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.
Bench in Shagreen with Bronze Patina Brass Detail by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Victoria bench by R&Y Augousti, crafted in luxurious black shagreen, is a true embodiment of elegance and sophistication. Its hand-crafted black shagreen top exudes a subtle text...
Brass
Bench in Shagreen with Bronze Patina Brass by Kifu Paris
By Kifu Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Dandy Day Bench by Kifu Paris is an opulent masterpiece, meticulously hand-crafted to perfection. Its sumptuous cream shagreen seat exudes luxury, with a finely textured finish t...
Brass
Boucle Upholstered Bench with Bronze Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Discover the Ramo Bench by R&Y Augousti - a stunning fusion of luxury and design innovation. Sink into sumptuous boucle upholstery that crowns a striking bronze-patina base, wher...
Brass
Bench in Shagreen with Bronze Patina Brass by Kifu Paris
By Kifu Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Dandy Day Bench by Kifu Paris epitomizes luxurious elegance with its sleek design and meticulous craftsmanship. Encased in sumptuous black shagreen, the bench is elevated by a so...
Brass
Bench in Shagreen with Bronze Patina Brass by Kifu Paris
By Kifu Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Dandy Day Bench by Kifu Paris with a sumptuous black shagreen top, is the epitome of luxurious sophistication. This meticulously hand-crafted piece exudes elegance, with its deep...
Brass
Upholstered Hide Bench in Black Shagreen and Bronze Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Pianist Bench by R&Y Augousti is an exquisite piece that marries luxury with versatility. The frame and legs are beautifully clad in rich black shagreen, with the legs accent...
Brass
Pianist Bench in Cream Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Pianist bench...
Brass
Lord Bench in Cream Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Lord bench is an invitation to as the French would say, “rêveries”. The cream shagreen adds as touch of elegant drama. The perfect piece for a dressing room, entrance or living room. The soft cushions in cream horse hair are the final touch of luxury. The cushions are removable. The legs have discrete bronze patina brass detailing. A black version is also available and a small love seat...
Brass
Shagreen Bench with Bronze Patina Brass Accents by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The limited edition Victoria bench...
Brass
Carmen Bench in Cream Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Carmen Bench...
Brass
Carmen Bench in Cream Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Carmen bench...
Brass
Shagreen Bench with Bronze-Patina Brass Details by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Ramo Bench by R & Y Augousti is an elegant and versatile piece. The cream shagreen inlaid piece provides comfort while retaining a unique aesthetic with the bronze-patina brass frame and details. This listing is priced for shagreen inlay...
Brass
