RIGARDS eyewear: materials, finishes and key models

You can often recognise RIGARDS eyewear before seeing the name on the frame. Its surfaces are not designed to look anonymous or mechanically perfect. They reveal depth, subtle variation, oxidation and traces of hand finishing. Even the simplest shapes have a precise presence that sits outside the usual seasonal cycle.

The brand’s design language begins with materials. Natural horn, pure titanium, genuine copper, .925 sterling silver, aluminium-magnesium, solid wood and stainless steel are selected and treated to express their character rather than conceal it. This relationship between material, finish and proportion is what makes RIGARDS one of the most recognisable names in contemporary independent eyewear.

What makes a RIGARDS frame distinctive

RIGARDS balances unconventional shapes with restraint. A frame may feature an unusual bridge, compact proportions or sculptural geometry without becoming decorative for its own sake. The design remains connected to the face and to the function of the frame.

Three elements recur throughout the collections:

1. Expressive materials, selected for their grain, texture and ability to evolve.
2. Hand-applied finishes, producing nuances and small variations rather than perfectly uniform surfaces.
3. Individual proportions, often compact or intentionally unexpected and best assessed on the face.

The result is eyewear that does not rely on a prominent logo to be identifiable.

Natural horn: no two grains are identical

Natural horn is central to the RIGARDS vocabulary. The brand states that its horn frames are handcrafted from solid pieces, individually selected for their colour and depth. Grain, translucency and tonal transitions therefore vary from one piece to another.

Signature finishes such as Sanjuro, Relique and Plastron alter the surface without erasing the character of the material. A horn frame should therefore be considered as an individual object: variation is not a flaw, but part of its aesthetic value.

Titanium: lightness and precision

RIGARDS often uses titanium for fine profiles, articulated bridges and lightweight structures. Finishes range from clean metallic tones to deliberately lived-in antique, dirty and jade effects that give the metal greater visual depth.

The RIGARDS RG 0105 Ti Box Set is a particularly versatile example: a round titanium optical frame supplied with two sun clips. The concept is functional while remaining consistent with the brand’s technical, material-driven character.

The RIGARDS RG 1991 + OBJ takes a quieter approach, combining an essential titanium structure with finishes ranging from bronze tones to brighter alternatives. Here, proportion and surface treatment define the model.

Copper and .925 sterling silver: living surfaces

Copper is especially suited to the RIGARDS aesthetic because it changes with time. Its patina makes the surface progressively more individual and records the relationship between object, use and material. The RIGARDS RG 1923 CU combines copper and titanium in a compact round frame, with colourways that highlight oxidised tones and texture.

.925 sterling silver appears in selected designs and supports a more sculptural treatment of bevels, geometry and volume. It is a precious material, yet RIGARDS does not use it to create conspicuous luxury: surface and construction remain the focus.

Collaborations that extend the brand’s vocabulary

RIGARDS has developed collaborations with independent designers and labels including Uma Wang, Ziggy Chen and The Viridi-anne. These projects go beyond colour variations, introducing specific material combinations, clips, movable structures and new proportions.

The Viridi-anne collaboration, for example, brought pure titanium, hand-hammered .925 sterling silver, surgical steel and aluminium-magnesium into a single construction. It illustrates how RIGARDS can handle technical complexity while maintaining visual restraint.

How to choose the right RIGARDS model

A RIGARDS frame should not be selected solely by labels such as round, oval or rectangular. Consider at least four factors:

• Actual measurements: lens width, bridge, temple length and total frame width.
• Bridge and contact points: a high, narrow or sculpted bridge can significantly change how the frame sits.
• Material: horn, titanium, copper and silver each have a different weight, feel and behaviour.
• Finish: patinated and irregular surfaces may look different in person and can evolve with wear.

For a more detailed explanation, read Frank Lo’s guide to eyewear size, bridge and frame shape.

RIGARDS at Frank Lo, in Rome and online

Frank Lo has selected and presented RIGARDS for more than a decade. First-hand knowledge of the collections is valuable for a brand whose measurements, finishes and natural grain can vary considerably between styles.

The RIGARDS collection at Frank Lo includes optical frames, sunglasses, clips and collaborations. Online customers can request support with measurements, available variants and prescription lenses; in Rome, the selection can be tried at the boutique in Via del Leone 8.

Frequently asked questions

Are all RIGARDS frames identical?

No. Natural materials and hand finishes can produce variations in grain, tone and texture. Always check the specific product and colourway.

Which materials does RIGARDS use?

Official collections include natural horn, pure titanium, genuine copper, .925 sterling silver, aluminium-magnesium, solid wood and stainless steel. Materials and combinations vary by model and collaboration.

Does RIGARDS make both optical frames and sunglasses?

Yes. The catalogue includes optical frames, sunglasses, clip-ons and transformable sets. Selected styles can also be configured with prescription lenses.

Where can I try RIGARDS eyewear in Rome?

Frank Lo’s RIGARDS selection is available at Via del Leone 8 in central Rome. Check the availability of the preferred style or colour before visiting.

RIGARDS is a brand worth seeing up close: its difference lies in detail, material and the way each frame meets the face. Explore RIGARDS eyewear selected by Frank Lo or contact us to compare measurements, materials and available variants.