of 1990 at Cleanline Surf Shop on the Oregon Coast. It was one of those vacation self-indulgent splurge sort of purchases. However, I was quickly pulled into the unique Oakley marketing verbiage on the box and warranty card. I really thought those High Definition Optics would allow me to see better – so I spent much of the rest of vacation peering into the forests as we drove along, convinced I could somehow see something more in the shadows.
What is your biggest Oakley regret? (if any)
I don't know if I have any looming Oakley regret. There has certainly been a bit of a learning curve to my world of Oakley collecting and certain events that I regret. I regret losing (due to theft) the Art Chantry Hijinx two weeks after I was given them during the launch party. I regret not working it out with Bill to ensure he ended up with his Brown Juliet when I was lucky enough to come across a pair. There are plenty of eBay regrets (or maybe just frustrating annoyances) when I consider bids that didn't make it on time or were too low.
What is your next Oakley purchase likely to be?
This Q4 of 2007 has been fast and furious for me – particularly compared to a relatively subdued first part of the year. I have a FOOSE, Soviet Hijinx and chromy Supreme Frogskin on order. And something tells me there will be more in the way of the Artist Series or Limited Editions by the end of the year. I haven't seen it, but I'm sure that London Police happy condom figures will be a lovely next Artist Series purchase in the near future.
What do you consider the "jewel" of your collection?
Hmm, I don't really have a prized jewel in my collection. I am definitely the worst ‘collector' as far as a collection goes. I consider each and every pair in my collection on the block wearable – so nothing is really reserved just for show in a display. To that end, I would say most of my prized Oakley items would fall under those Artist Series, Limited Editions, and classic vintage or unique colorways. I certainly joined the Total_O fan club in the heyday of factory customs and ended up with what I would consider my fair share of custom Spike, Bottlecap, Gascan, Ruby Clear and Oil Drum customs.
How do you store/display your Oakley collection?
I started off with just a simple Ikea wall unit that had three glass shelves. That offered plenty of room until I found this site. Shortly thereafter I added a larger ten-shelf Ikea display – one that has been popular with a few others here on the review. Over the past twelve months or so, I have been lucky enough to ‘score' a few towers either from Craigslist or personal connections. As it stands now, the collection resides in one Double-wide and two Single Towers.
Do you have a favorite Oakley retailer?
I give special consideration to Cleanline Surf Shop in Seaside, Oregon. Besides being where I purchased my first pair seventeen years ago, they have always been great about getting any of the Bloc or Limited Editions for me (plus, they always toss candy in the box!). In addition to Cleanline, I have been lucky enough that Oakley has put in 2 O-Stores and a Vault within decent driving distance over the past three years. My other fav would be Sunglass Club, which is one of the outlet Icon stores – they tend to get in some unique DE items from time to time and give me a call when shipments come in.
Do you customize?
Yes, but nowhere near the caliber of many on the review. I like to think that I was among some of the early customizers – but my skills have remained awfully marginal and I haven't done nearly as many pieces as others. I think I'm more comfortable in trying to cut lenses to fit then to play with switching icons or painting icons and frames. I quickly found that I just didn't have enough spare lenses and frames lying around to start chopping them all up.
What other Oakley products do you collect?
I have a fairly decent shoe collection at about thirty pairs. I HAD a decent watch collection at seven watches until so many of you went watch crazy – and now I'm hardly a spec on the Oakley watch collection radar. Wallets, lanyards, flight decks, card holders, key chains …. I think I enjoy just about all Oakley products. Probably the golf, snow and electronic product lines are ones I have just never delved into much.
What other hobbies/collections/passions do you have?
Oh boy, I'm so one-dimensional! Oakley Oakley Oakley. I guess I love my family and all – wife and kid hold their own. I enjoy the sport of ice hockey – and often curse myself out that I started so late in life (just the past six years or so). But that's it. See, boooooring.
What advice do you have for new Oakley collectors?
I would say to let your own passion, whatever form that might take, drive your Oakley collection. You don't have to get a Ruby Juliet if you don't want to! Don't run yourself into debt and financial ruin with this Oakley thing – you'll only end up selling the stuff to help recoup the costs … and where has that left you? Share your passion for Oakley with those around you – it's fun. Giving respect and kindness to those on the O-Review is your best bet for future love and happiness in your Oakley endeavors. Be nice to staff at retail stores – no need to be snobby about who knows more about Oakley.
What do others think about your Oakley collection?
I'm pretty sure we all share this as a similar experience. People think you're crazy. But, a good kind of crazy. You are quickly known as "The Oakley Guy". People learn to identify you with the Oakley brand. Co-workers play with it and tell those not in the know, "Guess how many pairs of sunglasses Paul has?" The only folks that really stump me are those that follow up with "Why?" I know there isn't a way to explain it to them, so I just say that everyone has to have something!
What's your fondest/most astounding Oakley memory?
I think the Art Chantry Hijinx release party in Seattle was a top notch memory. Never before had I been presented with an opportunity to attend an event specifically designed to celebrate Oakley. I was pumped to go, I was pumped to receive a free pair and it was great to receive and pass on some of the freebies to other members. I was thrilled at the opportunity to talk Oakley all night long, but the only downer was that I was certainly in the minority here, as most folks there were motivated by the free drinks, music and food.
Any final words?
The O-Review certainly is a catalyst for much of our drive and passion for the Oakley brand. Therefore, all the thanks and respect go out to the mods and admins of this site that make this possible on a daily basis.
I am honored at the notion of the Collector Spotlight. Personally, I think my collection is a sloppy mess of crap that interests me. There is no collecting for collections sake. There is no focus or completed product lines. I certainly admire those of you that have a niche or specific interest to focus on. Nonetheless, it's humbling to be in the Spotlight – so be kind!
Lastly, some random personal thoughts on the O-Review: There is such a great collection of people here, please do what you can to turn a good favor for one another. Doing deals with one another is good, profiting from deals with one another (directly or indirectly) is bad. The personalities and trust factor on the Review is so great – I'm continually amazed at the lengths I don't think twice before going to for a stand-up member of The Review.
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