The Oakley OTT ‘OVERTHETOP’ made its debut in the 2000’s Sydney Summer Olympics. A moment that’s now seen as iconic in the sporting event, Trinidad sprinter Ato Boldon unveiled them for the 4 x 100M semi-finals. Along with his team mates it made for an iconic moment that would for ever be cemented in the memory of the watchers, becoming the most talked about moment from the games. Commentators at the Olympics called the glasses “Space-age eyewear”. The Olympics poses strict rules for sponsorships on athletes, however they can wear what they want on their face. This being the main purpose of Oakley’s as a company making eyewear it becomes prime real estate for marketing. Years before Boldon had worn Oakley earrings, so it was only natural once the 2000’s Olympics rolled around for him to be the one to wear the OTT glasses. Boldon stating once he was proposed with the idea through a rep “Oakley was a fun company to be associated with because they were always trying to push the envelope, get stares, and get people to think differently about what eyewear could look like,”

Making headlines around the world, the glasses would quickly attain a level of fame. Soon after being sported by rappers such as Flavor Flav to being seen in Spy Kids 3 it was evident it took the world by storm. 

Unlike many glasses the Oakley’s prominent feature lie in the unorthodox ergonomic design. Having a futuristic design that rests around the head, rather than the ears. They have been sculpted to a one size fits all, with pads on the front made to rest on the eyebrows & two bands wrapping around the entire head with a joint at the back to hold in place. A flexible design allows for the glasses too fit on various head shapes & sizes.