Jacques Marie Mage in Chicago is available at one location only: CustomEyes River North, at 607 N. State St. The brand’s deliberate rarity (some styles are produced in only 200 pairs worldwide) means that finding JMM in the city is worth a dedicated visit rather than a casual stop.
If you’ve heard collectors talk about Jacques Marie Mage in hushed tones, or spotted a pair on a musician or filmmaker and wondered what you were looking at, this guide covers what makes JMM different, which styles are worth knowing, and how to shop the brand intelligently in Chicago.
What makes Jacques Marie Mage different
Jacques Marie Mage (JMM) was founded in Los Angeles in 2014 by Jerome Mage, a French-born designer who spent years working across fashion before launching his own eyewear line. The brand’s premise is unusual in the industry: intentionally tiny production runs, historically driven storytelling, and a refusal to chase trends.
A typical JMM run is 200 to 500 pairs worldwide. Some special editions drop in even smaller numbers. Once a colorway sells through, it’s gone. The brand is forthright about this, and it drives the collector culture around the line.
Each collection draws from specific historical inspirations. Past collections have honored Stanley Kubrick, the American West, 19th-century French poets, and mid-century jazz musicians. Some frames are named after real historical figures. Others are named after places. The back story isn’t marketing filler: the design details on each frame usually reference something specific in the source material.
Beyond the storytelling, the material quality is exceptional:
- Acetate up to 10mm thick, cut from proprietary blocks and requiring weeks to dry before cutting
- Real precious metal detailing, including 18-karat gold and sterling silver on certain editions
- Hand-finishing in Sabae, Japan, the region considered the birthplace of modern eyewear manufacturing
- Custom hinges engineered to hold tension for a lifetime
- Packaging closer to a jewelry presentation than an eyewear box
This is why JMM sits at the top end of the luxury eyewear market, both in price and in cultural cachet.
JMM’s most recognizable styles
JMM’s catalog rotates constantly, but a few signature shapes have become modern classics:
- Dealan. A heavy-acetate round optical frame that became the brand’s unofficial calling card. Reissued in rotating colorways.
- Zephirin. An architectural square frame with combined acetate and titanium construction. A JMM archetype.
- Taos. Southwestern-inspired soft aviator shape with bold color stories.
- Molino. A classic rectangular frame that flatters more conservative tastes.
- Clark. The aviator that pays homage to mid-century filmmakers, often produced with sterling silver or 18-karat gold accents.
Limited-edition collaborations drop throughout the year, including partnerships with White Mountaineering, luxury auction houses, and the estates of historical figures like Loulou de la Falaise. These sell through quickly, often within hours of release.
Where to find Jacques Marie Mage in Chicago
JMM’s distribution is tightly controlled. The brand partners with a small number of authorized retailers globally, and each retailer receives a curated allocation rather than open inventory.
In the CustomEyes network, Jacques Marie Mage is only available at CustomEyes River North, at 607 N. State St. If you’re trying to see JMM in person anywhere in Chicago, that’s your destination. The full brand-by-location list confirms this, and the River North team has the deepest experience with the collection.
This exclusivity is deliberate. JMM carefully selects retail partners based on fit, care, and community. River North’s curated mix, which also includes Anne et Valentin, Theo, Akoni, and Celine, matches the kind of environment JMM looks for.
What to expect when shopping Jacques Marie Mage
Shopping for JMM is different from shopping for most other designer brands. A few things to know before you visit.
Selection is curated, not catalog
River North will have a thoughtful selection of current styles, but not every release from every collection. If you’re hunting a specific model, call ahead or ask the optician about availability before making the trip.
Sold-out styles rarely come back
When a colorway sells through globally, there’s no restock. If you love something on the shelf, take it seriously. Vintage JMM styles often appear on resale platforms at higher prices than original retail.
The try-on takes longer than you’d expect
JMM’s frames are heavier and more architectural than most designer eyewear. They sit differently. A 5-minute try-on matters because the weight and balance of these frames is part of the product.
Fitting is non-negotiable on these frames
JMM’s intentional heft means proper adjustment matters more than on a lighter frame. The River North opticians are trained on JMM’s specific adjustment techniques. Custom fittings for eyeglasses make the difference between a JMM frame that wears beautifully and one that slides down your nose.
Book a free frame styling appointment at River North to get dedicated time with the collection.
Pricing and what to expect
Jacques Marie Mage frames are priced at the top of the luxury eyewear market. Optical frames typically start around $800 and climb past $1,200 for standard styles. Editions with precious-metal detailing or special collaborations can reach $2,000 or more. Sunglasses follow similar pricing. Lenses are priced separately based on your prescription.
The pricing reflects real costs: 10mm acetate blocks, weeks of curing, handwork in Sabae, precious-metal components, and the production overhead of short runs. It also reflects the collector market that’s built around the brand. Vintage JMM styles often hold or increase in resale value, which is uncommon in eyewear.
The case for handmade eyewear over factory-pressed alternatives is most extreme at the JMM tier. For the broader Chicago context, designer eyeglasses cover how JMM fits among the city’s other top brands.
Caring for JMM frames
The same care principles that apply to any handmade acetate frame apply to JMM, with one extra consideration: the thickness of the acetate means these frames don’t adjust like thinner styles. Never try to bend or re-fit a JMM frame yourself.
A few specifics from the River North team:
- Always remove with two hands
- Rinse lenses under water before wiping to prevent micro-scratches
- Store in the included JMM case, designed for the frame’s weight
- Bring the frames in every 6 to 12 months for a free professional adjustment
- Avoid leaving the frames in a hot car; the thick acetate can warp at high temperatures
Frequently asked questions about Jacques Marie Mage in Chicago
Where are Jacques Marie Mage frames made?
All JMM optical frames are handmade in Sabae, Japan, by a single artisan per frame. Some accessories and leather goods are produced in Italy.
Why are JMM frames so expensive?
Price reflects three things: material costs (thick proprietary acetate, precious metals), production costs (small runs in Japan’s premier eyewear region), and the limited-edition model that caps each production run.
Can I get Jacques Marie Mage frames with my prescription?
Yes. Any JMM optical frame can be fit with prescription lenses, and most sunglass styles can be ordered as prescription sun. The River North opticians will confirm which lens types work with each frame’s geometry.
Can I buy Jacques Marie Mage online?
Some retailers sell JMM online, but the brand’s preferred experience is in-person. JMM’s distribution model also means online inventory is extremely limited, and you’ll miss the fitting and in-person PD measurement that these frames especially benefit from.
Does Jacques Marie Mage ever restock sold-out styles?
Rarely. Some popular silhouettes are reissued in new colorways, but specific sold-out colorways don’t typically return. This scarcity is part of the brand’s identity.
Do I need an appointment to see JMM at CustomEyes River North?
Walk-ins are welcome, but booking a frame styling appointment guarantees you dedicated time with the JMM selection. Given the brand’s complexity, an appointment is usually worthwhile.
Book your appointment at CustomEyes River North to see Jacques Marie Mage in person, or browse the latest designer collections online for context on what else River North carries.
