Frame France eyewear, produced in France from the 1940s to the 1950s, possesses a unique presence that reflects the culture and atmosphere of the time. These glasses were handcrafted in small workshops before eyewear production became highly mechanized, embodying a distinct charm.
Among them, several models stand out for their particularly eye-catching designs and are categorized as "avant-garde." While models like GARGOYLE / ROCK, previously featured in AFTER's journal, are classic examples, this time we're introducing a piece that doesn't have a specific name.
Even without a designated name, identical designs demonstrably exist in multiple pieces, still exuding an overwhelming presence decades later. Let's delve into the details of such a piece.
The linear cuts, appearing abruptly within the soft lines, brilliantly highlight the rigid texture unique to celluloid of that era.
Furthermore, the undulating top line, with its raised brow, and these subtle yet precisely executed details, result in a truly unique look unlike anything else.
What's most striking is the bold cut at the outer corners of the eyes. While the overall front and lens shapes are rather rounded, the contrasting linear and sharp-angled cuts lend an appropriate tension to the overall design.
Moreover, viewing the front from above reveals the same sharp, angular impression at the outer corners of the eyes. The sharp edges, seemingly cut directly from the material, can, of course, only be achieved with celluloid from that period.
Furthermore, while mass-produced, generic hinges are common today, all hinges used in Frame France eyewear were painstakingly hand-carved. The thick, robust metal hinges, combined with the "placed hinge" technique where they are set on the material rather than embedded, convey the powerful presence unique to vintage pieces.
Needless to say, the front and temples are made of celluloid. Its transparency, luster, and excellent color development are qualities that can only be achieved with materials from that era. The background of the time is strongly reflected in each material and component.
Frame France offers a wide range of models, from relatively easy-to-wear pieces like the Parisian, which we introduced recently, to avant-garde designs like GARGOYLE / ROCK, which embody French aesthetic sensibilities.
The model we're introducing this time sits somewhere in between. While its distinctive cutting is eye-catching, it surprisingly blends well with the face when worn, making it easy to incorporate into fashion.
However, this by no means suggests that this model is commonplace. Its unique cutting, undulating top line, and the slightly droopy lens shape contained within—every detail is distinct.
The harmony of these elements as a whole is proof that this model is an original, not an imitation or concept-driven design.
Please come and experience its impressive presence firsthand at our store. We look forward to your visit.
