Meta Lab Taps LA’s Skate Community to Spotlight the Innovative Frontier of AI Glasses
Behind the scenes with Na-Kel Smith, Briana King and more as they put Meta glasses to the test.
Meta Lab has returned to West Hollywood’s 8600 Melrose Ave., officially opening its doors to the public on November 1. To celebrate the launch of its first-ever flagship store, Meta Lab met up with Hypebeast and LA’s skate community to highlight the intersection of sport and tech, enlisting LA native photographer and director Estevan Oriol and fashion photographer Easton Schirra to capture the city’s essence. Ruby Lilley, Na-Kel Smith, Mark Oblow, Daewon Song, Briana King and Eunice Chang joined the brand in celebration, taking to the streets to put the new Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses and Neural Band, Ray-Ban Meta glasses (Gen 2), along with the Oakley Meta HSTN and Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses to the test.
The Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarers, Oakley Meta HSTN and Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses offer the signature look and feel of Oakley’s and Ray-Ban’s heritage frames — powered by Meta AI. Equipped with built-in speakers, a mic and a 12 MP ultra-wide camera, the smart-enabled frames bring a dose of high-tech magic to everyday experiences. For skaters, the ability to capture content on the fly — both figuratively and literally — is a nifty feature that expands upon the daily utility of eyewear.
With Briana King, Na-kel Smith, and more taking to the skatepark, it’s clear how seamlessly these capabilities benefit creatives looking to create on the go — harnessing the ability to capture still and video content, take phone calls and listen to music, all from the convenience of their glasses. With Oriol behind the camera, this spirit of collaboration and the ability to unleash creative perspectives using Meta glasses shines through — Hypebeast and the squad posted up on the ramps spotlighting the energy of LA’s counterculture and street art.
Estevan Oriol
The Oakley Meta HSTN frames offer a 12 MP ultra-wide camera for photo and video content, two powerful discreet open-ear Bluetooth speakers and a custom 5-mic array — updating Oakley’s sleek design with tech-infused capabilities that transcend everyday experiences. The Oakley Meta Vanguard, conversely, is geared toward versatile sporting utility. The athlete-centric, wide-lens design emphasizes hands-free sporting functionality, meaning no matter where your adventures take you, you’re able to capture, record and share moments on the go. Alternatively, the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarers offer a modern, everyday silhouette, available in various colorways and lens options to suit your style.
Meta Lab in LA and the conceptual Las Vegas storefront showcase the innovative frontier of AI glasses with in-store activations, recreational and educational programming, and experiential displays that invite consumers to see for themselves the potential of AI-powered accessories.
Experience Meta Lab in person at West Hollywood’s 8600 Melrose Ave, open to the public starting November 1. Head over to the brand’s website to explore the Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta glasses.
