Raleigh’s Visionary of Style

Raleigh is booming with creativity, luxury, and innovation, and Wick Morgan, owner and designer behind The Spectacle Raleigh, stands at the forefront of that movement. Wick isn’t just selling glasses; he’s curating experiences. As Gretchen said, “when you learn that your income is directly related to how you treat people with a product and a service, you get really good really fast or you get out.”

With over 30 years of global fashion and optical expertise, Wick brings artistry, personal care, and precision to every frame. From Malibu to Manhattan to North Hills, he’s built a reputation for redefining what luxury eyewear means: not just about seeing clearly, but about being seen.

From Ski Slopes to Madison Avenue: A Journey in Vision

Wick’s story began at just 16, selling sunglasses at a ski resort in Vermont. “I started in the sunglass industry selling Varnays,” he recalls, “and it just kind of kept moving up the line.” What began as a teenage hustle evolved into a career shaped by global fashion icons and elite mentors.

A chance encounter with a customer changed everything. “He mentioned Cartier, which I had never heard of,” Wick laughs. “I thought, ‘$1,000 frames? Nobody’s going to buy that. But it changed my entire trajectory.” That introduction to Cartier eyewear revealed a world where craftsmanship met creativity, setting the stage for his future success.

Soon, Wick was working with the Optical Shop of Aspen and brands like Keelstein Cord, immersing himself in the world of luxury design. “I was meeting legends without even realizing it,” he admits. “It was just, ‘Hey, this is Wick. This is Alain Mikli.’ I had no idea who I was bumping into.”

Building a Career on Saying “Yes”

Wick’s secret weapon? Always saying yes. “It sounds like you say yes to things before you really know what you’re saying yes to,” host Gretchen Coley said, and Wick smiled, “Yeah, that’s my gift.”

From the retail floor to managing entire regions for global eyewear collections, his willingness to leap opened doors that most only dream about. At Chrome Hearts, Wick learned what separates good eyewear from great: passion, precision, and purpose.

A Father’s Choice: Trading Success for Time

At the height of his career, Wick was constantly on the road. “I’d wake up at 6 a.m. on Monday to fly back to the West Coast with tears in my eyes,” he shares. That’s when he made the bold decision to move to Raleigh, North Carolina, to be close to his young son.

“Someone told me I was out of my mind,” he says. “But my son doesn’t care how much money I make, he just wants my time.” 

It was that decision that ultimately led to The Spectacle’s birth in North Hills.

The Birth of The Spectacle: A Raleigh Icon

The space that became The Spectacle Raleigh was once a curtain shop. “I looked at it and said, ‘Mate, that’s the spot.’” When the lease opened up, Wick jumped, and turned it into one of Raleigh’s most stylish destinations.

Unlike intimidating luxury boutiques, Wick designed The Spectacle to feel like home. “It’s an extension of my living room,” he says. “You spend so much time in your environment; it should make you smile.”

A Turning Point: Success, Loss, and Legacy

The day The Spectacle truly “clicked,” Wick couldn’t wait to call his mother and tell her. “It happened. It just took off,” he recalls. The next day, she passed away. “There’s a lot of energy in this shop,” he says quietly. “The karma, the timing…it’s pretty special.”

That moment became an emotional anchor for Wick’s journey. The Spectacle isn’t just a store; it’s a legacy built on love, energy, and craftsmanship.

Reinventing Luxury During COVID-19

When COVID hit, Wick didn’t close his doors; he reimagined the experience. “People would call and ask, ‘Are you there?’ and I’d say, ‘Yeah, we’ll lock the door, just one-on-one,’” he says.

The private appointment model was born. “Honestly, COVID made me realize that exclusivity isn’t about price…it’s about attention,” Wick explains. This one-on-one model became the heart of The Spectacle experience, offering clients personalized, safe, and stylish service.

Craftsmanship, Customization, and Care

For Wick, eyewear is personal. “I read faces the way a designer reads fabric. Color, shape, proportion, and personality all factor in,” he says. 

And now, The Spectacle is truly a family business. Wick’s son, Mason, joined the shop and is studying to become a licensed optician. “You can’t teach personality,” Wick says proudly. “And he’s got it.”

Behind the Frames: Brands and Philosophy

The Spectacle features Tom Ford, Theo, Valentine, and a mix of independent European designers that celebrate originality. Wick avoids mass-produced, licensed labels, explaining, “When the manufacturer isn’t paying a big licensing fee, they can invest in quality craftsmanship instead.”

He believes real luxury lies in construction, not logos. “When a customer puts on a pair and says, ‘This is incredible,’ that’s when you’ve earned their loyalty,” he says. 

The Spectacle Experience: Private, Personal, and Powerful

Today, The Spectacle operates by appointment only, ensuring every visitor gets Wick’s undivided attention. “Fifteen minutes with me often turns into an hour,” he laughs. “People come in expecting glasses and leave with confidence.”

Word of mouth drives The Spectacle’s growth. “Take amazing care of one person and they’ll tell ten friends. Treat someone poorly and they’ll tell a thousand strangers,” Wick says. That’s the secret to his success, genuine care and unmatched service.

Seeing Raleigh Through a Clearer Lens

Wick Morgan has redefined luxury eyewear in Raleigh, creating more than a boutique; he’s created an experience rooted in heart, heritage, and high style.

As Wick puts it, “If you’re not having fun doing what you’re doing, that’s unfortunate. That should be a rethink immediately.”

The Spectacle is more than eyewear, it’s a reflection of who Raleigh is becoming: stylish, elevated, and full of heart.

FAQs

Where is The Spectacle located?

The Spectacle is located at 4209 Lassiter Mill Rd, Suite 110, Raleigh, NC 27609.

What are the hours of operation?

They operate by appointment only. Regular hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed Sunday).

How long does a consultation take?

 Most appointments take around 15 minutes, though Wick’s personalized touch often keeps clients lingering longer, in the best way possible.

What kind of eyewear and services does The Spectacle offer?

They specialize in luxury and designer eyewear, including prescription glasses, sunglasses, high-performance and sport eyewear. They also emphasize high-end lens technology and a refined selection of frames.

What brands does The Spectacle carry?

Ray-Ban, Tom Ford, Persol, Barton Perreira, Paul Smith, Maybach, Lindberg, Theo, Thierry Lasry, Anne et Valentin, Lafont, Akoni, Modo, State Optical, and many more. 

What is the typical price range for frames?

According to the founding story, frames at The Spectacle start around ~$165 and may go up to ~$1,000 or more depending on brand, materials, and lenses. 

How can I contact The Spectacle for more information or to book an appointment?

You can call them at 919-783-5863.