Iris and Marcus de Vries, the visionaries behind WOWO Eyewear. More than just founders, they represent a family legacy steeped in optics and a unique blend of technical expertise and creative vision. Their journey began on the sun-kissed shores of Aruba. Bert de Vries, their father, established a successful career as an optometrist across continents before settling in paradise.
Iris and Marcus were practically born into the business, immersed in eyewear from a young age. As teenagers, they accompanied their parents to trade shows in fashion capitals like New York, Milan, Paris, Miami, and Las Vegas. Witnessing the evolution of eyewear trends firsthand exposed them to the world of eyewear style and innovation.
This exposure instilled in them a deep appreciation for eyewear’s technical aspects, inherited from their father, and the power of design and branding, gleaned from Iris’s experience. The de Vries family boasts a rich heritage in the world of optics. Their father, Bert, an esteemed optometrist, established a successful career across the U.A.E., U.S.A., and the Netherlands before settling on the idyllic island of Aruba. Marcus followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a licensed optician and contact lens specialist in the Netherlands after which he worked at esteemed Saton Optiek in Amsterdam. Meanwhile Iris delved into the creative realm and pursued marketing and communications with a focus on branding.
This led her to work with leading optical retail startups like Warby Parker and Ace & Tate, honing her understanding of the modern eyewear market. In 2020, fate brought them full circle. Both siblings returned to Aruba, reuniting the family with a shared purpose. Combining their expertise, Marcus’s technical knowledge, and Iris’s brand-building experience, they felt a compelling urge to create something new.
They envisioned a collection that reflected their island life, a piece of paradise in every frame yet catered to sophisticated individuals worldwide. The first-ever WOWO Eyewear collection was born in the summer of 2023. WOWO Eyewear embodies accessible luxury, and island-culture frames.
Handcrafted in Italy using premium materials, each piece is a testament to quality and craftsmanship. This commitment to excellence allows WOWO to offer accessible luxury to its customers. In May 2024, WOWO launched its first international brick-and-mortar location. Iris and Marcus are now focused on expanding WOWO Eyewear globally, building upon their successful launch in New York City’s Flying Solo N.Y.C. store. They continue to inspire their community with their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to design. WOWO Eyewear is more than just an optical eyewear fashion collection; it’s a story of family, passion, and a touch of paradise brought to the world through exceptional design.
WOWO EYEWEAR LAUNCH | MAY 2024 IN NYC WOWO Eyewear is Iris and Marcus eyewear brand, inspired by their upbringing surrounded by paradise. WOWO embodies a story of family legacy, island spirit, and a passion for innovative design. The “Eye” of Aruba, the name WOWO itself translates to “eye” in Papiamento, Aruba’s native language.
This is a fitting symbol for a brand deeply rooted in its Aruban heritage. Crafted by hand in Italy, WOWO frames are a testament to quality and craftsmanship, embodying a commitment to bringing accessible luxury to your everyday life. WOWO’s collections bridge the gap between island vibes and urban chic. They capture the essence of Aruba’s vibrant spirit in sunglasses that seamlessly transition from the beach to the city streets. The launch in New York, Flying Solo NYC, a renowned boutique known for its curated selection of independent designers, is the perfect platform to showcase WOWO’s unique aesthetic to a global audience.
This launch marks a significant milestone in brand’s journey, solidifying its position as a rising eyewear brand in the world of fashion. WOWO Eyewear is more than just a brand. It is a celebration of individuality, creativity, and personal style. Through their commitment to innovative design and quality craftsmanship, WOWO inspires everyone to embrace their unique style and express themselves confidently.
The de Vries siblings’ mission is to empower everyone to break free from fashion norms and embrace their individuality. With WOWO, you can confidently express your personal style and stand out from the crowd. WOWO Eyewear a cutting-edge eyewear brand renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs
