What Makes These $900 Glasses a Must-Have for Millionaires
Nine hundred dollars for eyeglasses sounds like a punchline until you see these frames up close. They are thick, dark, numbered, and scarce by design because they are made in limited runs and vanish long before most people even hear about them. And for those who invest, they’re making a point about wearing a piece of design history, handcrafted in Japan, and signaling that you are part of an exclusive club.
The name stamped inside each arm is Jacques Marie Mage. The frames have become a subtle way to announce access, influence, and taste. Their presence in boardrooms, at private dinners, and on famous faces is no accident.
Craftsmanship That Sets Them Apart
The story of Jacques Marie Mage starts in 2014 with French designer Jérôme Mage, who built his brand on a dedication to detail. The frames begin as a thick slab of Japanese acetate or, in some models, a combination of acetate and beta titanium. Skilled artisans cut, shape, polish, and assemble every component by hand. Over 300 individual steps go into a single frame, from embedding sterling silver arrowhead hinges to polishing each curve until the surface gleams like lacquer.
That level of attention means production is slow and intentional. Instead of an endless supply, the brand favors small, themed collections inspired by cinema, architecture, and cultural icons. This approach attracts people who value artistry in everyday objects. Even the packaging reflects that vision: frames arrive in silk‑lined boxes with Italian leather cases and story cards that explain the heritage behind each design.
Why the Wealthy Are Hooked
Image via Unsplash/GlassesShop
A growing number of affluent buyers see eyewear as a signature detail that stays with them through every meeting and photo opportunity. Jacques Marie Mage appeals to them because the designs are bold but refined. It is the difference between a suit that shows tailoring excellence and one that flaunts a giant logo.
High-profile wearers reinforce that appeal. LeBron James has been photographed arriving at arenas in the brand’s Dealan frames. Daniel Craig wears them off-camera and on red carpets. Jeff Goldblum collaborated with Jérôme Mage on his own design, aptly named the Jeff, and often refuses to take them off for photographers. On social media, fans track sightings of Jacob Elordi, Cillian Murphy, and Beyoncé in various JMM releases. Their reputation is built through organic adoption by tastemakers.
The Feel of Something Rare
Beyond celebrity influence, the frames carry a certain weight—literally. Models like the Molino or the Enzo are carved from thick acetate to give them a substantial presence on the face. Owners often describe the moment they put them on as different from anything they have worn before.
This uniqueness has fueled a collector community. Online forums and resale groups track new drops and limited collaborations. Because each production run is finite, discontinued colorways often appreciate in value, something almost unheard of in eyewear.
Beyond Trends and Logos
Part of the draw for millionaires is that Jacques Marie Mage offers status without obvious branding. The frames have no oversized lettering on the temples or flashy emblems. Instead, they feature subtle design cues—tiny silver arrows, engraved metal cores visible through translucent acetate, or a signature curve in the brow line. Those details are recognizable only to those familiar with the brand.
Luxury eyewear has long been dominated by conglomerates like EssilorLuxottica, whose factories produce for many household-name designers. By contrast, Jacques Marie Mage positions itself as an independent atelier. Each piece is the antithesis of fast fashion.
Looking Ahead
Jacques Marie Mage continues to expand carefully by opening boutiques in cities like Milan and London and planning new galleries in Paris, Tokyo, and Austin. The brand is also branching into fine jewelry and other accessories, but eyewear remains its core. For those already invested, each new release is a chance to discover another piece of wearable art.