The Oliver Peoples Airman - The Facts

I've been reading these threads for a while now with a growing sense of amusement and - more recently - bemusement, over the theories and misinformation that have been suggested regarding the Oliver Peoples Airmans. I feel that the time has come to shed some light on the matter.

The facts are simple: the Airman (a previously discontinued frame) was chosen in a friend of mine's optician (in London's Soho) by Daniel Craig's stylist. Having sold a good number of Persol 2720 and 2244s as a result of Casino Royale, I figured it a shame that they'd gone and chosen a discontinued frame. I waited until I had confirmation that they were being worn in the film and called Oliver Peoples, with whom I have a very good relationship, and asked them to re-introduce the Airman.

Initially they declined, being a relatively small (non mass-production) company, but after telling them how many Persols were sold worldwide following the previous Bond film, they eventually decided to order an initial 300 pairs, of which 150 had polarised lenses, the other 150 photochromic. Being the entrepreneurial type, I pre-ordered all of their polarised stock, and 20 photochromic. We now have these in stock, of which over 100 have been sold.

It would appear that around June-time, Oliver Peoples realised that they were seriously underestimating the potential demand and decided to have more produced which, as they take four months to make, will not be available until October. I think it pertinent to point out that Oliver Peoples are completely at liberty to do what they want with the Airmans - it's their frame, and if they decide to capitalise on the likely demand, well, good for them. And the Airmans that have been re-made are not in any way branded for the film - they're exactly as they originally were, although I must admit to a bit of frustration over the difference in colour of the end tips.

As far as the latest conspiracy theory goes, Oliver Peoples making glasses for Tom Ford is absurd. That is completely and utterly in the realms of impossibility. UNLESS... there's another pair of sunglasses that are being worn in the film that no one knows about as yet. (And I'm really, really not suggesting that there is another pair!)

I hope that clarifies matters and may the sun shine brightly on those forum members who have received their Airmans.

Adam
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Comments

  • The Bond ExperienceThe Bond Experience Newtown, PAPosts: 5,490Quartermasters
    edited August 2008
    Thank you for taking the time to post on these boards. My frustration was not around a question of Tom Ford or Oliver Peoples but rather a question of the design of the original Airmans that had brown or black ear tips. I think if they had held to the original design the threads would be quite a bit shorter. :007)
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    edited August 2008
    I've been reading these threads for a while now with a growing sense of amusement and - more recently - bemusement, over the theories and misinformation that have been suggested regarding the Oliver Peoples Airmans. I feel that the time has come to shed some light on the matter.

    The facts are simple: the Airman (a previously discontinued frame) was chosen in a friend of mine's optician (in London's Soho) by Daniel Craig's stylist. Having sold a good number of Persol 2720 and 2244s as a result of Casino Royale, I figured it a shame that they'd gone and chosen a discontinued frame. I waited until I had confirmation that they were being worn in the film and called Oliver Peoples, with whom I have a very good relationship, and asked them to re-introduce the Airman.

    Initially they declined, being a relatively small (non mass-production) company, but after telling them how many Persols were sold worldwide following the previous Bond film, they eventually decided to order an initial 300 pairs, of which 150 had polarised lenses, the other 150 photochromic. Being the entrepreneurial type, I pre-ordered all of their polarised stock, and 20 photochromic. We now have these in stock, of which over 100 have been sold.

    It would appear that around June-time, Oliver Peoples realised that they were seriously underestimating the potential demand and decided to have more produced which, as they take four months to make, will not be available until October. I think it pertinent to point out that Oliver Peoples are completely at liberty to do what they want with the Airmans - it's their frame, and if they decide to capitalise on the likely demand, well, good for them. And the Airmans that have been re-made are not in any way branded for the film - they're exactly as they originally were, although I must admit to a bit of frustration over the difference in colour of the end tips.

    As far as the latest conspiracy theory goes, Oliver Peoples making glasses for Tom Ford is absurd. That is completely and utterly in the realms of impossibility. UNLESS... there's another pair of sunglasses that are being worn in the film that no one knows about as yet. (And I'm really, really not suggesting that there is another pair!)

    I hope that clarifies matters and may the sun shine brightly on those forum members who have received their Airmans.

    Adam

    Hello Adam,

    glad, that you took the occasion to bring up the facts regarding all this.

    In a private email from 8. August I have been asking you (your company):
    "Is O.P. running additional Airman sunglasses besides this limited edition in 2008 and/or 2009?"
    and I have received the reply on this from your company: "No."

    In a private email to me from 9th August you wrote: "should Oliver Peoples decide to make more, they won’t be available for many months" and now they will be available in October.

    Anyhow.

    You are referring the "latest conspiracy theories" but these are not anymore about OP Airman being Tom Ford branded, these rumors have turned out to be false.

    The latest INFOS are:


    1. There will be the Tom Ford model 108/s 19V available in October 2008
    2. These sunglasses will be seen in QoS
    3. These sunglasses come in a regular box and an unlimited series. No writing with 007 etc.
    4. Tom Ford does not give pics to customers but my dealer confirmed, that the Tom Ford 108 model looks spot on like the OP Airman from A.S. webpage
    5. There is no known relation between OP and Tom Ford eyewear, the manufacturing and distribution channels have nothing to do with each other so far.
    6. These sunglasses will retail with EUR 285,--
    7. The Tom Ford sunglasses will have black leather earpieces.

    These infos are officially confirmed by Tom Ford Eyewear in Germany.

    I have no idea, how these infos could match together and make sense, I am afraid, that we'll need much more time to bring some more light into the QoS sunglasses question.

    I myself tend to weight the info from you, that the personal stylist purchased the OP Airman in London during the preparations of the movie (and I have no doubt about their authenticity) against the info from Tom Ford, who are now officially announcing their 108/s sunglasses as a part of their official involvement with the movie with probably a lot of money being involved.
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • laser944laser944 Posts: 16MI6 Agent
    Adam are you saying that the glasses on your website we see dc wearing in the film are op,s and not Tom Ford and there is some trickery on behalf of Tom Ford or E.on
  • Adam SimmondsAdam Simmonds Posts: 9MI6 Agent
    Yes, they are 100% Oliver Peoples. I don't understand where this Tom Ford rumour has come from and on what it is based. Until the film comes out and every frame is scrutinised, all we can go on are the pictures that have been pre-released. And images show that they are clearly the OP Airman. Which is hardly surprising, given that that's what they are!

    I suppose that Tom Ford (or any other sunglasses 'designer') may jump on the bandwagon and produce an unabashed copy, but this would surprise me as most of these sunglasses manufacturers wait a good few seasons before copying Oliver Peoples.
  • Shatterhand67Shatterhand67 Safe HousePosts: 424MI6 Agent
    edited August 2008
    WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Why not then correct format?

    I don't really care if they are OP's or TF's but if OP was letting these out as an extremely limited edition of 150 for photochromic and 150 for Polarized and you ordered ALL of the polarized, why then was I able to order the polarized from OP NYC if this was exclusive to you.

    Any way you slice it this is a MAJOR faux pas on the part of OP. I don't know how this could have possibly gotten beyond their quality control people.

    Again, the numbers don't add up. How can you have all 150 but yet they are available elsewhere but then NO One on earth has the correct version?

    X-(
    "I musht be dreaming."
  • JB1962JB1962 USAPosts: 194MI6 Agent
    Maybe Adam can convince OP to reproduce screen accurate replacement black end tips? This would at least solve the problem of the incorrect end tips for those who have already purchased the Airmans. Just an idea.
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    edited August 2008
    WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Why then correct format?

    I don't really care if they are OP's or TF's but if OP was letting these out as an extremely limited edition of 150 for photochromic and 150 for Polarized and you ordered ALL of the polarized, why then was I able to order the polarized from OP NYC if this was exclusive to you.

    It would appear that around June-time, Oliver Peoples realised that they were seriously underestimating the potential demand and decided to have more produced which, as they take four months to make, will not be available until October.

    Do you need to hear more?
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • KittlemeierKittlemeier U.S.Posts: 432MI6 Agent
    The current catalog I saw has the matte black frame as an option. I'd think that frame would have the black earsocks that would make it correct. If they're anything like Oakley earsocks, and they do feel similar, they wear out and can be replaced. I don't see why you couldn't replace them with black. Also, the Aero probably uses the same tips so they'll continue to be made.

    Personally, I'd rather wear an OP than a TF. I like the idea of a company that specializes in the product that I'm paying five hundred dollars for. Plus I've been wearing their products since 1992 and still like their designs, though not as much as the older retro frames. TF just farms them out to some other company or group.
  • JB1962JB1962 USAPosts: 194MI6 Agent
    I'm wondering if Oakley isn't making the end tips for OP, since they own OP.
  • KittlemeierKittlemeier U.S.Posts: 432MI6 Agent
    They've only owned OP for a year or two, right? OP has been making the Aero for years so I doubt it.

    Speaking of the buy out. I hope OP stays independent of Oakley management wise. Not a fan of Oakley for anything but sports, etc.
  • JB1962JB1962 USAPosts: 194MI6 Agent
    edited August 2008
    Your right, Oakley has only owned OP for a year or two. Oakley is now owned by Luxottica. As far as I know, both Oakley and OP have remained independent. Besides, why kill the geese that laid the golden eggs?
  • Double OO AgentDouble OO Agent englandPosts: 24MI6 Agent
    Good on Adam for being bothered enough to check these forums and also to take the time to try to answer some of our questions.
    I personally trust A.S to the hilt they have never in many years let me down and I cant speak highly enough for them.
    Just a thought could the tom ford glasses be from another person in the film ???.
  • KittlemeierKittlemeier U.S.Posts: 432MI6 Agent
    edited August 2008
    Just picked up my Airmans. One noticeable thing is that the hinge design as seen on Arterton's site's hi-res pics is identical to the OPs. If Ford copied them, they copied everything.

    One other thing of note, since Oakley is now owned by Luxottica, who produced Persol and Versace glasses at the time the last movie was made, maybe they still have the rights to provide glasses and wanted their newly acquired top of the line brand displayed.
  • PaperbillPaperbill FloridaPosts: 810MI6 Agent
    I received them today, too small for my face. Anyone interested in purchasing before I put them on ebay?
  • The Bond ExperienceThe Bond Experience Newtown, PAPosts: 5,490Quartermasters
    Zoe at the Soho store in NYC wanted me to let everyone know that Oliver Peoples will change the ear pieces to the black ones that were on the Airmans a year ago for free...since her store is offering this service I assume Simmonds will as well. She also confirmed that the Airmans a year or so ago did have the black ear pieces and the grey ones were a recent change.
  • JB1962JB1962 USAPosts: 194MI6 Agent
    Mantis, did Zoe say they would do this for those of us who already purchased a pair? Or is this when you order a pair, you request black end tips?
  • Shatterhand67Shatterhand67 Safe HousePosts: 424MI6 Agent
    JB1962,

    If you recently purchased a pair you can send them to her and she will switch them out for you or alternatively, she can send the black pieces to you and you can have your local eyewear place do it.
    "I musht be dreaming."
  • JB1962JB1962 USAPosts: 194MI6 Agent
    Shatterhand67, sounds good to me. I'll guess I'll give Zoe a call.
  • Monza860Monza860 USPosts: 501MI6 Agent
    Got them yesterday and i love em, thanks A S.
    Away at Boot Camp, won't be back until April the earliest.

    http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj258/monza860/
  • Shatterhand67Shatterhand67 Safe HousePosts: 424MI6 Agent
    Well as far as I am concerned I believe the "Real McCoy" is the Oliver Peoples Airman. And it seems to have the official MSA..."Mantis Seal of Approval."

    Zoe has been wonderful to work with and she said she will work to correct the mistakes that Oliver Peoples made regarding the ear pieces. She said to call her directly if you have any problems.

    I pushed her on the lenses as well because I wasn't sure if the lenses should be Platinum or Midnight Express (as was previously reported). She reviewed movie stills herself and believes that Platinum is the correct color.

    She said the color of the Platinum and Midnight lenses are very similar and even her employees have trouble sometimes differentiating the two. Even though she believes Platinum to be correct, she even went as far to say that she would swap out for the Midnight lenses if anyone wanted that lense instead.

    So she has really bent over backwards to make this right. I can't speak for Adam Simmonds because I have had no contact with them but perhaps you gents who have dealt with him will enjoy similar results.

    I still think they are OPs. Every photo I have matched up with an actual "in hand" product matches up in every conceivable way from every conceivable angle.
    "I musht be dreaming."
  • PaperbillPaperbill FloridaPosts: 810MI6 Agent
    I got mine and they are very small on my face. The Persol form CR fit perfectly. I am eith going to sell them os end back to AS.
  • David SchofieldDavid Schofield EnglandPosts: 1,528MI6 Agent
    Received the black ear pieces from Cat at Simmonds this morning, just to ensure the 100% accuracy of the OPs.
  • Monza860Monza860 USPosts: 501MI6 Agent
    How do you go about getting them from AS?
    Away at Boot Camp, won't be back until April the earliest.

    http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj258/monza860/
  • NightshooterNightshooter In bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
    Pics, guys. Put up pics.
  • David SchofieldDavid Schofield EnglandPosts: 1,528MI6 Agent
    Drop Cat an email or give her a call...
  • gonzalc3gonzalc3 Posts: 77MI6 Agent
    The glasses are nice... I got them over the weekend.. They came with the gray tips.. But Cat from AS is sending me the correct tips...

    Great Job...

    Thanks Mantis for the heads up...
  • Double OO AgentDouble OO Agent englandPosts: 24MI6 Agent
    I think that once again AS has come through for us.They really do try to go the extra mile so people are happy with there glasses.There has been mistakes made but not by AS yet today i know cat has been trying like mad to please all there customers.Good on them.
  • The Bond ExperienceThe Bond Experience Newtown, PAPosts: 5,490Quartermasters
    I have to give Zoe in NYC credit for these attachments as wellb. They represent the same ones used over a year ago when they had them on the Airman as standard fare.
  • Double OO AgentDouble OO Agent englandPosts: 24MI6 Agent
    Got my new ear pieces from cat today.
    Any ideas how to put them on i dont want to break £250 worth of glasses and i am not the best at replacing/fixing things.
  • Monza860Monza860 USPosts: 501MI6 Agent
    Does anyone still have cats email address?
    Away at Boot Camp, won't be back until April the earliest.

    http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj258/monza860/
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