Collectors Spotlight - June 2012 - meanboss
Age: 40 / Perth, Western Australia
meanboss: Jamie Moxham
How long have you been a collector of Oakley items?
I bought my first pair of Frogskins in 1989 just after starting my first fulltime job. Black frame, grey lens.
How did you get into collecting Oakley?
Well, as a self diagnosed OCD sufferer, I’m now not sure I ever stood a chance of not collecting everything Oakley. After the first purchase of Frogs in 1989 and laying the Thermo Nuclear Protection sticker on the rear window of my Celica in the early 90’s I was hooked. I had a lot of people back then asking me what the sticker was about and I realised then that Oakley would be something that people would always notice and be intrigued about. I had no idea at the time that Oakley would become such a large part of my life and my personality.
What is the first Oakley item you remember having?
Black frame Grey lens Frogskins
What is your biggest Oakley regret? (if any)
I try not to have any regrets in life, there are times that I have been slightly disappointed that I did not manage to get the item that I was after. However the devoted Oakley community is a fantastic group of people spread all over the world and if no one can bring themselves to part with it at that point in time, I just remind myself that they are out there somewhere and that if I am patient that they will again present themselves and hopefully then I will be about to pick up whatever it is I was after. If not then there is always some cool or unique Oakley gear that I can set my sights on next.
What is your next Oakley purchase likely to be?
Where to start, where to start….I have myself a list, a very long list of things that I would like to add to my collection and pretty much every day I find at least one thing to add to it. But I would have to say that the next major item I am planning to add is Both of the Hollow Point watches that were released earlier this year.
What do you consider the "jewel" of your collection?
How do I raise one piece about the rest, should it be price, should it be how limited or rare the piece is or possibly the most unique and sort after? I think for me it is the piece that truly started it all. After wearing 10 or so pairs of Oakley’s over a decade, I purchased a pair of “A Wire 2.0 Brushed Thick with Ice Iridium Polarized lenses” when I didn’t really need another pair of glasses. It was then that I realised that I wanted to collect Oakley sunglasses and it was from this pair that my collection and obsession really began.
How do you store/display your Oakley collection?
I started, I guess, like everyone else, they lived on the buffet unit/bench or kitchen table, once I had 8 or 10 pairs I had a velvet lined compartment draw in my wardrobe. Then when I had over 25 pairs I thought to myself, this collection is only going to grow, so when renovating my house I had a an actual “hidden” room built specially for my Oakley collection. It was only about 3x4ft with 6in shelves down one wall lined with velvet padding for my glasses and normal shelves down the other side wall for all the other gear. Fortunately I out grew that very quickly, so my home theatre was transformed into what is now known by family and friends as my “OAKLEY ROOM”, and it is home to 18 store original Oakley cabinets all custom lit with LED strip lighting with remote and dimming.
Do you have a favorite Oakley retailer?
Until late last year Perth did not have any O Stores or Vaults so I would make an annual trip over to Melbourne to do my Oakley shopping. Now we have the Perth Vault with stores on their way. Not to take away from the great staff at the Perth Vault, I would have to say that The crew at the Melbourne Central store make it my favourite.
Do you customize?
The simple answer is no. I have purchased a couple of custom Radars early last year but as a rule I prefer the factory items.
What other Oakley products do you collect?
A better question for me would be what other Oakley product don’t you collect… I collect everything Oakley. While I have to wear a suit and tie to work these are the only cloths I own apart from Oakley gear. My wardrobe only has Oakley gear in it from the shoes to the hats and everything in between. Glasses(obviously), watches, coins, phone holders, goggles, bags, luggage, wallets, cases, gloves, key chains and the list goes on... If its Oakley I collect it.
What other hobbies/collections/passions do you have?
Not many really. Outside of my Oakley collection I have a passion for Fords of which I own a 1965 showroom Mustang Coupe, a 1968 Mustang Fastback (Eleanor style) sporting the number plate “TIME BOMB” and a 2012 Shelby GT 500 just to name a few. I have another obsession with getting inked (yes of course including Oakley tattoos) but most important is my passion for my family.
What advice do you have for new Oakley collectors?
I think simply, collect within your means and be true to your own tastes. Just because one collector thinks something is a must have it doesn’t mean that you need to also. There is so much variety in what Oakley produces I think there is something out there for everyone. Also I think it is important to do your researched before spending the big bucks on that must have item, there is a lot of people selling things for inflated prices just because they can. So ask the Oakley community first if you’re not sure.
What do others think about your Oakley collection?
I think most people like it. I have a few say that I’m crazy, and a lot just shake their heads at me. But honestly, I don’t really care, I collect Oakley gear because I enjoy it and love the gear. While I like to show people what I have collected its only because I’m proud of what I have achieved and not for any other reason.
What's your fondest/most astounding Oakley memory?
You know what, every time I get a package in the post, talk to another Oakley collector or visit a store and pick up something new, I have another outstanding memory or experience to add to the list. In saying that I think the day I manage to visit HQ I will have to replace this answer!!
Any final words?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my passion with all of you, even if I am a self confessed Oakley freak it is comforting to know that there are so many great people out there with the same passion for Oakley who share my illness..(haha) and who are willing to share their experience and knowledge so freely. It is an honour to be among you all.
View Jamie's CollectionView Jamie's GalleryView Jamie's Profile
Glasses
Goggles
Watches
Accessories
Alphabetical
Video Reviews
