There’s perhaps no one better to design a high-performance eyewear collection than Swiss maestro Roger Federer. Nicknamed FedEx for his precision, elegance and composure on the courts, the eight-time Wimbledon champion has now launched an eyewear collaboration with Oliver Peoples — over 20 years since he bought a pair from the Los Angeles-based brand.
Bringing to this partnership a life spent in the pursuit of perfection under the sun, Federer has designed six styles that comprise four sunglasses and two shield frames. Also considered a style icon, The Met Gala 2023’s co-chair made sure that the collection aren’t just run-of-the-mill sports shades. It transcends the boundaries of the court, blending as seamlessly into daily life as it would the glamour of a red carpet function. Notably, every pair is incredibly lightweight, weighing a maximum of 35g. The designs are made to be universally flattering for various face shapes and easy to style.
Says the 20-time Grand Slam champion and Rolex ambassador, “Sunglasses are something I’ve enjoyed as my sport has required me to chase the sun 80 per cent of my life. One of the main goals of our collection was to create sunglasses that could be utilised in every aspect of one’s routine — off or on the court.”
The RF x Oliver Peoples collection introduces lenses that redefine visual clarity, incorporating Colour Enhancement technology to amplify the hues of outdoor environments, from the sea to the forest and city. Polarised lenses slice through glare effortlessly, while mirrored surfaces add mystique and sleekness.
Comfort and stability are paramount, with each frame designed to embrace the contours of the face, ensuring a snug fit that withstands the rigours of motion, be it on a swift downhill ski, a challenging bike trail, or in the midst of a fervent tennis match. Federer’s insight into the necessity of a secure fit led to the innovation of rubber grip nose pads and temple tips, ensuring the eyewear remains a steadfast companion.
Fan boys and girls would also be glad to know that this collection features elements of the sportsman’s legacy: the number 8 plaque denoting his Wimbledon victories and Aug 8, 1981 birth date; the custom core-wire pattern inspired by the string-threading of vintage tennis racquets; and the octagonal RF metal logo whose shape resembles the butt of a tennis racquet.
From this collection, the most recognisable design has to be the namesake Mr. Federer frame, which is available as sunshades and optical glasses. “This shape is what I wore to The Met Gala, and I wanted to find a way to incorporate it into the collection but in a more sporty way,” says the star, who also adds that the two shields are something new for him. “I love the way they turned out. I don’t think we’ve seen shields like this in the market that are both high-performance and luxurious.”
If you like what you see, this collection is only the first launch of a four-collection partnership.
