Jacques Marie Mage Candy
"Those are too fancy for me," I used to say, watching clients try on Jacques Marie Mage Candy frames. I'd admire them from afar - the way you might admire a piece of art in a museum - beautiful, but not for your living room.
Then came the Candy.
I was actually reorganizing our JMM display (something satisfying about lining up those leather cases just right) when I knocked one open. Inside was this Rouge Havana Candy frame that literally stopped me mid-cleanup. The light from our windows hit it in a way that made the acetate look alive - like honey caught in sunlight.
"Just try them," my colleague urged, probably tired of watching me stare. I hesitated. See, I'm the one usually giving this advice, not taking it. But I lifted them out and, half expecting to look ridiculous, put them on.
Here's the thing about the Candy frame - it does something weird to your face. Not weird bad. Weird good. The upswept edges that I thought would be too dramatic somehow weren't. Instead of overwhelming my face like I expected, they did this subtle thing where they lifted everything up. Like a micro-facelift, but make it cool.
I kept them on while finishing the display. Then while helping a client. Then somehow it was lunch and I was still wearing them. They felt... right. Not just physically (though the balance is ridiculous - you barely feel them), but like they belonged.
This is where I should probably tell you about the technical stuff - how each frame is aged like fine wine, numbered like art prints, crafted by Japanese artisans who treat acetate like sculptors treat marble. How the arrow tips on the temples take days to perfect. It's all true, and it's all impressive.
But what really gets me is how these frames make you feel. Not like you're wearing a status symbol or trying to be someone else, but like you've found something that brings out the most interesting version of yourself.
My favorite moment was when a client - let's be real, now a friend after so many years - came in wearing her beat-up Warby Parkers. She saw my Candy frames and asked to try them. I watched her face do exactly what mine had done - that subtle shift from "these aren't me" to "oh wait" to "oh wow." She now owns them in two colors and wears them better than I do.
Some eyewear feels like it's trying too hard to make a statement. The Candy doesn't try - it just is. Whether you're in yoga pants grabbing coffee or dressed up for whatever life throws at you, they work. They're limited edition, yes, but not in that artificial "quick, buy now!" way. They're limited because making something this good takes time.
I ended up buying those frames. They sit in their leather case at night (the packaging is another story entirely - think Apple-level satisfaction when you open it), but during the day, they're my quiet confidence boost. My subtle reminder that sometimes the best things in life are the ones that surprise you.
If you're curious about the Candy frame, come see us - book an appointment at Shades Optical today. Not because we need to sell them - they do that themselves. But because finding eyewear that changes how you see yourself is worth sharing. And if you're like me and think they're "too fancy," well... try them anyway. Sometimes the best things in life happen when we prove ourselves wrong.
Why Shades Optical Carries JMM
At Shades Optical, we're not just another eyewear store. We're curators of exceptional frames that tell stories and transform experiences. We carry Jacques Marie Mage, and specifically the Candy collection, because they align perfectly with our philosophy of what eyewear should be - transformative, expertly crafted, and deeply personal.
The Candy frame represents everything we look for in our collection: uncompromising quality, innovative design, and the ability to make someone feel like the best version of themselves. It's not just about the name or the exclusivity - it's about the moment someone puts on the perfect frame and sees themselves in a new light.
Beyond the Candy
While the Candy frame holds a special place in our hearts (and on our display), it's just one example of the exceptional eyewear you'll find at Shades Optical. Our carefully curated collection includes pieces that range from subtle sophistication to bold statements, each selected for its ability to enhance not just vision, but confidence.
Schedule an appointment with us to explore not just the Candy frame, but our entire collection of exceptional eyewear. Let us show you why we're not just the best in luxury eyewear - we're the only ones who combine this level of curation with deeply personal service and expertise.
Because at Shades Optical, we believe finding the perfect frame isn't just about how you look - it's about discovering how exceptional eyewear can make you feel.
Book your personal consultation today and let us help you write your own eyewear story.
P.S. The Rouge Havana is still my favorite, but that's just me. Each color has its own personality, and watching people discover "their" shade is one of the best parts of my job.