History of Vanessa Wu
Due to a foot problem that I developed while growing up, I have always been very limited when choosing my footwear. At 25, it seemed obvious for me to start my own brand of trendy shoes, choosing to make comfort my priority.
Vanessa Wu. Behind this name, the creator of the eponymous brand: Vanessa Wu (to pronounce « WOU »).
From the North of France and parents who were wholesalers in shoes, Vanessa has always been immersed in this environment, but nothing predisposed her to launch her brand neither. Let’s say, almost nothing…
Indeed, Vanessa developed in her childhood a food problem, that has made her choose during years between comfort and style.
This is how at just 25, after having closely followed the family business then learning the ins and outs at Lanvin, it appeared to her as an evidence to launch her own brand of shoes (and of bags, but only for a couple of years now), by making comfort her priority but without compomising style!
A sign from the universe?
2011
The debut of Vanessa’s Secrets
It was back in 2011 that the shoe brand, created and designed by Vanessa was officially launched, but under a different name: Vanessa’s Secrets. For (more or less) obvious reasons, this name will be changed two years later!
Vanessa Wu is above all a family brand. At each step of the way, it appeared as an evidence to involve her family in the adventure.
Creator but also Artistic Director of her brand, Vanessa can count on her mother to support her at the head of style. The perfect position to manage the many exchanges with China and the dedicated team present all-year on site. More sensitive towards products and image, Vanessa will rely on her brother’s skills, Xavier, one year her senior, to manage the commercial side of the business.
A style team that develops the products, a commercial one that handles wholesale, Vanessa Wu becomes a French brand ready to live its first successes! An internal organisation that, after 10 years, still remains unchanged!
2013
New era : Vanessa Wu
Once the bases consolidated, the brand rapidly evolved and decides to change its name to finally become Vanessa Wu.
Vanessa Wu’s values are the values of Vanessa herself and those of her family. Vanessa Wu aspires thus to spread the values of tolerance, benevolence and authenticity.
Vanessa’s leitmotif ? To listen and respond to all profiles, all desires, thanks to shoes and bags created for all ages, all morphologiques and with comfort as a priority.
Important values and a close proximity that the brand maintains with its community : no message remains unanswered, and each answer is provided within a maximum of 48h.
2015
The digitalization
Less than 5 years after its creation, a period where the brand was only available in B2B, Vanessa Wu starts its digital adventure, through a B2C e-commerce website, thus joining the e-commerce sphere.
Joining the FEVAD (federation of e-commerce and distance selling) in 2021 was only natural and marked the ultimate step for the 10th anniversary of the brand!
2019
The storm product hit
Chances are, you have known Vanessa Wu through this product: the storm sneaker, the brand’s iconic model, appearing for the first time in 2019.
Many versions were created from this model:
- our permanent collection: the icons, 11 models available all year round, from sizes 35 to 42
- new styles created each season: storm sneakers can be found under all forms!
2020
Makeover and diversification
A few months before celebrating its 10th anniversary, Vanessa Wu had a makeover: a new brand identity, the redesign of its e-shop, and above all, the diversification of its offer through the launch of handbags line.
2022
New parisian showroom
The brand has settled in Paris 11th arrondissement! The new premises consist of a showroom to showcase our next collection and our iconic models, as well as offices. The showroom is accessible only by appointment for wholesale customers.
2023
Projects multiply
The year of all the projects for the brand which multiplies communication campaigns highlighting its customers as well as the diversification of its product ranges.
- W(U)MEN, February: first intergenerational campaign highlighting our iconic storm sneaker
- THE LITTLE STORM, July: first capsule collection for the little and young girls
- ACCESSORIES, October: socks and caps are now available to complete your outfits
The Wu Cares program
2023 also marks the official launch date of of Vanessa Wu’s CSR program: Wu Cares 💛
It gathers the social and societal actions that we have been undertaking since 2022, by committing ourselves to the MaMaMa association as well as our partnership with Redonner, both in favor of the circular economy.
