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.
R & Y AUGOUSTI France Abalone Inlaid Ebonized Wood Box
By R & Y Augousti
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautiful and useful ... what a great combo! A stylish looking organic modern box by the husband and wife design team, R & Y Augousti of Paris. The box is designed with inlaid Ab...
Sterling Strawberry Pillbox
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Sterling Strawberry Pillbox from the 1950's, Mexico. Hand raised and beautifully crafted. Twist to open and close. 2" long x 1.25" wide x 1.25" high.
Maison Christofle Black Art Deco Talisman Lacque de Chine Trinket Box – 1986
By Christofle
Located in Tucson, AZ
Designed by Bernard Yot in 1986, this trinket box features the rare Art Deco inspired Talisman pattern. The striking Cloisonne design is the result of a painstaking 22-step process o...
Hermès Cornucopia Vintage Cigarette Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès 50s cigarette box features a decorated a horn of abundance, known as cornucopia. Outer leather black cover shows some signs of wear, removable interior in excellent condit...
Gucci Vintage Steel Jewelry/Cigar Box
By Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Gucci vintage steel logo embossed multi functional box. Brown lacquered interior in excellent condition. Some wear consistent with age on the exterior. Stamped Gucci/Italy. Rare find .
Exceptional Hermès Tennis Racquet Shaped Pill Box Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Collectible Authentic Hermès Pill Box Tennis Racquet Shaped Vintage item Made of metal The lid is made of transparent plastic on which are drawn lines representing the r...
Exceptional Hermès Gold Pill Box Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Collectible Authentic Hermès Pill Box Vintage item Numbered and signed "HERMES PARIS" Made of a round plexiglass disc decorated with a twisted yellow gold wire and a yell...
Exceptional Hermès Pill Box or Candies Box
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Pill Box Vintage item Made of metal "Clou de selle" in front engraved "HERMÈS PARIS" "HERMÈS PARIS" engraved at back Colorway: silvery Perfect to keep pil...
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
H 5 in W 10 in D 7 in
Patek Philippe Lacquered Wood Swiss Watch Presentation Box
By Patek Philippe
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Patek Philippe lacquered wood Swiss watch Presentation Box. It features a hinged front lock closure with metal hardware and an inlaid maker’s logo on the lid. The interior is lined with beige soft leather and includes a watch insert. The lid interior is stamped with a silver gilt Patek Philippe logo. Authentic Patek Philippe in brown wooden wrist watch storage box including case, certificate and booklets in leather pouch. Condition: The lacquered box is in great condition, some light scratches on top of case. Dimensions: 4"H x 9.25"W x 6"D. Outer box: 7" x 10" x 5" Featuring a beautiful Art Deco style wood and embossed with the Calatrava cross, this storage case is sure to impress. Elevate your wristwatch collection with the Patek Philippe Watch Box...
Porcelain Shell Medicine Box
Located in Paris, FR
Porcelain pill or medicine box and black metal frame decorated with multicolour motives painted on top, a tarnish tie claps opening. Inside fancy motives painted. In good vintage con...
$158Sale Price|69% Off
H 3 in W 4 in D 3 in Dm 5 in
Portuguese jewelry box in porcelain and gold trim "Margarita"
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
Portuguese jewelry box in porcelain and golden edge "Margarita" Exquisite Portuguese porcelain jewelry box. Oval and with a harmonious profile, the pi...
Art Deco Cream Celluloid Box circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
Beautiful Art Deco cream celluloid box. Measuring length 14.3 cm / 5.6 inches by width 9.6 cm / 3.77 inches, and depth 2.7 cm / 1 inch. The lid has a lov...
Hermès Pouch Case Trousse Jimetou Colonnes in Cotton GM
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Case Called "Trousse Jimétou Colonnes" Made in France Outside made of 100% cotton toile, inside lined with Polyurethane cotto...