The story of Jacques Marie Mage

When Frenchman Jerome Mage started his optical brand in 2015, no one believed in his idea. The market was already overcrowded. His design, it was thick, clumsy arches, which went against the prevailing minimalist look of the time. The price tag is way too high. And even the name, JACQUES MARIE MAGE, was wrong in the mouth. Today, the Los Angeles-based company is one of the world's absolute hottest and trendiest eyewear brands you can wear.

Jerome Mage has always been an extremely fashion conscious and passionate man. Already at a young age, he had become a collector of rank with over 50 suits from Saint Laurent dating back to the 70s, more BMX bikes than square meters on a normal-sized 4th floor in Östermalm, as well as over 1000 pairs of vintage sunglasses. However, the biggest passion is of course glasses. “What I love about glasses is that they are an incredibly sensual object. You put the frames over your nose, and that's the first thing people see when they look at you. The glasses define your face!” says Jerome.

JACQUES MARIE MAGE frames are always produced in extremely limited editions, often no more than 250 pairs which are distributed widely. The inspiration comes from continents, cultures and generations that are close to Jerome's heart, such as the American West with its national parks, old Hollywood and French New Wave culture. Many bows have been named after popular culture icons such as Bob Dylan, Brigitte Bardot, Enzo Ferrari, Grace Kelly, Dennis Hopper, and Anita Ekberg, just to name a few.

JACQUES MARIE MAGE is the opposite of minimalist, i.e. maximalist. The style is sophisticated yet powerful, playful, and with an abundance of attitude. Made in Italy and Japan, the bows are genuine craftsmanship brought to life through technological innovation as the machines used in the factories pre-date the Second World War.

These machines require a lot of adjustments, and if that produces frames that are less identical under the micro cabinet than mass-produced glasses. However, it is a result that Jerome Mage embraces. "The imperfections reveal a human touch and give our frames this warm and sensual finish," he said.

If you have a penchant for history, craftsmanship, technical innovation and iconic role models, you will appreciate JACQUES MARIE MAGE. Glasses, and especially sunglasses, have long been known to be a key component of a certain type of myth-making. Jerome Mage has an idea why. "With glasses you can become a different person. Change your sunglasses and you change your personality."