Collection: Jean Patou

Jean Patou embodies a French elegance, understated yet refined, often imbued with understated luxury. In terms of eyewear, the brand reflects this same balance between classic sophistication and bold stylistic touches: geometric frames, gold details, and subtle patterns. Patou's style is structured and feminine, with a decidedly couture visual signature.

Founded in 1914 by Jean Patou, the house first distinguished itself in haute couture, then in perfumery (with Joy, one of the most expensive perfumes in the world at its launch). After the designer's untimely death in 1936, the brand continued to develop under various artistic directors, including those of Jean-Paul Gaultier and Christian Lacroix. It was in the 1970s and 1980s that Jean Patou granted his eyewear license to European manufacturers, particularly Italian and German, in the wake of major fashion houses extending their universe to luxury accessories.

Vintage Jean Patou sunglasses are distinguished by their oversized shapes with rounded or rectangular contours, faithful to the visual codes of the 70s and 80s. The acetate is often worked in deep shades like Havana brown, black or burgundy, sometimes enhanced with gold details. The temples frequently display the “JP” logo, engraved or inlaid in metal, a discreet but assertive sign of the brand. Some frames explicitly mention “Jean Patou Paris” on the inside, testifying to their roots in the world of Parisian luxury.

Jean Patou was one of the first couturiers to take an interest in sports and active women. In the 1920s, he created functional tennis outfits for Suzanne Lenglen. This modernity is reflected in some vintage eyewear collections, designed not only for elegance, but also for comfort and everyday wearability.

Jean Patou eyewear is uncommon on the vintage market, making it a relatively rare piece. Its European manufacturing guarantees high-quality materials and finishes, often comparable to those of major contemporary fashion houses. Its striking balance between understated elegance and sophistication, with discreet yet precise visual signatures. Finally, it embodies a pivotal era when French haute couture was also expressed through accessories, particularly eyewear, which were fashion objects in their own right.