White acetate and Arabian gazelle horn impart a vintage look
“My vision is very eclectic,” starts Jérôme Aupin. The burgeoning designer and founder of the Dubai-based eyewear brand Jaupin, launched in 2017, cultivates his eyewear sur mesure. “I consider each of my designs different,” nods the maître artisan. “This is what excites me with the bespoke – to understand the client’s philosophy and refer to several cultures. From the vintage to the futurist, casual or extravagant, the day-to-day or the jewelry masterpiece. This is magical; building a piece from your imagination.” Aupin expresses his “big break” as having had the opportunity to work in a prestigious high jewelry workshop. The experience incited him to upgrade his technique, allowing him to create what he expresses are “real pieces of art, worthy of the greatest jewelers.”
More than 150 hours of work went into these cat-eye solid gold sunglasses
Each unique pair of Jaupin eyewear requires several weeks for design and production. The founder shares that he pushes his imagination to make creations that are increasingly complex, merging design skills, engineering, knowledge of materials, and precision. The customer experience begins with a one-hour meeting to understand what each unique eyewear should express along with sizing, and he can employ 3D mapping to offer a better idea of the result. His newest client is rapper Morgenshtern, who has commissioned “a design that matches his character,” expresses Aupin. He uses materials like acetate, buffalo horn, and gems with final details that can include engraving, Arabic handwriting, personalized logos, and gold plate, all handcrafted in Gate Avenue DIFC, Dubai.
Crafted from buffalo horn, each piece is sculpted in line with French artisanal knowledge
Other celebrity clients who have gravitated to the sophisticated, futuristic eyewear include J Balvin, Cardi B, Kourtney Kardashian, Balqees Fathi, and Mohamed Ramadan. “My creations have been made to your taste, for you. It’s the dream; there is a story and memories in each of my works. To part with such an object is to draw a line under your past. This is my sustainable point of view. You don’t part with it, you collect and take care of them.”
Prices start from AED4 600, Jaupin.com
Originally published in the Fall/Winter 2022 issue of Vogue Man Arabia
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