NEW YORK—Inspiration for frame design can strike from anywhere. We’re no strangers to terms like “vintage inspired,” or “travel inspired,” or “music inspired,” in this industry—but what about “bug inspired?” For independent brand Vuliwear, beauty is in the eye of the bug-holder. Vuliwear founder Dionne Ellison says she was struck by a magnified photo of a bug’s eyes, and began to design eyewear inspired by the colors and patterns of insects’ compound eyes. Working with Essilor Sun Solution, Ellison’s initial launch features six sun styles: BLKnBLU, Deuces, Zag, Flatliner, Pearl and Siren. Three featured styles, BLKnBLU, Deuces and Zag are lightweight unisex metal aviator styles inspired by the Blue Damselfly, Striped Horsefly and African Twig Mantis respectively.

When it comes to bug eyes, Ellison says inspiration is “endless.” She plans to continue to expand her collection with more insect eye-inspired designs and maybe, one day, to include other accessories and clothing under the umbrella as well. For now, the brand is available online and in Omega Optical and ShopSixtyFive, both located in Philadelphia.


Vuliwear’s Deuces frame is inspired by the eyes of the Striped Horsefly. Horsefly image via Thomas Shahan  on  Wikimedia Commons


Vuliwear’s BLKnBLU is inspired by the eyes of the Blue Damselfly. Damselfly image via Flicker user Gilles San Martin, under Creative Commons


Vuliwear founder Dionne Ellison says she was struck by a magnified photo of a bug’s eyes, and began to design eyewear inspired by the colors and patterns of insects’ compound eyes.