We arrive at the ‘Atelier’. The famous Binocle’s Designer Dadou come with us.

A man that we couldn’t characterized as a hipster or a caveman walks towards us. A firm handshake. We note: sturdy hands with some scars and scratches, hands both firm and soft, hands that have the experience of our craftsman.

We enter. '' It is an old barn converted into a workshop. This is where the magic happens; Dadou confides to us with sparkling eyes. This is where the dream becomes true. ''

1- SHAPING THE FRONT

1.1 Die-cutting acetate frames

All starts with a little monster: a saw. It cuts small acetate plates.. in which frames will be cut later.

Dadou stops, turns to us; and tell us an ode to cellulose acetate :

'We mainly use cellulose acetate in the manufacture of Binocles. It is a noble material, a very beautiful one by its transparency, malleability and its infinite chromatic possibilities; she explains. Cellulose is a natural polymer derived from cotton fibers mixed : That’s why Cellulose Acetate is a hypoallergenic material. It is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive ones. This material is a guarantee of quality and durability. '' [Applause]

Once small acetate plates ready, we will proceed to the die-cutting of the blanks first, where the lenses will be fitted. This is made in automatic mode, based on the die the model-maker did before. Second step is to die-cut the frame’s shape. Using a milling machine to reproduce also called a pantograph (yes, you understood well: the principle of this machine is the same as the drawing pantograph), the skilled hands of our craftsman lead the inking along the template when the cutter cuts the acetate plate simultaneously.

We polish the whole thing, we smoothe the edge of the frame that rests on the cheeks and we go to bending.

1.2 Bending and nose’s bridge creasing

'' You see, our Binocles are beginning to take shape; it's super exciting! Dadou says with weard enthusiasm. Let’s say we have the body here, the bending step will give it a soul'' .. ??
Basically, they will not be as flat; This step will make them fit perfectly the face and nose’s curves. And for this, we need to heat up the frontal shape in order to soften the acetate and give it the required curves. The pair of glasses scrolls on a heating mat then get inside the bending machine. It bends it in the targetted locations by pressure surges. The frame is cooled in cold water, dried then treated by acetone for brightness.

Our craftsman performs a last miling shot on our Binocles before polishing it : a whole art of smoothing the area around the nose. A delightful show for our virgin eyes.

2- POLISHING-SANDING

We arrive in front of large wooden casks. This is called polishing tumblers. Frontal shape and temples are placed separatly. The polishing results from the rotation of the beech and birch wood tumblers which are abrasive. Our Binocles suffer on average 36 hours of sanding and 48h of polishing.

3- SHAPING THE TEMPLE

It’s not over yet, our Binocles need temples. As well as the fronts, the temples are cut from the chosen acetate plates, then polished.

Dadou says: '' The Step to remember in manufacturing temples is called the 'shooting', I am not talking of a photo shoot einh .. [Laughs] The temples are heated to the point we can tie them. A narrow strip of steel called a core wire is also heated. And when the right temperatures ares reached, the core wire is inserted into the center of the softned temple. ''

4- ASSEMBLY AND FINISHING TOUCHES

Small slots are cut from the upper corners of our Binocle frontal frames, replaced by halves of small pieces of metal called hinges. The temples are then assembled to the fronts by screwing the hinge together. The ends of the temples are curved in a special machine to fit behind the ears. The Frame is ready. A last round of polishing and smoothing is done by hand for a last touch of brilliance.

'' I like it when they are soft to the touch, says Dadou. This brightness that can offer cellulose acetate is unique. This is really a high quality material, ''

A final verification of the frame is meticulously made to make sure the frame is symmetrical and hinges are secure for your best confort ladies and gentlemans.

Your favorite accessory is finally wiped and wrapped in a vintage-inspired handmade case.