Oakley X-Metal Romeos
Peter Yee (Oakley’s Sr. Design Director 1993-2018) described X-Metal Romeo’s development as highly secretive. No one outside the project saw the designs or knew details. This secrecy underscored the exclusivity of the launch. The Romeo generated hype as the world's first 3-D sculptured, hypoallergenic, all-metal frame (titanium).
In an interview on the process, Gardner Wade (Director of Engineering_ explained the secrecy around Romeo's metal: "The metal itself, they would put on three or four different trucks to get it here so that the original truck driver didn't know where it was going and the truck driver didn't know where it came from."
X-Metal Plant Manager Tony Charles called the sunglasses "virtually indestructible." He said, "We've driven over it with a tank,” to highlight durability. Combined with XYZ Optics, as Charles explains, this construction exceeds industry standards. He called them "the best optics on the planet for high velocity and high mass."
Over more than twenty years, since their late 1990s debut, the X Metal Romeos have continually evolved to reflect changes in fashion and technology. Their enduring appeal today highlights their place as one of Oakley’s most desirable pieces. Collectors of rare and unique eyewear hold the X Metal Romeos in high esteem. Enthusiasts seek out and cherish every model. Their passion echoes the love and care behind the design process.
In a recent interview with ConceptKicks, designer Peter Yee reflected on the X Metal Romeos. He praised Oakley's fearless spirit: "Oakley was unafraid. Unafraid to experiment. Unafraid to stand out. That spirit drove the design philosophy behind the X Metal Romeos." His insights show how bold design and function add to the sunglasses' lasting appeal.
Since their late 1990s debut, X Metal Romeos have become icons in sports, cinema, and fashion. Their presence in the zeitgeist has continuously evolved while maintaining an iconic status.
