Altera Brand

Jacques Durand is an eyewear brand based in Italy, created by French designer and spectacle maker Jacques Durand.

Originally an optician, Jacques Durand evolved into a leading eyewear designer. His broad experience, built up alongside Alain Mikli at the outset of his career, was further developed working closely with Philippe Starck at Starck Eyes, and later as project manager for various eyewear brands, among which Bugatti eyewear. Creator Jacques Durand ventured out on his own to expand his search of a renewed approach to eyewear design, devoting his talent and energies to his eyewear concept.

Inspired by contemporary art, architecture and automotive design, Jacques Durand conceives pure, distinctive shapes with distinct outlines. Light and matter are the design playing field — flat frame fronts and clearly defined edges enhance the outline of the shapes. The design of Jacques Durand frames reveals continuity in evolution. The collection evolves with the same approach to eyewear design that led to the creation of the brand. Iconic shapes are redesigned, and geometric volumes are reinterpreted, expanding the boundaries of technical and aesthetic possibilities, experiencing the potential of the design process.

It’s in the synergy of goldsmiths’ crafts and the heritage of eyewear manufacturing know-how that lays the value of our Atelier. Each particular craft brings technical accomplishments, improves quality of details, and broadens our perspective. From sketching to prototyping, each step of the process contributes to achieving excellence in eyewear production. In our Atelier every new creation is prototyped by hand to find the perfect fit and aesthetic balance. While tools and machinery have led us to improve precision in frame manufacturing, our spirit of creative craftsmanship animates our work, encouraging us to push the limits.

Each Jacques Durand frame is made in Italy. Production is carried out in our workshop and premises in Montecchio Maggiore, Vicenza, Italy. Transparent production is an integral part of our identity. Each frame comes with a manufacturing card detailing the production process. Craftsmen and manufacturers involved in each stage of production as well as the geographic location are listed in order to guarantee traceability.