The Business of Fashion Podcast: Jacques Marie Mage and the Transformative Power of Sunglasses

Release Date: July 18, 2025

In this insightful episode of The Business of Fashion Podcast, host Imran Ahmed engages in a compelling conversation with Jerome Maje, the visionary founder and creative force behind Jacques Marimage, a luxury eyewear brand celebrated for its distinctive designs, limited production runs, and profound storytelling. The discussion delves into Maje's personal journey, the brand's unique philosophy, and the broader implications of luxury and craftsmanship in today's fashion landscape.

1. Introduction to Jerome Maje and Jacques Marimage

Imran Ahmed opens the conversation by highlighting Jerome Maje's impressive background and the essence of his brand. Jacques Marimage stands out in the luxury eyewear market through its rarity, storytelling, and unparalleled craftsmanship.

Imran Ahmed [01:44]: "With each design, Jerome channels his vast array of influences, from American mythologies to Napoleonic tailoring and iconic personalities and transforms them into expressive objects with enduring emotional power."

2. Jerome Maje's Journey: From Auvergne to Los Angeles

Jerome Maje shares his early passion for sketching, which ignited his journey into design. Growing up in Auvergne, a region in central France likened by Maje to Wyoming, he developed a strong character influenced by the rugged landscapes and cultural heritage of his homeland.

Jerome Maje [04:12]: "I grew up in Auvergne. It's the center of France... a bit like, I guess, the Midwest."

At 15, Maje moved to Paris to pursue his education in design, a decision that marked the beginning of his feeling like an outsider within French society. Seeking creative freedom and inspired by California's vibrant action sports culture, he relocated to Los Angeles at 21, where he embraced opportunities that would shape his future.

Jerome Maje [06:01]: "I was already very much an outsider in France... When I would come to America, I felt that people very much welcome and madness. It was the opposite."

3. Transition from Action Sports to Luxury Eyewear

Maje recounts his early career in the action sports industry, working with renowned brands like SPY and Jake Burton. This period honed his skills in merging functionality with fashion, particularly in designing products that balanced performance with aesthetic appeal.

Jerome Maje [09:55]: "I love designing hardware. I love how it was merging functionality, fashion, graphics, colors."

However, as the industry shifted focus towards social media and influencer-driven marketing, Maje found himself at a crossroads. Disenchanted with the declining emphasis on product quality and the increasing reliance on marketing over craftsmanship, he began contemplating a return to his roots in fashion and luxury.

Jerome Maje [14:53]: "I really didn't like the directions that business started to take... I wanted to return maybe a little bit more to my French roots."

4. Philosophy and Design Approach of Jacques Marimage

Jacques Marimage was born from Maje's desire to create a luxury brand rooted in rarity and storytelling. Unlike mass-produced eyewear, each pair of Jacques Marimage sunglasses is meticulously crafted in limited quantities, ensuring exclusivity and high quality. Maje emphasizes that his designs are not mere copies but modern interpretations infused with rich narratives.

Jerome Maje [17:00]: "I always say I'm at the service of my sunglasses... I serve them."

His approach involves collaborating closely with ateliers in Japan, allowing for small production runs that maintain the brand's commitment to craftsmanship and uniqueness.

Jerome Maje [19:22]: "It's important for the people in the atelier to know who they work for, who they create the glasses for, because then they do not work the same way."

5. The Transformative Power of Sunglasses

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the symbolic and emotional significance of sunglasses. Maje recounts a childhood memory where his brother's glasses transformed his appearance, instilling a lifelong fascination with how eyewear can alter one's persona.

Jerome Maje [01:44]: "I think for a lot of people it's transformative. We live in a modern world that can be quite intrusive and people all day long their life are on display and I think it's very nice to hide behind a pair of sunglasses."

He elaborates on how sunglasses serve as both a functional accessory and a form of personal armor, offering privacy and a sense of identity. The archetypal associations with iconic figures further enhance their allure.

Jerome Maje [27:32]: "They're an easy way for people to recognize themselves as tribes, as partners, as opposites. It's transformative."

6. Sustainability and Luxury in the Fashion Ecosystem

Maje critically examines the current state of the luxury fashion industry, highlighting issues related to mass production and the dilution of brand exclusivity. He contrasts Jacques Marimage's model of limited editions with the globalized, mass-produced luxury market epitomized by giants like Louis Vuitton.

Jerome Maje [36:35]: "Luxury has become very suspicious... I really wanted to return to a sense of rarity because I think for me, there's no luxury without rarity."

By maintaining strict control over production numbers and emphasizing storytelling, Jacques Marimage preserves the intrinsic value and exclusivity that define true luxury.

7. Brand Expansion and Retail Experiences

Discussing the brand's expansion into retail, Maje describes each new store as a unique "brand experience" rather than a conventional retail space. Drawing inspiration from the First and Second Empire periods, his galleries are designed as intimate salons that reflect different facets of Jacques Marimage's alter ego.

Jerome Maje [45:32]: "It's not a formula, it's not something we repeat. Each gallery is a very personal expression."

These spaces serve as both showcases for the eyewear and immersive environments that tell the brand's story, fostering deep connections with visitors.

8. Advice for Outsiders

In the episode's concluding moments, Maje offers heartfelt advice to individuals who feel like outsiders. He emphasizes the strength found in one's unique perspective and the value of maintaining authenticity in the face of opposition.

Jerome Maje [54:15]: "If you don't let go of that, then I don't know if it's a weakness, but this point of difference becomes a strength... you have a point of view that is more tangible, more unique, and that has more value."

Conclusion

Jerome Maje's journey from a passionate outsider to the founder of a distinguished luxury eyewear brand exemplifies the power of authenticity, craftsmanship, and storytelling in fashion. Jacques Marimage stands as a testament to the enduring value of rarity and the profound impact of thoughtfully designed accessories. This episode offers invaluable insights into building a brand that not only excels in quality but also resonates deeply with its audience through rich narratives and impeccable design.

Notable Quotes:

• Jerome Maje [14:53]: "I really didn't like the directions that business started to take... I wanted to return maybe a little bit more to my French roots."

• Jerome Maje [27:32]: "They're an easy way for people to recognize themselves as tribes, as partners, as opposites. It's transformative."

• Jerome Maje [54:15]: "If you don't let go of that, then I don't know if it's a weakness, but this point of difference becomes a strength."