In recent years, RIGARDS has captivated fashion enthusiasts worldwide. With its innovative designs, meticulous handcraftsmanship, and use of natural materials, RIGARDS eyewear is more than just an accessory—it is a true work of art.

This article explores the allure of RIGARDS, delving into its history, the designers' backgrounds, and the unique characteristics of its products.

1. What is RIGARDS? The Global Phenomenon of Hong Kong’s Luxury Eyewear

The Origins of RIGARDS: From Hong Kong to the World, Rising at an Unprecedented Pace

RIGARDS is a Hong Kong-born luxury eyewear brand that continues to fascinate fashion enthusiasts across the globe with its unparalleled designs, commitment to natural materials, and exceptional craftsmanship.

The brand was founded in 2012 by Ti Kwa and Jean-Marc Virard in Hong Kong. The name RIGARDS is derived from the French word "regard," meaning "to look" or "to observe." The brand embodies the philosophy of redefining the act of seeing and aims to provide new perspectives through eyewear. Today, RIGARDS operates from its base in Paris, France.

A relatively young brand, RIGARDS' groundbreaking designs have earned global recognition, securing prestigious awards over the years.

• Silmo d'Or: One of the most prestigious awards in the eyewear industry. RIGARDS has been nominated and won multiple times, recognized for its originality and technical innovation.
• A' Design Award: A highly acclaimed international design competition. RIGARDS won gold in the eyewear design category.
• V.Award: A design award based in Hong Kong, celebrating RIGARDS for its groundbreaking design and unique brand concept.

These accolades solidify RIGARDS’ status not just as an eyewear brand but as a creator of wearable art. At a time when mass-produced eyewear dominates the market, RIGARDS continues to defy trends by pursuing timeless design and enduring quality, further setting itself apart as a truly exceptional brand.

RIGARDS’ Design Philosophy: Three Core Principles That Define Its Unique Presence

The essence of RIGARDS’ craftsmanship is encapsulated in the phrase "Handmade for your face." Rather than producing standardized, mass-produced items, RIGARDS meticulously handcrafts each piece, ensuring that every frame feels like a natural extension of the wearer’s face, enhancing their individuality and personal aesthetic.

RIGARDS adheres to the following three guiding principles in its eyewear creation:

• Slow Design: In a world of mass production and consumption, RIGARDS focuses on crafting eyewear with meticulous care, ensuring longevity and timeless appeal.
• Craftsmanship: Every piece is made by skilled artisans, paying meticulous attention to every detail to deliver the highest quality products.
• Sustainability: By actively utilizing natural materials and implementing sustainable production methods, RIGARDS minimizes environmental impact.

These philosophies are deeply embedded in RIGARDS' designs, material selection, and production processes. The brand takes inspiration from natural textures and forms, resulting in truly unique eyewear that stands apart from the rest.

The Two Geniuses Behind RIGARDS: Ti Kwa & Jean-Marc Virard

RIGARDS is led by two designers from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared passion for distinctive eyewear.

A Fateful Meeting: How an Eyewear Revolution Began in a Back Alley in Hong Kong

In 2012, Ti Kwa and Jean-Marc Virard crossed paths by chance in a small eyewear store in a back alley of Hong Kong. Both shared a deep admiration for unique eyewear, and their mutual appreciation led to the phrase "best regards", which eventually inspired the brand's name: RIGARDS.

Ti Kwa: The Creative Heart of RIGARDS

Born in Malaysia, Ti Kwa has an extensive background in music and the fashion industry. He is primarily responsible for design and production at RIGARDS. Having worn glasses since childhood for vision correction, Ti Kwa initially focused on functionality. However, over time, he realized the importance of design and became deeply passionate about pushing the boundaries of eyewear aesthetics. He is also an avid collector of vintage eyewear.

Fashion Industry Experience: Began his career in the music industry before transitioning into fashion. Launched his own fashion brand in Hong Kong, designing apparel and accessories. Gained extensive knowledge in material selection, quality control, and production management—all of which play a key role in RIGARDS' eyewear manufacturing.

Jean-Marc Virard: The Visionary Behind RIGARDS' Branding

Hailing from France, Jean-Marc Virard shares Ti Kwa's background in music and fashion. At RIGARDS, he is in charge of marketing and branding, helping shape and communicate the brand’s distinct world.

Fashion Industry Experience:Started his career as a fashion buyer in France. Later moved to Hong Kong, working as a fashion consultant for various brands, specializing in marketing and brand strategy. At RIGARDS, he utilizes his expertise to curate and convey the brand’s identity to its audience.

Together, the two designers operate RIGARDS while traveling between their studios in Los Angeles, France, and Hong Kong. This international perspective is one of the defining factors that gives RIGARDS eyewear its unmistakable individuality.

The Materials & Craftsmanship That Define RIGARDS Eyewear

Craftsmanship: One Artisan Oversees the Entire Process

Every RIGARDS eyewear piece is entirely handcrafted, with an artisan meticulously handling each step from material selection to polishing and finishing. For example, frames made from buffalo horn are crafted by a single artisan, ensuring that each frame is completely unique—no two pieces are ever identical. This level of dedication to craftsmanship is what makes RIGARDS exceptional in the eyewear industry.

Commitment to Natural Materials: Centered on Buffalo Horn

RIGARDS uses carefully selected natural materials such as buffalo horn, wood, titanium, copper, silver, and aluminum-magnesium alloy. One of the key attractions of these materials is the unique texture and the ability to appreciate their aging process over time.

In particular, RIGARDS actively uses buffalo horn as the primary material for eyewear frames. Buffalo horn is a natural material with high durability and a beautiful luster. At RIGARDS, buffalo horn sourced from buffalo raised in Ethiopia and Egypt is repurposed, preserving the natural texture that makes each piece distinctive. Since every piece of buffalo horn has its own unique pattern and color variations, no two are identical. This makes every RIGARDS eyewear a one-of-a-kind creation. Additionally, the more it is used, the richer the texture becomes, allowing wearers to enjoy the beauty of natural aging.

Unique Design: The Aesthetics of Imperfection

RIGARDS' design philosophy is rooted in breaking conventional boundaries, resulting in avant-garde eyewear designs. Drawing inspiration from the textures and forms found in nature, RIGARDS creates truly distinctive pieces that are unlike anything else.

The design philosophy of RIGARDS focuses on blending contrasting elements to create a unique form of beauty. For example, the brand skillfully combines rough-textured materials with smooth, curved frames or fuses traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design techniques, resulting in highly individualistic eyewear.

Rather than seeking a flawless aesthetic, RIGARDS values the raw beauty inherent in natural materials and the expressive power of imperfection. Each piece of RIGARDS eyewear serves as a reflection of the wearer's personal journey, making it more than just an accessory—it becomes a mirror of their life experiences.

Commitment to Sustainability: Coexisting with Nature

RIGARDS actively addresses environmental concerns, ensuring that the use of natural materials is not just about aesthetic appeal and quality but also reflects a commitment to responsible sourcing and ethical production.

• Use of Natural Materials: By repurposing buffalo horn and leather obtained from naturally deceased animals, RIGARDS helps minimize environmental impact. The buffalo horn used by the brand is sourced from buffalo raised in Ethiopia and Egypt, further reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
• Waste Reduction: The production process is carefully managed to minimize waste as much as possible.
• Recycling Initiatives: RIGARDS is exploring the possibility of a program to collect and recycle used eyewear. 。

[Carefully Selected] Recommended RIGARDS Eyewear: Find Your "Destined One"

RIGARDS offers both sunglasses and optical glasses. The collection is available in two sizes—European fit and Asian fit—designed to accommodate various face shapes.

• Materials: RIGARDS utilizes a diverse range of materials, including buffalo horn, wood, titanium, copper, silver, and aluminum-magnesium alloy.
• Designs: The brand offers various frame shapes, such as round, square, and octagon. Clip-on sunglasses are also a popular option.

Ti Kwa, the founder of RIGARDS, states: "What I want to create are things that will outlive me, heirlooms that can be passed on to the next generation." RIGARDS eyewear is more than just a fashion accessory—it is a masterpiece that transcends time, truly deserving of the term "heirloom."

Here, we have carefully selected and introduce some of the most recommended models from the RIGARDS collection, embodying the brand’s unique worldview. Find your "destined one" and elevate your style.

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  RIGARDS RG1062 Round Flame Sunglasses （Uni Black × White x Clear） ¥183,260
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  RIGARDS RG0130 Half Rim Flame Sunglasses （Uni Black × White × Clear） ¥155,540
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  RIGARDS RG0108 Boston Flame Sunglasses （Uni Black × White × Dark Grey） ¥137,060
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  RIGARDS RG1094 Round Flame Sunglasses （Uni Black × White × Dark Grey） ¥137,060
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  RIGARDS RG1089 Square Flame Sunglasses （Camo） ¥127,600
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  RIGARDS RG0093 Square Flame Sunglasses （Amber Matte） ¥103,400
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  RIGARDS RG1093TI Wellington Flame Sunglasses （Black × Gold × Grey Grad） ¥117,040
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  RIGARDS RG1010ZC Clip On Sunglasses （V.Jade） ¥111,100
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  RIGARDS RG1032TI Square Flame Sunglasses （Black × Clear） ¥130,900
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  RIGARDS RG0091AG Half Rim Flame Sunglasses （Textured × Clear） ¥188,100
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  RIGARDS RG0131CU Half Rim Flame Sunglasses （V.Rust × Dark Grey） ¥112,420
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  RIGARDS RG0098AL Round Flame Sunglasses （Gray × Clear） ¥70,400
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  RIGARDS RG1012TI Round Flame Sunglasses （A.Gold × Clear） ¥99,000
• 
  RIGARDS RG1019CU Round Flame Sunglasses （V.Gray × Clear Lens） ¥103,400

RIGARDS x Renowned Brands: Collaborations That Create New Value by Merging Different Fields

RIGARDS x ZIGGY CHEN: The Fusion of East and West, Inspired by Calligraphy

RIGARDS has collaborated with various brands and artists. These collaborations are not just about creating new designs—they aim to incorporate fresh perspectives and ideas from different creative fields, deepen the brand's unique worldview, and push the boundaries of materials and techniques. Additionally, the products born from these collaborations appeal not only to existing RIGARDS customers but also to fans of the collaborating brands, expanding RIGARDS' reach to new audiences.

This section focuses on collaborations with ZIGGY CHEN, UMA WANG, and The Viridi-anne, exploring the details of each collaboration, the uniqueness of the models, and the innovative value these partnerships bring. It also delves into RIGARDS’ strong commitment to sustainability, which forms the foundation of these collaborations.

RIGARDS and ZIGGY CHEN began their collaboration in 2014, sharing a strong commitment to craftsmanship and materials. While respecting each other’s brand identities, they continue to challenge new forms of expression.

Key Features of the Collaboration:

• Craftsmanship and Material Commitment: Both brands emphasize meticulous handmade craftsmanship and maximizing the beauty of natural materials.
• Inspired by Calligraphy (Early Period): Early collaborative designs drew inspiration from Chinese calligraphy. Ti Kwa envisioned the brushstrokes of calligraphy, carefully sculpting buffalo horn to create flowing curves and bold lines.
• Harmony with Hats (10th Anniversary Special): In 2024, celebrating their 10th anniversary of collaboration, they released a design that considered harmony with hats. The bold silhouette was inspired by 1980s mountaineering sunglasses.

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  RIGARDS ZIGGY CHEN x RG1911TI Mad Scientist （Pale Gold x Silver x Bronze Blue） ¥125,664
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  RIGARDS ZIGGY CHEN x RG1911TI Mad Scientist （Jade x Dark Blue x Green Gradient） ¥125,664
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  RIGARDS ZIGGY CHEN x RG1911TI Mad Scientist （Black x V.Black x Dark Gray） ¥125,664
• 
  RIGARDS ZIGGY CHEN x RG1911TI Mad Scientist （Dark Blue x Bronze x Bronze Gradient） ¥125,664
• 
  RIGARDS ZIGGY CHEN x RG1911TI Mad Scientist （AntiqueBronze xAntiqueTitanium xGrayGradient） ¥125,664
• 
  RIGARDS ZIGGY CHEN x RG1911TI Mad Scientist （Polished × Gray） ¥103,400

RIGARDS x UMA WANG: Exploration of Natural Materials and the Beauty of Imperfection

The collaboration between RIGARDS and UMA WANG was born out of a shared design philosophy. UMA WANG is a renowned Chinese fashion designer known for her exquisite use of luxurious fabrics and prints, while RIGARDS is celebrated for its unconventional spirit and traditional craftsmanship in eyewear. Their mutual appreciation for natural materials and unique, boundary-breaking designs led to this partnership.

UMA WANG's philosophy, "Imperfect is Perfect," is reflected in her raw-edged finishes and uneven dyeing techniques using natural dyes, embodying the beauty of imperfection. Her collections are inspired by the diverse cultures and historical narratives she has encountered through her travels, featuring distinctive graphics influenced by the Middle East, Asia, and medieval Europe.

Key Features of the Collaboration:

• Inspired by Ancient Mosaics and 19th-Century Eyewear: The eyewear presented at the 2019 Paris show drew inspiration from ancient mosaics, 19th-century eyewear, and Gaudí’s Sagrada Família, creating truly distinctive designs.
• Modern Interpretation of the "Pince-Nez": In 2021, they released a modern reinterpretation of the pince-nez, a single-lens eyeglass popular in the 19th to early 20th century.
• "Le Horn" Series Featuring Buffalo Horn: The 2022 collection featured the Le Horn series, crafted from buffalo horn.
• Blending Chinese Culture with Creativity: In 2023, they held a collaborative event with LABELHOOD in Shanghai, unveiling the 1436 x UMA WANG collection under the theme "Grassland Reading Society." This event combined wool and poetry into an artistic experience, representing a unique fusion of Chinese culture and UMA WANG’s creativity.

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  RIGARDS UMA WANG x RG00UW16 Buffalo Horn Sunglasses （Black x Dark Gray） ¥145,200
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  RIGARDS RG00UW16 Round Flame Sunglasses （Uni Black × White × Dark Grey） ¥141,680
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  RIGARDS RG00UW16 Round Flame Sunglasses （Black × Dark Grey） ¥141,680
• 
  RIGARDS UMA WANG x RG00UW10 Round Flame Sunglasses （V.Pewter x Frost x Light Gray） ¥83,600
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  RIGARDS UMA WANG x RG00UW10 Round Flame Sunglasses （Pale Gold x Salmon x Light Gray） ¥83,600
• 
  RIGARDS RG00UW1 Round Flame Sunglasses （V.Black x Black Stones × Light Grey） ¥80,080
• 
  RIGARDS UMA WANG x RG00UW14 Round Flame Sunglasses （Antique Teal x Brown Gradient） ¥88,330
• 
  RIGARDS RG00UW14 Round Flame Sunglasses （A.Silver × Salmon） ¥88,330
• 
  RIGARDS RG00UW14 Round Flame Sunglasses （A.Black × Clear） ¥83,160
• 
  RIGARDS RG00UW14 Round Flame Sunglasses （A.Bronze × Dark Grey） ¥83,160
• 
  RIGARDS RG00UW14 Round Flame Sunglasses （A.Black × Dark Grey） ¥83,160
• 
  RIGARDS RG00UW14 Round Flame Sunglasses （A.Silver × Clear） ¥83,160

RIGARDS x The Viridi-anne: Dark Aesthetics and the Expression of Time

The collaboration between RIGARDS and The Viridi-anne emerged from the shared values of their designers, Ti Kwa and Tomoaki Okaniwa.

Key Features of the Collaboration:

• Commitment to Natural Materials and Traditional Craftsmanship: Since its inception, The Viridi-anne has been producing collections centered around black, with a nostalgic atmosphere that transcends time and fashion categories. The brand expresses an essence akin to "wabi-sabi," embodying quiet strength and an aesthetic tension. Similarly, RIGARDS is dedicated to using natural materials and handcrafted production for each eyewear piece.
• Design that Transcends Time and Eras: Designer Tomoaki Okaniwa explores the concept of time in his creations. His collaboration with RIGARDS features a triple-bridge design symbolizing the past, present, and future, based on the idea that human memory, the present, and imagination allow us to perceive time as interconnected.
• Inspired by Ainu Craftsmanship and Malay Basket Weaving: The RG2004TVA model incorporates coiled motifs inspired by Ainu traditional crafts (Tenki) and Malay basket weaving techniques.

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  RIGARDS RG2004TVA Clip On Sunglasses （V.Jade × Silver × Dark Grey） ¥124,740
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  RIGARDS RG2004TVA Clip On Sunglasses （V.Silver × A.Gold × Light Gray） ¥124,740
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  RIGARDS RG2004TVA Clip On Sunglasses （A. Olive × Silver × Dark Grey） ¥124,740
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  RIGARDS TVA x RG1022TVA Clip On Sunglasses （Olive x Bronze x Gray Gradient） ¥130,900
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  The Viridi-anne RIGARDS x collaboration sunglasses （Black-Black-Dark-Gray） ¥113,300
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  The Viridi-anne RIGARDS x collaboration sunglasses RG2004TVA （PALE GOLD/SILVER/GRAY） ¥124,740
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  The Viridi-anne RIGARDS x collaboration sunglasses RG2001TVA （V.BK-BK-D.GRAY） ¥83,600
• 
  The Viridi-anne RIGARDS x 10th Anniversary collaboration sunglasses （GOLD/BKxBK） ¥95,700

RIGARDS: The One-of-a-Kind Eyewear That Elevates Your Style

RIGARDS is a luxury eyewear brand from Hong Kong that continues to captivate fashion enthusiasts worldwide with its unparalleled designs, carefully selected natural materials, and outstanding craftsmanship.

Guided by the philosophy of "Handmade for your face," each piece is meticulously crafted to fit as if it were a natural extension of the wearer, enhancing individuality.

Wearing RIGARDS eyewear is more than just vision correction—it is an experience that elevates your personal style and opens doors to new perspectives.

We encourage you to explore RIGARDS eyewear firsthand and immerse yourself in its unique charm.

All RIGARDS items here