Hey guys, is it just me or Oakely Version 2005 seems to conform to covention. Less radical in terms of design and more fashion conscious. Gone are the Plates and OTTs and the myriad of other lens colours in favour of sleek continental styles. Even Romeo 2.0 looks mainstream and subdued compared to its bolder 'in your face' muscled up predecessor. I like almost everything about Oakley but the new wave seems to be very contemporary not unlike other designer fashion brands. What do you guys think?

you are right , but it is not a bad thing ( for me at least ) What oakley must not forget ; where they came from , and what made them different

Yep, same opinion seems to be shared my many. Keep an eye out for the Oil Drum. It's at least a little outside the box.

Yeah, I'm really disappointed with 05 so far :( The Romeo2 was a definate kick in the ass for me. Hopefully they will get back to their roots soon. Till then, I'll stick with their old stuff :p

There's 20-some-odd combinations of the Juliet. I'm sure you'll have something to keep you busy if the J2 is a flop. :-D

seems like they are competing with dior , and valentino for the sunglasses industry

Don't forget, sunglasses are, and always will be a "fashion accessory." Do you still wear the same clothes circa 1989 with your frogskins? Or the same vinatage shoes from '95 with your eye jackets?...I hope not.
It's great to pay respects to Oakley's history, but the future is always brighter, might as well wear NEW shades.

god point Toy, but it seems that these new shades are being made by a whole new company as well. one that shares the same shelf space and customer base as the above mentioned high fashion brands. My own opinion is that Oakley doesnt have a century plus worth of pedigree in the fashion business and should concentrate on what it has become the number one at doing over the past 3 decades. Riddles and montefrios do make them a nice buck or two. Maybe they should pick up on that suggestion in the Oakley Icon thread and break the company into two (or more) clearly discernible parts. One for the fashion heads, and one for the bob heads.

Just a thought

Don't forget, sunglasses are, and always will be a "fashion accessory." Do you still wear the same clothes circa 1989 with your frogskins? Or the same vinatage shoes from '95 with your eye jackets?...I hope not.
It's great to pay respects to Oakley's history, but the future is always brighter, might as well wear NEW shades.

Only if those shoes are Chuck Taylors or Vans! ;)

FWIW, not having looked at the new lineup, as an Oakley newb, I found the styles to generally look less cheap than the Channels or Guccis. Those glasses look so cheap in design and in materials. The Oakleys - well some were understated, some were wild but they all had a quality look about them. Something that would form to your face and compliment it, rather than stick out like a soar thumb.

Oh yeah, and they're known for the quality of the lenses too. ;)

But yes sunglasses are a fashion accessory mostly, so hopefully Oakley won't forget what makes their glasses fashionable to begin with. :)