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Some fashion brands are born from mood boards and meticulous planning. Arcus Paris? It started with a simple, slightly rebellious desire: “I wanted piercings on my face… but I was too scared to actually get them.” by Arcus Paris founder.
Instead of heading to the piercing studio, the founder turned to sunglasses. What if eyewear could mimic the aesthetic of facial piercings—bold, edgy, and unique—but without the commitment? The first prototype was shown to friends. “They loved it. It didn’t look over the top— it looked like it belonged there.”
From three initial designs, Arcus Paris went from selling just 10 pairs a month to over 150, expanding from France, the UK, and Italy to the U.S., the Middle East, and Asia. All without losing its original spirit: small-batch, artisan-crafted eyewear that makes a statement.
When asked what message the brand carries, the answer is refreshingly simple: quiet confidence. “People see photos of my sunglasses and think, ‘Oh, that’s too much.’ But once they put them on, it just makes them look cool. Even on days you don’t feel like dressing up, you throw them on and feel ready. For those who love to dress up, they elevate the look without overwhelming it.”
It’s not about shouting for attention—it’s about wearing something that subtly says you own your style. And specking of the favorite collection of all the designs, “Canis” holds a special place in the founder’s heart. “It came to me naturally, designed super fast, and hit the sweet spot of what was trending. It’s rectangular, sharp, and versatile—men, women, everyone wanted it.” Unlike other styles that might attract a niche audience, Canis crossed style boundaries and became a bestseller, cementing its status as a brand icon.
Paris may be the fashion capital, but the founder thinks being Asian there wasn’t a barrier. “Paris cares about your product and your vision, not your passport.” The real challenge? Doing everything alone—design, production, marketing, even drilling and gluing frames by hand. This isn’t sewing or mass manufacturing—it’s meticulous, made-to-order craftsmanship. “At first, I never imagined the brand would grow this much. Then one day I had 190 pairs to make at once… that’s when I thought, okay, maybe I need help.”
While Parisian style is evolving—less about the cliché of red lipstick and berets, more about individuality. That’s where Arcus Paris thrives. “I value individuality. Every pair is handmade, so each one is unique. That’s something I connect with from Paris, but my work ethic is still very Asian—it has to be perfect, even if no one notices.”
The founder waited eight years after fashion school before launching a brand. “I didn’t want to make something just because everyone else was. Every design has to have intention.” That philosophy is woven into each pair of Arcus Paris sunglasses—pieces that are conversation starters without trying too hard. And talking about the dreaming of Japan, with its rich cultural history and fearless street style, is high on the brand’s wish list. “It would be a dream to have a presence there. If I collaborated, it might be with a tattoo artist— Japan has such a strong individuality in art and style.”
Arcus Paris is proof that great fashion doesn’t need to scream. It can whisper, wink, and still turn heads. From an idea born of fear of a piercing needle to a global cult accessory, the brand is carving out a space for those who like their style like their confidence—quiet, but unmistakable.
