Quick answer
Choose CLOTILDE if you want a bolder, more expressive wooden frame with a simpler set of options; choose CARMEN if you prefer a slightly softer shape and want the extra flexibility of choosing a temple style. Both are handcrafted from responsibly sourced birch wood in Madrid, so the real decision comes down to shape and how much customization you need.
Shape and style: bold versus softer
CLOTILDE and CARMEN share the same Nina Mûr construction—lightweight birch wood built through multi-layer lamination—but they are not identical in character. CLOTILDE leans toward a bolder, more architectural look, while CARMEN offers a softer, more relaxed silhouette. If you want your glasses to be a visible style statement, CLOTILDE is the more assertive choice; if you prefer your frames to blend more gently with your features, CARMEN is the easier everyday option.
Neither frame is inherently more flattering—the right shape depends on your face. As a general rule, round and oval frames soften angular jawlines and balance square or rectangular faces, while they can accentuate roundness on very circular faces. Because the catalog does not list exact lens or bridge measurements for either model, treat the shape descriptions as a starting point and confirm fit with the retailer before ordering.
Customization: one extra decision with CARMEN
Both frames let you choose a color and a nosepad option, so you can fine-tune comfort and match your wardrobe. CARMEN adds a temple choice on top of that. If you have strong preferences about how the arms of your glasses look or feel—or you want to coordinate them with the front color—CARMEN gives you one more lever to pull. If you would rather keep the decision simple, CLOTILDE's shorter option list is a practical advantage.
Keep in mind that more options mean more variables to get right. If you are ordering online and cannot try frames on first, the simpler configuration of CLOTILDE reduces the chance of a mismatch between what you expect and what arrives.
Wood construction: what it means day to day
Both models use responsibly sourced birch wood and a multi-layer lamination process, which is what gives Nina Mûr frames their lightweight feel and durability. Wood frames are not fragile, but they do reward sensible care: avoid leaving them in a hot car or on a sunny windowsill, and clean them with a soft cloth rather than harsh solvents. If you want a frame that feels warm and natural against the skin and ages with character, either model delivers that; if you need something you can abuse without a second thought, a metal or acetate frame may be more forgiving.
Key trade-offs to weigh
- Shape: bold vs. soft: CLOTILDE's bolder shape makes a stronger style statement; CARMEN's softer silhouette is easier to wear every day and pairs with more looks. Try on both shapes if you can—photos can make a bold frame look more extreme than it does in person.
- Customization: simple vs. flexible: Both offer color and nosepad choices, but only CARMEN adds a temple option. Choose CARMEN if you want to fine-tune the arms; choose CLOTILDE if you prefer fewer decisions.
- Fit information: limited online: The catalog does not list exact measurements for either frame, so use the shape guidance and confirm sizing with the retailer before you buy. Ask for lens width, bridge and temple length if you are between sizes.
Product facts at a glance
-
CLOTILDE: Handcrafted in Madrid from responsibly sourced birch wood using multi-layer lamination. This construction keeps the frame lightweight and durable while giving it a distinctive natural texture.
CLOTILDE
-
CARMEN: Offers color, nosepad and temple options for a more customized fit and look. The extra temple choice lets you tailor the frame's appearance and comfort more precisely than a standard two-option setup.
CARMEN
Which frame is right for you?
Best for
- People with square or angular faces who want a rounder frame to soften their features
- Shoppers who want a distinctive, handcrafted wooden frame that stands out
- Anyone who prefers a simpler ordering process with fewer options
Not for
- People with very round faces who want to add definition—a more angular frame may suit better
- Shoppers who need precise temple customization (choose CARMEN instead)
- Anyone who wants a frame they can treat roughly without care