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Nathalie Blanc Eyewear

Maison Nathalie Blanc: Parisian elegance as seen by an optician

Maison Nathalie Blanc glasses are designed by an optician-turned-designer, for whom a frame is as much about style as it is about optical functionality.

Maison Nathalie Blanc glasses are designed by an optician-turned-designer, for whom a frame is as much about style as it is about optical functionality. Founded by Nathalie Blanc, the brand has developed a collection inspired by Parisian style, design and vintage references, featuring acetate or metal frames crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The design, the material and the quest for the right balance with the face are central to this: proportions matter just as much as the silhouette, and colour is not merely a finishing touch to the design but one of its key elements. At Olivia Balm, our selection brings together the brand’s prescription frames and sunglasses, chosen for their character and the unique approach to eyewear they embody.

Maison Nathalie Blanc glasses are designed by an optician-turned-designer, for whom a frame is as much about style as it is about optical functionality. Founded by Nathalie Blanc, the brand has developed a collection inspired by Parisian style, design and vintage references, featuring acetate or metal frames crafted with meticulous attention to detail.

The design, the material and the quest for the right balance with the face are central to this: proportions matter just as much as the silhouette, and colour is not merely a finishing touch to the design but one of its key elements.

At Olivia Balm, our selection brings together the brand’s prescription frames and sunglasses, chosen for their character and the unique approach to eyewear they embody.

Nathalie Blanc eyewear — collection at Olivia Balm

Who is Nathalie Blanc, the optician-turned-designer?

The brand’s story begins with a very personal experience with glasses. From childhood, Nathalie Blanc wore frames whose shape did not suit her face. This dissatisfaction fuelled a desire to rethink the item: no longer merely a piece of optical equipment, but an integral part of one’s style. After studying at the ISO in Paris, she became an optician and opened two opticians’ shops. There, she gained practical knowledge of facial anatomy, comfort and the practicalities of everyday wear. Before launching her own brand, she designed collections for Michel Klein in 2010, then for Swildens in 2012. In 2015, she launched her first eponymous brand, Nathalie Blanc Paris, with the aim of combining style and comfort whilst taking into account the diversity of facial features. This was followed by a collaboration with Rouje by Jeanne Damas on the Corto model in 2016, then the Blanc range in 2018. In 2020, the various business activities were brought together under the name Maison Nathalie Blanc.

How can you recognise a Nathalie Blanc frame?

The identity of Nathalie Blanc Paris lies in an approach that is both elegant and expressive: a Parisian style, clean lines, delicate shapes and a constant focus on the proportions of the frame. The designs do more than simply follow trends. The collections draw on references from the past, particularly the aesthetics of the 1960s and 1970s, reinterpreted in contemporary frames. Colour plays an important role: some models combine subtle shades with more contrasting details, whilst acetate allows for the creation of depth and variations in texture. Two design elements recur from one collection to the next: the circular details on the temples and the inverted bridge, designed as an aesthetic choice that visually frames the upper part of the face. This balance between character and simplicity explains the diversity of the models — some remain slim and discreet, whilst others make a bold statement through their size, colours or shapes.

Acetate or metal: what are Nathalie Blanc glasses made of?

The creation of a frame is based here on a dialogue between design and technology. The brand works with acetate and metal in collaboration with French, Italian and Japanese manufacturers, depending on the collection. Acetate plays a central role here: the brand collaborates with Mazzucchelli to develop handcrafted collections featuring distinctive textural effects and depth. Cellulose acetate allows for great freedom in terms of colours, transparencies and thicknesses; the choice of sheet and how it is worked directly contribute to the visual character of the frame. A metal collection has been available since 2017, featuring a more refined and minimalist design approach and a high level of precision in the manufacturing process: lighter lines, varied shapes and a more discreet appearance on the face. Our selection, however, now consists exclusively of acetate models.

Nathalie Blanc Paris, Blanc, Monsieur Blanc: what are the differences between the ranges?

Nathalie Blanc Paris is the brand’s heritage range: Parisian style, delicate lines, sophisticated colours and vintage-inspired designs, available in both prescription glasses and sunglasses, in acetate and metal. Some frames stand out for their generous shapes or colourful details, whilst others favour a more refined aesthetic. Blanc, launched in 2018, is aimed at young adults and those with slimmer faces. It draws on the hallmarks of the classic range, adapting them to a more spontaneous and accessible aesthetic, with a deliberate retro influence on shapes, colours and materials. Monsieur Blanc, launched in 2020, is the brand’s men’s range: it embodies the same core values of purity, elegance and craftsmanship, featuring Italian and Japanese acetate as well as metal frames. This range is not included in our selection, which is currently exclusively for women.

How to choose your Nathalie Blanc frames?

The choice depends on a number of criteria: face shape, the proportions of the frame, the material, the colour and the level of visibility desired. With this particular brand, the colour is chosen first in relation to skin tone, and only then in relation to the face. This is the opposite of the usual approach, and it explains why a shade that looks superb in the shop window can make facial features appear harsher once worn. Square shapes, which make up the majority of our selection, effectively frame a round face; Esther 2 and Zahra, with their irregular shapes, are the most creative in the range and the most challenging to wear. Prescription frames showcase the brand’s signature approach to form and material. Sunglasses open up further possibilities with coloured, gradient or mirrored lenses, with certain shades and treatments developed in collaboration with the Franco-Italian partner DIVEL. For a pair intended to accommodate corrective lenses, the frame must also be compatible with the specifications of your prescription: we check this before any lenses are fitted.

Frequently asked questions about Nathalie Blanc glasses

  • Q: Is Maison Nathalie Blanc a French brand?

    A: Maison Nathalie Blanc is a French brand, founded by the designer and optician Nathalie Blanc. Her first eponymous brand, Nathalie Blanc Paris, was launched in 2015; the various business activities were brought together under the name Maison Nathalie Blanc in 2020.

  • Q: Who is Nathalie Blanc?

    A: Nathalie Blanc is a French optician and designer. After studying at the ISO in Paris, she worked as an optician and opened two shops, then designed collections for Michel Klein in 2010 and Swildens in 2012, before launching her own brand in 2015. This hands-on background explains the attention paid to proportions and comfort.

  • Q: Where are Nathalie Blanc glasses made?

    A: Manufacturing varies depending on the collection. Nathalie Blanc Paris glasses are manufactured in France and Italy, with the designer working across France, Italy and Japan depending on the specialist skills required. The acetate used in certain handcrafted ranges is developed in collaboration with Mazzucchelli.

  • Q: What materials are used in Nathalie Blanc glasses?

    A: Acetate and metal, the latter having been introduced since the launch of a dedicated collection in 2017. Our Olivia Balm selection comprises nine styles, all in acetate: there are currently no metal frames in the range. This is consistent with the brand’s signature use of colour and depth, which only this material allows.

  • Q: Does Maison Nathalie Blanc offer glasses for men?

    A: The brand has developed ‘Monsieur Blanc’, a men’s range launched in 2020, whilst ‘Nathalie Blanc Paris’ includes styles for both men and women. Our selection, however, is currently exclusively for women: all nine of our models are listed as women’s frames. If you are looking for a French-made men’s frame, our Roussilhe selection will be more suitable.

  • Q: How much do Nathalie Blanc glasses cost?

    A: From €309 to €349 for a pair of prescription frames, €309 or €359 for the two sunglasses models, frames only. This is the highest entry-level price amongst our French brands, which is justified by the acetate craftsmanship involved. For prescription glasses, the cost of the lenses is added according to your prescription and the treatments selected.

  • Q: Are Nathalie Blanc glasses suitable for varifocals?

    A: Generally speaking, yes: five of our nine models are square and offer sufficient lens height. Frame widths range from 50 to 59 mm — the Ambre N and Mauricette, at 51 mm, are designed for slender faces, whilst the Edwige, at 59 mm, requires a wider face. We check the centre alignment and effective height against your prescription before fitting.

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