Jacques Marie Mage has earned a loyal following among people who care about how their glasses are made. Pick up a pair and you’ll notice the weight first, then the hinges, which open with a firm, deliberate click.
It’s one of the independent designer brands we carry, and 2 of its best-known designs often land on the same shortlist. The Dealan and the Zephirin both sit in our eyeglass frame collection, and they suit a wide range of faces. Choose the Dealan if you want a bold, retro frame with plenty of character, or go with the Zephirin if you’d like a slimmer, rounder shape you can wear every day.
What Makes Jacques Marie Mage Frames Stand Out
These frames arrive in small-batch runs, and each colour release is limited. Once a colourway sells through, it doesn’t come back. That’s part of why people hunt for them.
The build reflects the same approach. Thick acetate, hand-finished details, and custom hinges give each pair a substance you can feel between your fingers. Artisans polish each pair by hand and add precious metal hardware, including the arrowhead-shaped pins you’ll spot on the front corners.
The Dealan Brings Bold, Vintage-Inspired Character
The Dealan first appeared in the brand’s debut season back in 2015. Its design pays tribute to the black frames Bob Dylan wore on tour in the mid-’60s, and you can see that influence right away.
From the front, it looks like a squared-off wayfarer. Then the outer corners lift into a subtle cat-eye, which gives the frame a bit of attitude.
Look closely, and you’ll find arrowhead pins at the front corners and a 7-barrel hinge that keeps the temples steady. The thick front gives this frame a strong presence, and it looks especially sharp in darker colourways like black or tortoiseshell.
The standard Dealan fits most medium-width faces comfortably. If your features are broader, ask to try the wider version. Pick the Dealan if you like retro styling and don’t mind a frame people comment on.
The Zephirin Offers a Quieter Presence
Named after Pope Zephyrinus, the Zephirin borrows its proportions from eyewear made before the Second World War. Its lines are slimmer than the Dealan’s, and the top rim follows a gentle curve that softens your features.
The sculpted temples use layers of acetate in different colours. So when you turn your head, you may see thin stripes of colour running along the sides.
Because it doesn’t dominate your face, the Zephirin makes an easy choice for everyday prescription glasses. It looks just as natural with a blazer as it does with a weekend sweater.
The Zephirin comes in 2 sizes: the 44 and the 47. Choose the 44 if you have a narrower face and want the classic pre-war proportions. The 47 adds width, which can suit broader faces or anyone who’d like the frame to look a little bolder.
How to Choose Between the Dealan and the Zephirin
Before you decide, ask yourself a few questions:
- Is your face on the wider or narrower side through the cheekbones?
- Do you prefer tall, squared lenses or a rounder, shallower shape?
- Do you want a frame people notice, or one you forget you’re wearing?
- Will you wear this pair as sunglasses or with prescription lenses every morning?
Plenty of people end up owning both, with a Dealan for sunny days and a Zephirin for daily wear. Try them on back-to-back. The difference is much easier to see in a mirror than in photos.
If you go the sunglasses route, pay attention to the lenses too. You can’t judge UV protection by price or by how dark the lenses look, so ask us to confirm your pair blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
Getting Fitted for Jacques Marie Mage Frames
Frame shopping goes better with a second opinion and a proper measurement. Our optical team can walk you through try-ons and show you how each shape sits against your brow line and cheeks.
We’ll also check details like bridge width and temple length. A well-fitting frame can stay comfortable long after the first hour.
Planning to wear either frame with a prescription? Book an eye exam with our optometrist, and we can fit your new lenses and coatings during the same visit.
Try the Dealan and Zephirin Side by Side
Photos can only tell you so much about frames with this much detail. Come in, try both, and tell us how you plan to wear them, whether that’s on a sunny patio or at your desk.
At West 10th Eyes, we’ll help you compare each pair’s fit and finish up close. Book your appointment and find the frame you’ll love!
