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GOLD & WOOD

“Maurice Léonard Transforms Eyewear Into Art With Gold & Wood, Blending Luxury, Rare Materials, And Craftsmanship Into Timeless Elegance.”

BY SUNA MOYA - 24 NOVEMBER 2024

GOLD & WOOD
“Maurice Léonard Transforms Eyewear Into Art With Gold & Wood, Blending Luxury, Rare Materials, And Craftsmanship Into Timeless Elegance.”

Gold & Wood founder Maurice Léonard transforms eyewear into art with designs crafted from gold, rare woods, and silk. Since 1995, his dedication to craftsmanship and unique materials has earned global acclaim, including Silmo d’Or awards. Celebrated worldwide, Gold & Wood embodies elegance and the harmony of nature and artistry. Maurice’s passion remains undiminished as he continues to innovate in luxury eyewear.

As the French team prepares for an exceptional photo shoot to showcase a luxurious eyewear collection, we were also thrilled to welcome Maurice Léonard, the visionary owner who traveled from Belgium. He arrived with a stunning selection of glasses, each pair more captivating than the last, crafted from exquisite materials such as gold and rare woods. Each frame is a true work of art.

Maurice's journey began in 1995 with a dream of transforming eyewear into a true art form. He started in a modest workshop with a small team of artisans, dedicating himself to creating frames that were more than mere accessories; they were objects of desire, each infused with character and sophistication. From the very beginning, Maurice embraced unique materials such as wood and silk, setting a new standard for elegance and individuality.

Through his dedication to craftsmanship, that small workshop transformed into the globally celebrated luxury brand Gold & Wood, which is now synonymous with refinement and quality. Prestigious triumphs soon followed, including Silmo d’Or awards for the 'Star' and 'Moon' models. Adorned with exotic woods, carbon fiber, and precious stones, Gold & Wood frames represent a vision of eyewear as high art.

Today, Gold & Wood is celebrated worldwide as a symbol of beauty and craftsmanship. Each pair of glasses honours the harmony between nature and human artistry, creating a legacy of elegance that continues to inspire.

During the energetic photoshoot with Marie-Automne Peyregne, who looked stunning in a couture suit and dress by Julien Fournié, we had the opportunity to sit down with Maurice. Despite the fast pace of his eyewear adventures, he remains as passionate and energetic as ever, continuously pushing boundaries in the world of luxury eyewear.

— SUNA MOYA

P r o d u c t i o n

P h o t o g r a p h y

Jean-Francois DESJACQUES

M o d e l

Marie-Automne PEYREGNE

F a s h i o n w e a r

Julien Fournié

H a i r & M a k e u p

Patrick & Marcel

GOLD & WOOD
“Maurice Léonard Transforms Eyewear Into Art With Gold & Wood, Blending Luxury, Rare Materials, And Craftsmanship Into Timeless Elegance.”

QCEG Maurice, your glasses are described as "couture frames" with full customisation. How does this work?
MAURICE LÉONARD Each frame is made-to-measure, allowing customers to personalise everything — colour, shape, metal, and small details. It's truly a couture experience.

QCEG Celebrities wear your glasses. Can you share more about that?
MAURICE LÉONARD Yes, many prominent figures like Tim Cook, Snoop Dogg, and Prince Albert of Monaco wear our designs. It’s exciting to see such a diverse range of personalities embracing our eyewear.

QCEG What draws you to transparent frames?
MAURICE LÉONARD I love the simplicity of transparent frames. They let the wearer’s personality shine through while keeping the design sophisticated and subtle.

QCEG How long do your frames typically last?
MAURICE LÉONARD We guarantee them for three years, but with care, they can last for decades. Some customers have worn theirs for over twenty years.

QCEG Are all your frames produced in Luxembourg?
MAURICE LÉONARD Yes, we produce everything in Luxembourg to maintain high standards of craftsmanship.

QCEG How has your customer base changed?
MAURICE LÉONARD Initially, we attracted mostly men, but as we introduced more feminine styles, our clientele became perfectly balanced between men and women.

QCEG Do you follow eyewear trends?
MAURICE LÉONARD We don’t follow trends; we stay true to our unique style. Our focus is on timeless designs that stand out.

QCEG What’s your signature frame?
MAURICE LÉONARD Our wooden frames are iconic, along with our frameless glasses with a touch of red elegance and timelessness.

QCEG What about sunglasses?
MAURICE LÉONARD We’ve been making sunglasses for 35 years. They're a key part of our collection and require a lot of creativity.

QCEG You’ve introduced diamond-encrusted glasses. Tell us more.
MAURICE LÉONARD Yes, they’re a unique luxury offering. Customers can choose the number and placement of diamonds and even add rubies or sapphires. These are fully custom-made.

QCEG Where can customers find your glasses?
MAURICE LÉONARD Our glasses are available along the Champs-Élysées and Rue de Rivoli in Paris and markets like China and Saudi Arabia.

QCEG What’s next for the brand in 2025?
MAURICE LÉONARD 2025 will be monumental. We’re launching new collections, refining our brand image, and expanding our offerings with diamond and gold frames.