The Founders
No strangers to the optical world, Iris and Marcus de Vries are second generation optical professionals and the visionaries behind WOWO Eyewear. This sister-and-brother duo with 20 years of experience in the optical industry curated a collection to capture their unique Caribbean lifestyle. More than just founders, they represent a family legacy steeped in optics and a unique blend of technical expertise and creative vision.
Born in it
We were born into an optical family. Papa Bert de Vries was an optometrist who ran stores and practices in the UAE, USA, and the Netherlands before settling down on a small island in the Caribbean called Aruba.
Growing in it
As we got older, our parents involved us with the daily running of the business, and as teens, we started to join trade shows in New York, Milan, Paris, Miami, and Vegas.
Leveled up
Marcus decided to follow in his dad's footsteps, becoming a licensed optician and contact lenses specialist in the Netherlands, working at the esteemed Saton Optiek. Meanwhile, Iris dove into marketing and communications with a minor in branding while working at optical retail start-ups such as Warby Parker and Ace & Tate.
Back to the island
The family finally reunited in 2020 when both siblings moved back to the island officially bringing the two generations together at last to join forces.
Something different
After years of working with eyewear’s top fashion brands and witnessing its evolution, we felt a need to create something different to better represent our style, our generation and our clients.
WOWO was born
Summer of 2023 we launched the first-ever WOWO Eyewear collection including a optical and sunglasses.
This is WOWO Eyewear
WOWO Eyewear embodies accessible luxury, and island-culture frames. Handcrafted in Italy using premium materials, each piece is a testament to quality and craftsmanship.