Oakley

In just 35 years, Oakley have been transformed from a tiny operation set up in a small garage with just a handful of dollars, into one of the world's largest eyewear brands, and is now part of the succesful Luxottica empire.

Jim Jannard was the founder of the brand, and a motocross enthusiast, who designed goggles for motocross riders using new techniques and materials which he went on to patent.

The products sold well, and using his profits Jannard started to develop Oakley Sunglasses to add to his growing empire and within a further short period he launched the Oakley Goggles range.

In 1995 the company was launched on the stock exchange and it wasn't until 2007 that Luxottica merged their operation with Oakley, creating the world's largest eyewear company, with Oakley sitting alongside stable mates such as Ray-Ban and Persol.

Over the years the collection and range from the company has expanded into a vast empire, with specialist styles created to need the specific needs of individual sports and sportsmen.

Several leading sportsmen promote the brand including five time Tour De France winner Lance Armstrong and golfer Rory McIlroy.