J.R. Smith also appeared in the Oakley Meta Vanguard campaign, wearing the streamlined performance AI glasses in a studio-style athletic portrait that highlighted the product sharp, dynamic positioning. The two-time NBA champion, who later transitioned to collegiate golf at North Carolina A&T, brought seasoned athletic credibility to the Vanguard introduction. With an open-frame lens design and lighter overall build, the Vanguard presented a more aggressive, technically refined silhouette compared to the shield-style HSTN that Smith also wore across the broader Oakley Meta rollout. Paired with a fitted black athletic top, the glasses cut a crisp, commanding profile that suited his reputation as a fierce competitor. The campaign imagery presented the Vanguard as premium performance eyewear for multi-sport athletes who demand technology that keeps pace with their intensity. Having appeared in both the HSTN golf sequence and the Vanguard studio campaign, Smith became one of the faces most closely associated with Oakley Meta entry into the AI eyewear space.
The Oakley Meta OW8001 Vanguard is a performance-oriented smart sunglasses model that combines Oakley’s sport design with integrated wearable technology. Crafted from lightweight O Matter™, it features a wrap-inspired rectangular frame for enhanced coverage and stability. Typically equipped with Prizm™ or polarized lenses, it provides improved visual clarity and sun protection. The ergonomic construction ensures a secure and comfortable fit, supporting both active use and everyday wear.
