We often use the term cult classic in regard to movies.
Think of these titles: The Evil Dead (or, basically, any Bruce Campbell movie), Office Space (“I wouldn’t say I’ve been missing it, Bob.”), and Heathers (“How very,” indeed).
All were low budget. All found a rabid following after they left the theaters. And, somehow, none of them made the top 20 in IMDb’s list of The 100 Greatest Cult Films.
But, really, anything can earn the moniker, from cars (Delorean DMC-12) to high fashion (a classic Cartier ring) to sports apparel (Nike Jordan’s, anyone?).
Such rarified air is where we find Oakley’s iconic OVERTHETOP sunglasses.
Oakley introduced them to the world in 2000. And, true to the name, these suns featured a unique design where the frames wrapped over the head. The design instantly made waves, eventually making appearances at sporting spectacles and in movies such as Spy Kids.
The website Oakleyforum.com goes so far as to call these the “Coolest sunglasses ever made.”
The style isn’t for everyone, of course. But “not being for everyone” is a coolness factor of most cult classics. Plus, there’s no denying these babies still catch the eye when spotted in public.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson wore a pair of these lookers while warming up on the field before last Sunday’s game in Washington, D.C. against the host Commanders.
The Twitterverse took notice.
It seems the good folks at Oakley know a thing or two about branding. Not only does the name OVERTHETOP describe the futuristic frames, it also sums up the reaction they get!
Oakley re-released a limited version of the sunglasses in 2020, marking the 20th anniversary of the design. However, they only produced 20 pairs. So you’ll need to go on eBay if you’re looking to add to your collection.
Jefferson, for his part, went on to have a monster game, going off for 115 yards receiving and a touchdown on seven receptions.
Clearly, it’s gotta be the shades.