TEAM EPIPHANY

Cool Stuff: Warby Parker

I 100% co-sign Warby Parker.

By no means do I have poor vision, but they make it chic to want a pair of glasses. My eyesight “problem” most likely stems from trying on so many glasses belonging to friends who struggle with the “I’m-almost-legally-blind-and-can’t-see-anything-without-contacts/glasses” affliction.

In discussing their eyewear options, however, I always wondered why glasses were so damn expensive! I mean, $200+ for a pair is the cheapest that you can get? And those aren’t even designer frames? You could get a pair of glasses, including prescription lenses, for $35 or less in Korea! That’s a questionable discrepancy. 

Finally, some sense is restored to this monopolized industry by a ‘little-engine-that-could’ called Warby Parker - a company that happens to have sourced its esoteric brand from the surnames of characters in Jack Kerouac’s journals. All of their frames (ones that I would actually want to wear!), including prescription, cost only $95! But it doesn’t stop there. For every pair of glasses sold, they give a pair to someone in need by partnering with a non-profit called Vision Spring. Check out how they actually achieve their motto, “Buy a Pair, Give a Pair” here.

I can personally attest for the quality and efficiency of this company. I tried on most of their frames (including some sunglasses) at their Union Square showroom and had the ones I bought delivered in about a week. Go check ‘em out - you won’t be disappointed! 

Don’t live in NYC? Worry not. They have a service where you can pick up to 5 frames, have them delivered to your home to try on and then send back with no strings attached. Yes, they are THAT awesome.

-Jane Kim