You Mawo
Custom 3D Printed Eyewear Specialist
Approaching its 10th year in the industry, You Mawo not only makes custom eyewear accessible to everyone but also focuses on perfecting the entire user journey, from facial scanning and fit analysis to production.
Founded in 2016, the German-based eyewear company You Mawo is an innovator in the production of customised 3D printed eyewear – created using high-quality polyamide powder and selective laser sintering (SLS). Developing every part of the process from scratch, You Mawo has created a totally unique form of fully customised eyewear built according to the wearer’s data via a process that has been thoroughly streamlined for the ultimate “custom fit”. We are pleased to present an interview with Daniel Miko, Co-Founder of You Mawo and Head of Design, Product and Development, delving into the brand’s journey and its current position.
Hello Daniel, could you share the purpose and vision behind founding You Mawo, and reflect on the journey the brand has taken so far?
The founding idea behind You Mawo was driven by a simple but powerful observation: every human face is unique — in shape, size, and proportion — and yet the eyewear industry had been working for decades with standardized sizes and rigid design processes. We wanted to change that. Our goal from day one was to create a world where eyewear is not only responsibly produced, but also truly tailored to the individual. That’s why our guiding principle has always been: “Faces come in billions of shapes and sizes. Eyewear should do the same.” Looking back now in 2025, this vision is more relevant than ever. Technological advancements, especially in 3D scanning and additive manufacturing, have allowed us to stay true to this core idea — not just in theory, but in practice. And that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.
Over the years, what design steps, innovations or products have you been most proud of and why?
There are several aspects of our work that we’re especially proud of. From a design perspective, our capsule collections and the creations within the Youniverse have allowed us to push boundaries — both aesthetically and technically. These projects serve as a kind of experimental space where we test new materials, explore unconventional shapes, and reimagine what eyewear can be. On the customization side, we’ve consistently challenged ourselves to improve our system. It’s not just about making custom eyewear accessible — it’s about refining every step of the user journey, from facial scanning to fit analysis to production. This constant questioning of the status quo is a defining part of our culture at You Mawo, and it’s something we see as essential to innovation.
In 2025, with the growing interest in smart glasses, how would you assess the current state and potential of 3D printed eyewear?
We’ve definitely come a long way, and the level of sophistication in 3D-printed eyewear today is remarkable — especially in terms of material quality, precision, and individualization. But we believe we’re still just scratching the surface. Additive manufacturing offers unmatched flexibility when it comes to design freedom and personalization, and we see tremendous untapped potential — especially when it comes to integrating technology. Smart glasses are back in the spotlight, and the convergence of custom fit and smart functionality is a space where we see unique opportunities. Our manufacturing approach enables us to create solutions that are not just smart, but also comfortable, stylish, and truly tailored to the wearer — something mass-produced smart glasses often lack, that’s why we see plenty of room for smart glasses to give them the comfort they need.
Do you feel that 3D printed eyewear has gained more recognition in the last couple of years as a prestige design product?
Absolutely. There’s a growing appreciation for the possibilities that additive manufacturing brings to the world of high-end eyewear. What was once seen as a niche or experimental approach is now being embraced by more and more designers — and even luxury brands — as a serious, forward-thinking production method. We’re seeing the perception shift: 3D-printed frames are no longer just about technical innovation — they’re being recognized for their design value, for their sustainable production process, and for their ability to offer a truly personal product.
Has the introduction of AI opened up doors for your work at You Mawo and if so how?
Yes, AI has become an increasingly valuable tool in many areas of our work. We’re especially intrigued by its potential in the design process. Rather than replacing creative thinking, we see AI as a kind of sparring partner — one that allows us to challenge our ideas, discover unexpected forms, and introduce new dynamics into our design language. Beyond design, we also see potential in areas like fit optimization, customer interaction, and even predictive personalization — helping us to better understand what people need before they even realize it themselves. We’re still in the early stages, but the possibilities are truly exciting.
Does your design approach constantly shift, and what was your main source of inspiration for the 2025 collections?
In 2025, we’ve really focused on going back to our roots — questioning who we are as You Mawo and what defines our design language. We reflected deeply on our core, and that was truly great — it gave us a clearer picture of who we are and what makes us unique.
Source: Eyestylist
October 2025