Rigards
Rigards is an avant-garde eyewear brand founded by Ti Kwa and Jean-Marc Virard, with frames made by hand at its atelier in Hong Kong. It is known for frames cut from natural buffalo horn, as well as titanium designs.
| Founded | 2012 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Ti Kwa, Jean-Marc Virard |
| Atelier | Hong Kong |
| Signature material | Buffalo horn |
| Website | rigards.com |
What is Rigards?
Rigards is an independent eyewear brand created by designer Ti Kwa, who leads design and production, and Jean-Marc Virard, who directs marketing and branding. The founders split their time between Los Angeles, France and Hong Kong, and the frames are designed and made at the brand's workshop atelier in Hong Kong. The brand launched to the public in 2012.
Products and positioning
Buffalo horn is the signature material, chosen over acetate. The horn comes from water buffalo that have died naturally on farms in Ethiopia and Egypt, and the brand aims to use every part of the animal. Frames are cut by hand and made to order, with one horn-master taking each pair from start to finish.
Designs pair modern, architectural shapes with traditional craft and matte finishes. Special treatments include Sanjuro, a hand-scratched stone-like finish named after the samurai film, and Relique, a rust-like texture.
- Handmade buffalo horn optical frames and sunglasses
- Titanium frames and clip-ons
- Collaborations, including with Ziggy Chen
Distribution
Rigards is sold through avant-garde fashion boutiques and specialist opticians internationally.
Why it matters
Rigards shows how small eyewear houses differentiate through materials and craft, with a focus on sustainability.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Rigards?
Rigards was founded by designer Ti Kwa and Jean-Marc Virard, who launched the brand to the public in 2012.
Where are Rigards glasses made?
Rigards frames are designed and made by hand at the brand's workshop atelier in Hong Kong.