Emmanuel Macron's oversized aviators at the 2026 Davos World Economic Forum turned a functional accessory into a headline-making fashion statement. Handmade in the Jura region of France by Maison Henry Jullien, the frames feature a distinct 'Gold-Filled' finish and precision mineral lenses.
Macron wore the Pacific S 01 model while managing a minor eye infection — a benign burst blood vessel — but the look immediately dominated the post-Davos discussion.
Macron's Frames: Materials and Construction
Maison Henry Jullien has produced eyewear in France since 1921. Macron's specific model, the Pacific S 01, is defined by the brand's signature 'Doublé Or' (Gold-Filled) technique. Unlike standard plating, this process mechanically bonds a thick layer of gold to the base metal, ensuring exceptional longevity.
The frame-making process is fully manual and highly detailed:
- Metal selection and preparation – A thick sheet of gold is mechanically fused to the base metal before cutting, ensuring the gold finish is inseparable from the frame.
- Shaping – The gold-filled components are hammered and pressed to achieve the correct curvature for the double-bridge and temples.
- Soldering and assembly – Components such as the frame front, temples, and brow bar are joined using precision artisan soldering to maintain the gold integrity.
- Temple construction – The temples are fitted with high-performance hinges and balanced for weight distribution, often tipped with acetate for comfort.
- Polishing and finishing – Each frame is polished by hand for hours to bring out the jewelry-grade luster of the gold.
- Lens cutting and fitting – Mineral lenses are cut to size, polished, and inserted into the frame. Each lens is aligned for optical clarity.
- Adjustment and quality control – Screws, hinges, and temples are tightened, checked for alignment, and tested for comfort and durability.
Each frame requires 279 manual operations and takes up to four months to complete. Components are serviceable—this includes the nose pads, screws, and temples, which may be replaced or tightened.
Where to Buy Macron's Aviators
Maison Henry Jullien sells exclusively through independent premium opticians. Prices for the Gold-Filled Pacific S 01 are approximately €659 ($715). Official stockists and the waitlist are listed here: Maison Henry Jullien Boutiques.
Maison Jean-François Rey offers similar hand-finished aviators in thin metal with light, precise construction: J.F. Rey Aviators.
For a more affordable alternative, Ray-Ban Outdoorsman reproduces the brow-bar design and executive silhouette for $170–$210: Ray-Ban Outdoorsman.
Styling the Executive 'Top Gun' Aviator
Oversized aviators convey presence. Macron juxtaposed his with his usual sharp suiting, which elevated the statesman's usual uniform. The French have always been lauded as a stylish people, and Macron proved that point with a single accessory. Here are a few practical points we've picked from the look:
- Metal frames maintain shape and finish longer than plastic alternatives.
- Lens shape should match face proportions; the 'Navigator' (squared) shape fits most male geometries better than the teardrop.
- Temple design should be thin and sleek to provide security without adding visual bulk.
How to Achieve the Macron Look
Focus on materials, structure, comfort, and craftsmanship. Price point considered, this pair is a definite investment, but it's the gold-filled (a thicker layer of gold than standard gold plating) durable frames, hand-polished metal, and serviceable components that separate these frames from mass-produced aviators.
The lenses themselves are precision-cut, reducing glare and distortion, and the hinges are engineered to withstand years of daily wear without loosening. Subtle design details — like the bridge curve and tapered temples — create a fit that is both functional and exact.
