Summer 2022

OP Stories · Campaigns · Summer 2022 · from the archive · Summer 2022 Campaign — Water Break

Water Break

Oliver Peoples’ Summer 2022 campaign establishes a sartorial, surfside scene.

An astonishing scene finds six characters and their sartorial decisions adrift from expectation. Lapping waves and golden beaches make for a surprising office set-up as a series of sand-to-surfboard meetings are punctuated by power-dressing looks reminiscent of the ‘80s and ‘90s. This exquisite juxtaposition is the Oliver Peoples Summer 2022 campaign, where moments of surfing in impeccably tailored suits channel the vintage yet modern aesthetic of the Southern California-inspired brand.

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Paired with classic tailoring, OP-505 Sun and Oliver Sun, are seen alongside new favorites, Adès and Casian.

As American Psycho’s stylish and subversive protagonist, Patrick Bateman, alludes to: there’s nothing quite like the pairing of Valentino suits and Oliver Peoples glasses. The big, bold picture Bateman paints here is of pronounced shoulders, pressed lapels, sharp collars and a statement tie—all in meticulous alignment. Well-paired frames complete the ensemble.

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The day goes from office to ocean in OP-505 Sun, Adès, Casian and Oliver Sun.

Bateman’s sentiment happens to hold true amidst the waves as well – where this curious cast finds themselves adorned with best sellers and iconic eyewear from the Oliver Peoples repertoire. These surfers billow into the scene like a breeze, with briefcases, anachronistic mobile phones and chunky word processors in hand.

From their beguiling arrival to their unexpected work commitments and playful water activities, the day’s happenings progress from a beachfront desk to a hang ten on the crest of a wave.

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The confides of an office are reimagined in MP-2, OP-505 Sun, Sheldrake Sun, and Lynes Sun.

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From waves to relaxed shores, OP-505 Sun is featured with Vintage Grey Fade-Silver.

An enchanting absurdity runs through the daydream-like scenario. It evokes wish fulfillment—if you can’t escape from your desk, you might as well bring it with you. Throughout the imagery, everyone works on the sand and in the shallows, answering calls and corresponding with those not lucky enough to be in the same eccentric situation. Much like the tides, the cast recedes with wonder when it’s time to clock out.

The entire photo series has been draped in the notion of an endless summer that exists on a wavelength of its own. It’s also the first-ever campaign from Oliver Peoples to incorporate surfing and, as is expected from the pioneering brand, it makes a statement unlike any other. Even though the campaign feels retro-inspired, there’s a contemporary undercurrent that makes it all the more extraordinary.

WORDS: David Graver PHOTOS: Tom Craig

VIDEO: Trevor Wineman VIDEO EDITOR: Tyler Kindred

Frames in this story: Adès (api:frame:ov1307st), Lynes Sun (api:frame:ov5449su), O'Malley (api:frame:ov5183), Casian (api:frame:ov5444su), OP-505 Sun (api:frame:ov5184s), Oliver Sun (api:frame:ov5393su), Roella (api:frame:ov5355su), Carling (api:frame:ov1308), Sheldrake Sun (api:frame:ov5036s), Nilos (api:frame:ov5439u), MP-2 Sun (api:frame:ov1104s), Sheldrake (api:frame:ov5036), Marianela (api:frame:ov5372su). Also named in this story: MP-2, OP-505.