Jacques Marie Mage - Wolves, Obnoxious Acetate and The American Dream

[ColdinMN]

A little bit offtopic maybe, I was getting interested in some Kuboraum frames, particularly some from the P series, as P10, P8 and others, so the ones with that kind of temples, I don't have that much experience with these frames, is someone able to tell me how is the quality compared to JMM?
I saw they are made in italy but I guess they are pretty high quality, or atleast I hope so, thanks in advance to anyone that will help out.

I have the same question. Also interested in Native Sons and Julius Tart, although getting these is a little tougher.

 

[FlyingHorker]

RE: Cheaper alternatives for chunky acetates, Akila

They came out with an "inflated" collection. I'm sure they've taken note as to what JMM is doing with price hikes.

I think people here would like the Kaya and Apollo.

$160USD for chunky, MiChina acetate with dope designs is a win-win for pure value.

I like JMM, but I'd never have bought a pair if I was looking to get sunglasses.

 

[TR14]

I have the same question. Also interested in Native Sons and Julius Tart, although getting these is a little tougher.

I have two pairs of Native Sons. Purchased pre-JMM likely in 2020 IIRC.

Not sure if you have handled them. The acetate isn’t quite as thick (models are Cornell and sacai x oppenheim with clip); however, the quality is impressive and they have held up very well.

Granted, they are far from daily drivers, but I enjoy them and they do feel like they are about one tier under JMM. Came with a case that’s well made and useful. Seem like they have held up better than at least my Glass Walkers. The clear acetate on the Walkers isn’t yellowing, but it has some weird things I feel like I’m starting to notice. Tried to snap a couple photos but hard to capture for an amateur like me.

At the time of purchase, the Native Sons price point was a touch below some of the intro JMM (Canadian prices). JMM’s increases have now made the Native Sons 50-60% the price of JMM. Their owner/founder has posted a few stories/videos of their production facility, acetate manufacturing, and the like. Seems very small and adds to the brand.

Only problem I guess I have is there aren’t too many models that jump out to me. The Cornells have been complimented more than my JMMs.

 

[bawlin]

RE: Cheaper alternatives for chunky acetates, Akila

Akila frames feel as cheap as they cost.

 

[ColdinMN]

I have two pairs of Native Sons. Purchased pre-JMM likely in 2020 IIRC.

Not sure if you have handled them. The acetate isn’t quite as thick (models are Cornell and sacai x oppenheim with clip); however, the quality is impressive and they have held up very well.

Granted, they are far from daily drivers, but I enjoy them and they do feel like they are about one tier under JMM. Came with a case that’s well made and useful. Seem like they have held up better than at least my Glass Walkers. The clear acetate on the Walkers isn’t yellowing, but it has some weird things I feel like I’m starting to notice. Tried to snap a couple photos but hard to capture for an amateur like me.

At the time of purchase, the Native Sons price point was a touch below some of the intro JMM (Canadian prices). JMM’s increases have now made the Native Sons 50-60% the price of JMM. Their owner/founder has posted a few stories/videos of their production facility, acetate manufacturing, and the like. Seems very small and adds to the brand.

Only problem I guess I have is there aren’t too many models that jump out to me. The Cornells have been complimented more than my JMMs.

Thanks for the info. I’m going to look into the brand further. Any suggestions on where to purchase in North America?

 

[TR14]

No problem at all. They have a few frames that I would love as opticals (I don’t wear an Rx).

Effector is another made in Japan brand I purchased. Need new lenses in them, which I never got around to. Their quality is also similar to the Native Sons.

Know you’re in Minnesota, but this Canadian retailer might be worth a browse to find models that may jump out to you. Shipping may be a hassle internationally (I don’t know this for sure), but could see if there was a US retailer with models that you might like.

https://www.bluebuttonshop.com/shop/CATEGORY/M/Eyewear/ALL/0

Thanks for the info. I’m going to look into the brand further. Any suggestions on where to purchase in North America

 

[Pakman161]

While we're on the subject of other brands, have any folks here tried on or have experience with True Vintage Revival? I am eyeing this 5 series and curious if you feel the quality and detail are there similar to JMM? https://www.tvropt.eu/product/tvr-series-5/

 

[D32169]

One of the very few times I’ve seen JMMs in the flesh I was in Phipps plaza mall in Atlanta getting my one and only pair of LFs and a lad came in wearing LFs as opticals and went behind the counter to talk to the manager. He came out with another pair of LFs. He might not have the collection of that Facebook fanboi upthread but still a serious collector. The lass who was serving me says he’s in all the time and gets just about every pair of LFs as soon as they have them in stock.

I think he's stated somewhere in his FB post that the count is around 200 JMM frames.

Nein. There are at least two guys with over 300 pair, one in NY, one in Vegas.

 

[Thin White Duke]

One thing that keeps my collection from getting waaay too big is that you can only wear one pair at a time and that ls a whole lot of money sitting in the drawer. Over 300 pairs means they will only get one or two wears a year if evenly distributed.

 

[Pakman161]

Nein. There are at least two guys with over 300 pair, one in NY, one in Vegas.

Very much dedicated collectors of this brand then. I have no idea how you can go through that rotation. I guess one for every day once you hit 365.

 

[obecity]

Nein. There are at least two guys with over 300 pair, one in NY, one in Vegas.

Inexcusably excessive. There’s no reason for anyone to have that much. What. So. Ever. People may not like me saying that, but I’m honest and straight forward. I’m told quite frequently that i say it the way most people just think it.

 

[Pakman161]

Inexcusably excessive. There’s no reason for anyone to have that much. What. So. Ever. People may not like me saying that, but I’m honest and straight forward. I’m told quite frequently that i say it the way most people just think it.

Sir, you have so much pent-up rage. May I suggest taking up Brazilian jiu jitsu? or wrestling? It's never too late even at your age. Everyone on style forum is most likely living in excess. Look around! You have threads where people are showing off their latest and greatest bespoke suit, bespoke shoes, bespoke denim jeans, bespoke cashmere sweater, vintage flannel, and so on. I agree it's mind boggling to own 300 pairs of sunglasses, but Elton John probably has a ton more in his custom-made sunglass closet. You only have one life, just enjoy the ride and do what makes you happy as long as it doesn't hurt anyone. Right? I've complained about prices, JMM's quality control sucks lately, customer service is lacking. However, that doesn't deter me from buying from them again as some have stated here. I'll certainly be more mindful on what I want, but lord knows if they ever drop an Enzo in Cobalt, or a Rover Fade I will whip out my wallet and say, "just take my money".

 

[threeleggeddog]

Random discussion but what is everyone’s thoughts on super light tints for indoor use? I’ve always been a clear for optical, dark for shades kind of guy, but given I have so many now I’m thinking of adding a few colors for more fun settings. Still likely won’t ever wear them in an office (I do consulting, not djing)

 

[Thin White Duke]

Random discussion but what is everyone’s thoughts on super light tints for indoor use? I’ve always been a clear for optical, dark for shades kind of guy, but given I have so many now I’m thinking of adding a few colors for more fun settings. Still likely won’t ever wear them in an office (I do consulting, not djing)

Good question.
I’ve said on here several times before that as a pasty Nordic blondie living in the Sunshine State many of the JMM lighter tints are worthless to me as I’d be walking around outside squinting like Mister Magoo. I’ve replaced the lenses in a few JMMs with darker tints so that my $800 sunglasses can actually do the job they’re supposed to do.

I don’t wear opticals yet although at my vintage I’ve reconciled with the fact that it’s in my (near?) future.

I’ve always thought that people who wear sunglasses indoors (especially pubs / nightclubs) are complete knobs and to be avoided at all costs. But if you work in a brightly lit office I think there is some latitude for light tints and in that scenario they can look cool. I have a pair of Ray Ban Gatsby Metal Squares (small chrome plated rectangular frames) which a light blueish tint that I can get away with indoors and sometimes choose these if for example we’re invited to a barbecue at a house where I know I’ll be inside and outside throughout the day.

I did a teams job interview once where I was strongly encouraged to add a photo to my LinkedIn profile. (Strange request it wasn’t a modelling job!) I’m still yet to do so and didn’t get the job. I’m not a tin foil hat paranoid conspiracy nut but I’m wary of putting too much personal info out there as we were identity thefted a few years ago. I’ve been considering adding a pic wearing the above light tints which would give potential employers a hint of what I look like but dissuade identity thieves from using the pic to fake up passport photos 😀😀😃

 

[The_J_Hat]

Disappointed JMM doesn’t have any of their models showing their war face for the FMJs.