In many ways, the new millennium brought with it a perspective that was constantly focused on the future. As arbitrary as the beginning of any new year is, the optimism that ushered in 2000 also ingratiated a playful sense of experimentation. Free reign in everything from music to fashion brought forth designs that were avant garde at the time which have proven to be iconic 20 years on. The Oakley OVERTHETOP epitomes that era, showing how the unbridled sense of experimentation that was embraced at the new millennium reconceptualized sunglasses. This style of shades debuted at the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympic Games with a look that became immortalized during the competition.
Oakley’s re-release of the OVERTHETOP features the same frame which wraps around the top of the head instead of around the ears. The new version is aptly titled Precious Mettle, with a colorway that draws upon its Olympic origins by blending together the metal of the medals handed out at the winner’s podium: bronze, silver, and gold. Even though they will not be held this year, Oakley commemorates the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games with the release of a pair of sunglasses which are forever synonymous with the competition.