Originally entering the eyewear industry as an optician, Jacques Durand branched into the realms of eyewear production and distribution after crossing paths with Alain Mikli and Philippe Starck. In 2002, he created Jacques Durand Lunetier (JDL), a company offering services to brands looking to develop an eyewear collection, including Buggati Eyewear, one of his most creative projects. Today, JDL has been reconstructed into Jacques Durand Occhiali (JDO) with offices based in Italy, distributing Jacques Durand Eyewear. Inspired by famous retro frames from the ’50s, the collection consists of 56 styles available in colors such as black, tortoiseshell, red, crystal, chocolate, white, grenat and tokyo. With sophisticated technical elaboration, each frame design is focused on quality and comfort. All made in Italy and France, the collection boasts defined lines and strong colors, all marked by Durand’s experience and expertise. Its aesthetic simplicity is exhibited in frame features including hinges with friction control and temple tips with extra material for added comfort.
—Victoria Garcia
PHILOSOPHY: “I need a collaboration like this between Europe and the United States in order to develop the brand and better understand themarket differences,” say Jacques Durand. “My target is to gradually become a luxury brand.”
MARKETING: Merchandising materials include a color chart, manufacturing card, Jacques Durand mirror with acetate block and 8-by-11 countercards featuring specific models; each frame comes with a leather case and cleaning cloth.
PRICE POINT: $$$$$
CONTACT: For additional information, contact Gramercy Eyewear, (917) 855-8235;
website: gramercyeyewear.com
INSIGHT
Each purchased frame comes with a manufacturing card detailing the production process. Various craftsmen and manufacturers involved in each stage of production as well as the geographic location are listed.
