Amidst a big summer of sport in 2024, and with the Tour de France now underway, Oakley has released Inner Spark, a new eyewear collection and series of short film clips.
The eyewear brand is aiming to connect consumers with… ‘the real emotions that athletes face, and the challenges they conquer within, on their journey to the world’s biggest sports stage.’
A chapter of Oakley’s Be Who You Are marketing initiative, the films showcase elite athletes Fred Kerley, Kylian Mbappé, Alexia Putellas, and Cassandre Beaugrand sporting frames from the Inner Spark collection.
As noted by Oakley… ‘Viewers ride along with athletes through their every emotion, alternating between images of the athletes and visuals of skeletons and their ‘inner spark’, illustrating the connection between outer performance and mastering the game within.’
“In sports, most people believe it is all about victories and medals,” said Caio Amato, Oakley Chief Marketing Officer. “At Oakley we believe that the real battles lie inside each and every athlete.
“There is only them, with their fears, fatigues, failures and values and this little inner spark that makes you to be you. We want to inspire kids to be fully themselves, with no filter nor holding back. Because if you won the game within, every game is yours to win.”
Inner Spark also captures the stories of Team Oakley athletes that may not be noticed at first glance. These include: surfers Kanoa Igarashi, Bettylou Sakura Johnson, Filipe Toledo, Griffin Colapinto, and Caroline Marks; track and field athletes Andre De Grasse and Joseph Fahnbulleh; volleyball player Taylor Crabb; cyclist Loana Lecomte; and WNBA player Diamond DeShields.
Oakley adds… ‘The collection’s design strikes a balance between control and release, chaos and order. Its organic pattern takes cues from the movement of the human nervous system. The unexpected color combination encourages breaking out of the ordinary and embracing new beginnings.
‘Each piece in the collection features a neuronic pad print in celeste blue with silver accents, highlighting the sparks against a stand-out tennis ball yellow frame. This distinctive design is complete with Prizm Ruby lenses that complement the frame’s neon colours.’
The Inner Spark collection is led by Sphaera eyewear, and includes Oakley Bisphera and Latch Panel.
- Inner Spark Sphaera: With Oakley’s widest field of view, Sphaera features Prizm Lens Technology for detailed vision, a lightweight frame with front vents for improved airflow, and nose pads and moulded-in earsocks.
- Inner Spark BiSphaera: Rx-ready with Prizm Lens, Bisphera is designed for versatile athletes as a dual-lens performance sunglasses range constructed from lightweight material, with nose pads and ear socks for a comfortable fit.
- Inner Spark Latch Panel: Featuring a full-rim, shield lens design for on-the-go eyewear storage. Wearers can slide on the removable side shields to block distractions, Latch Panel features thin temples that fit comfortably under a hat and comes with a removable leash for added security. Prizm Lens Technology enhances detail and helps to elevate the visual experience.
Inner Spark launched globally on July 1, 2024, with the short films being released on the Oakley YouTube channel.
