R&Y Augousti was founded in 1989 by husband-and-wife team Ria and Yiouri Augousti. The pair works with pen shell, metal and an array of exotic skins — including ostrich, snake, eel and crocodile — to create Art Deco-inspired furniture that echoes the influences of their unique friends and draws on the experiences they’ve shared on their global travels.
Ria Augousti (née Macasaet) was born in Manila. Her family relocated to Cebu and, at age 15, she went to New York City to study art. She continued her studies in England and graduated from the London School of Furniture Making.
Born in Cyprus, Yiouri Augousti studied architecture at London’s Architectural Association. He was drawn to interior design that reflected a revival of Art Deco that took shape during his years as a young adult.
Ria was working at the interior design firm of John Stefanidis, in London, when Yiouri joined the firm. “We got on like a house on fire,” Ria has said of the beginnings of their relationship. The couple established R&Y Augousti in 1989 and married in 1990. The business grew swiftly — R&Y Augousti moved permanently to Paris in 1994, and in 2011, the couple opened their first American showroom. There, in the New York Design Center, the range of decorative objects on offer from R&Y Augousti included dining tables, side tables and decorative objects such as candleholders and picture frames in shagreen.
The initial popularity that shagreen enjoyed as furniture covering fizzled when the Art Deco era faded. Modernist designer Jean-Michel Frank was an enthusiast of the textured hide, and during the 1960s, Karl Springer covered desks, chairs and tables with it. Ria Augousti wanted to revive shagreen’s use as a finish in one of their very first designs. Their sculptural, sensuous shagreen Sylvie chair, with its slender and towering backrest, makes a statement in any space and has seen a fair amount of praise over the years. The Sylvie has been photographed in a number of high-profile spaces including Alexander Wang's New York City loft apartment designed by Ryan Korban. (And shagreen reemerged as a luxe material among designers and decorators in 2017.)
R&Y Augousti has since expanded into fashion accessories, and drawings by the couple’s daughter, designer Kifu Augousti, have been embroidered on some of the brand’s luxurious handbags.
Find R&Y Augousti tables, seating and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
Picture Frame 8x10” in Quilted White Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This luxurious picture frame by R&Y Augousti is crafted in their signature quilted white shagreen, exuding both timeless elegance and modern refinement. The tactile texture of th...
Glass, Wood, Shagreen Stingray
Picture Frame 5x7” in White Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This 5X7” picture frame by R&Y Augousti epitomizes timeless elegance with its luxurious use of white shagreen, lending a tactile sophistication to any space. The frame's bold, ge...
Glass, Wood, Shagreen Stingray
Picture Frame 8x10” in White Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This 8x10” picture frame by R&Y Augousti epitomizes timeless elegance with its luxurious use of white shagreen, lending a tactile sophistication to any space. The frame's bold, g...
Glass, Wood, Shagreen Stingray
Picture Frame 8x10” in White Shagreen with Brass Details by KIFU Paris
By Kifu Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Exuding sophistication and timeless elegance, this 8x10” picture frame by Kifu Paris is a masterful blend of luxurious materials and impeccable craftsmanship. The frame is meticulous...
Brass
Picture Frame 5x7” in Quilted Black Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This luxurious picture frame by R&Y Augousti is crafted in their signature quilted black shagreen, exuding both timeless elegance and modern refinement. The tactile texture of th...
Glass, Wood, Shagreen Stingray
Picture Frame 8x10” in Quilted Black Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This luxurious picture frame by R&Y Augousti is crafted in their signature quilted black shagreen, exuding both timeless elegance and modern refinement. The tactile texture of the sh...
Glass, Wood, Shagreen Stingray
1990s Modern Ivory Lacquered Wood Italian Picture Frame by Bussolari
By Bussolari
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This chic and minimalist picture frame from the 1990s exemplifies the clean lines of modern Italian design. Crafted by the esteemed Bussolari company, known for their high-quality wo...
Wood, Lacquer
Antique American Art Deco Sterling Silver Picture Frame
By Lebkuecher & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco sterling silver picture frame. Made by Lebkuecher in Newark, ca 1920. Flat rectangular surround. On front, engine-turned vertical stripes, and horizontal oval (vacant); side...
Sterling Silver
Antique 20th Century Art Deco Shagreen Picture Frame London Circa 1918-20
Located in London, GB
This wonderful 20th Century Art Deco Shagreen photograph frame is in excellent condition with a convex bullnose edge detail, rather than a fl...
Shagreen
Art Deco Leather Photo / Picture / Photograph Frame, c. 1925
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Deco Leather Foto / Picture / Photograph frame, c. 1925. 20th century vintage leather (Galuchat) leather photo frame. Very well made rectangular leather frame with gilt bronze bo...
Leather
French Modern Engraved Walnut Architectural & White Enamel Grid Pattern Frame
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Modern Engraved Walnut Architectural & White Enamel Grid Pattern Frame France, Circa 1960s Holds a 4-inch x 6.5 inch Photo A good example of French design, this enamel grid pattern frame is now available for sale. Meticulously crafted with exquisite attention to detail, this frame showcases the perfect fusion of traditional elegance and contemporary style. The frame's engraved walnut construction exudes warmth and sophistication, while the architectural design adds a touch of modernity. The intricate engravings are a testament to the craftsmanship of French artisans, capturing the eye with their intricate patterns and delicate detailing. The white enamel grid pattern that adorns the frame creates a captivating contrast against the rich walnut wood. This striking combination of materials and textures adds depth and visual interest, making it a standout piece in any room. The frame's generous size allows for versatile use, accommodating various artwork, photographs, or mirrors. Whether displayed as a standalone statement piece or as part of a curated gallery...
Glass, Walnut
Large Antique Art Deco Sterling Silver & Enamel Picture Frame, England 1927
By Henry Matthews
Located in London, GB
A stunning quality sterling silver & enamel picture or photo frame. The enamel colour could be described as a deep and rich amethyst. The enamel remains bright and clean with no not...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
