Rudy Project is commemorating a significant milestone: 40 years since the launch of its groundbreaking 'Super Performance' wraparound sunglasses, an event closely tied to Moreno Argentin's triumph at the World Championships. This anniversary is marked by the introduction of the exclusive 'Performance 40' model, a limited-edition release that pays homage to the brand's pioneering spirit and its enduring legacy in cycling eyewear innovation.
The journey of Rudy Project's iconic eyewear began a year before Argentin's historic victory, coinciding with the brand's inception by Rudy Barbazza. His vision was to revolutionize cycling optics, a goal that quickly materialized with the 'Super Performance' sunglasses. The legend, often recounted within cycling circles, speaks of a fateful encounter between Barbazza and Argentin on the eve of the Colorado Springs race. A simple handshake sealed a deal: if Argentin wore the new glasses and won the championship, Barbazza would become his sponsor. This strategic partnership not only propelled Argentin to fame but also cemented Rudy Project's place in the industry.
Argentin's subsequent win was a pivotal moment, launching the 'Super Performance' into what the company now proudly refers to as a 'cult classic.' To honor this rich history, the 'Performance 40' has been meticulously crafted. This limited-edition model, with only 100 individually numbered pairs available directly from Rudy Project's website, commands a price of \u20ac950. Its design incorporates a 3D-printed, hollow titanium frame, weighing a mere 36 grams, and a toric lens designed to emulate the original 'Super Performance' shape. Each pair is uniquely finished with a laser-etched Rudy Project logo, Rudy Barbazza's signature, and its specific edition number.
During the launch, Simone Barbazza, the company's Marketing and Sustainability Director, emphasized that the 'Performance 40' serves as a dual tribute: to the company's heritage and to the visionaries, particularly his father, who laid its foundations. He highlighted that these sunglasses beautifully blend the company's rich past with its forward-looking aspirations, showcasing a commitment to innovation while respecting its roots.
This special release encapsulates four decades of innovation and passion, celebrating the journey from a bold entrepreneurial idea to a globally recognized brand synonymous with high-performance cycling eyewear. The 'Performance 40' is more than just sunglasses; it's a piece of cycling history, presented in an exclusive collector's box that subtly references the brand's original 1985 color palette, further enhancing its commemorative value.