At the beginning of July, Oakley SI released another series of eyewear for their American Heritage Collection. For this series, they call it “Airplane Art” where the designs take inspiration from three of the most fearsome Allied Aircraft in World War II.

While this is about “American Heritage Collection” one of these eyewear is very much British. The three aircraft are the North American P-51 Mustang, the Curtiss P-40 Thunderbolt, and the Supermarine Spitfire.  All of these are legendary Allied aircraft --- the P-51 is the high performance long range fighter that escorted Allied Bombers in the European Theatre; the P-40 was used by the Flying Tigers made iconic by the shark teeth painted on the planes by the 1st American Volunteer Group (AVG) in China; and of course the British Supermarine Spitfire that was instrumental in RAF's victory over Nazi Germany’s Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain. The Spitfire was also used by American Air Force in North Africa and Italy.

The Oakley SI American Heritage Collection eyewear that pay tribute to these aircraft are the Holbrook (P-51), Gascan (P-40) and the Drop Point (Spitfire). All of these feature Oakley’s Impact Protection and PRIZM technology developed to enhance color and contrast so that the wearer can see more detail.

Oakley SI American Heritage Collection Holbrook

Oakley SI American Heritage Collection Gascan

Oakley SI American Heritage Collection Drop Point

All of three are available to order and they have an initial price of US$183.00. They are also available as frames for eyeglasses.

More details below:

Oakley Standard Issue Announces American Heritage Collection

FOOTHILL RANCH, CA. – July 12, 2022 – Oakley® Standard Issue has announced the launch of the new American Heritage Collection to honor and recognize the distinctive nose art seen on 1940s allied military aircraft. The three-piece collection features Gascan®, Holbrook™ and Drop Point™ models, all uniquely designed to commemorate the rich history and individuality behind these iconic aircraft and their crews.

“We’re excited to introduce the latest addition to our American Heritage collection paying tribute to the iconic aircraft art from the 1940s,” said Erick Poston, Senior Director of Oakley SI. “This method of self-expression allowed these men to showcase their individuality and give their planes a persona to not only keep them safe, but also give them some reminders of home.”

Born from practicality in identifying friendly units from foe, the nose art on these aircraft gave each plane its own personality. These designs were morale-boosting, good-luck charms, and reminders of personal lives, hobbies, characteristics and much more. It is a kind of folk art that provides a unique insight into the mindset of the aircrew and ground personnel who were thrust into an environment where the only certainty was the uncertainty of their survival.

The American Heritage Collection consists of three different configurations from Oakley’s assortment with options in the Holbrook™, Gascan® and Drop Point™ models. All eyewear includes Prizm™ Lens Technology and features a unique scheme associated with historic aircraft designs. MSRP starting at $183.

To learn more about the American Heritage Collection, check out this article on OakleySI.com.

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