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.
Upholstered Armchair 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 ...
Brass
Upholstered Armchair 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 ...
Brass
Upholstered Armchair 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 ...
Brass
Upholstered Armchair 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 ...
Brass
Upholstered Armchair 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 ...
Brass
Upholstered Armchair 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 ...
Brass
Med. Hammered Brass Lounge Chair – Art Deco Cabriole Leg Club Chair
By Paul Mathieu (French)
Located in New York, NY
The Louise Club Chair in Medium Hammered Brass has a flat geometric back panel, arms that angle outward, and four cabriole legs carrying the structure at each corner. Every exterior ...
Brass, Sheet Metal
Art Deco Side Chairs Fine Hammered in Brass by Paul Mathieu
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Art Deco Chairs, a stunning Art Deco Chairs set designed by the renowned Paul Mathieu for Stephanie Odegard. This elegant Art Deco Chair duo boasts a unique curved p...
Metal, Brass, Sheet Metal
Art Deco Accent Chair Fine Hammered in Brass by Paul Mathieu
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Art Deco Chairs, a stunning Art Deco Chairs set designed by the renowned Paul Mathieu for Stephanie Odegard. This elegant Art Deco Chair duo boasts a unique curved profile that exudes a sophisticated and timeless charm, making it the perfect addition to any modern or classic interior. Crafted with utmost care and attention to detail, these Art Deco Chairs are made to order and are available in twelve metal clad finishes, ensuring that you can choose the perfect one to match your individual style and taste. The use of high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship ensure that each Art Deco Chair is not only beautiful but also a true piece of art. The curved legs and side arms of this Art Deco Chair are hand carved from solid pieces of teak. Pattern makers trace and cut complex forms that will cover the chair in a skin of copper, white bronze, brass or antiqued white bronze The metal finishes will tarnish over time. Regular non-abrasive household metal polishes can be used to restore the original luster. Overall, if you're looking for a piece of furniture that combines luxury, comfort, and style, then the Art Deco Chairs is an excellent choice. With its distinctive curved profile and multiple finish options, this Chair set is sure to elevate the look of any room it is placed in, and be a beloved addition to your home for years to come. The images shown in this listing are shot in different lighting conditions and/or are 3D illustrations. We encourage our customers to please request a sample or a full sample set of 12 finishes so that they can experience the finish first hand. Art Deco Accent Chair...
Metal, Brass, Sheet Metal
Art Deco Med. Hammered Brass Club Chair – Cabriole Leg Armchair, Handmade
By Paul Mathieu (French)
Located in New York, NY
The Louise Club Chair in Medium Hammered Brass is a chair in which every exterior surface is metal. The back panel, seat, arm rests, curved apron, and four cabriole legs are all cove...
Brass, Sheet Metal
Med. Hammered Brass Club Chair – Art Deco Cabriole Leg Armchair, Handmade
By Paul Mathieu (French)
Located in New York, NY
The Louise Club Chair in Medium Hammered Brass is a club chair with every surface in metal. Back panel, seat, arm rests, curved apron, and four cabriole legs are all covered in Mediu...
Brass, Sheet Metal
Art Deco Office Chair Fine Hammered in Brass by Paul Mathieu
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Art Deco Chairs, a stunning Art Deco Chairs set designed by the renowned Paul Mathieu for Stephanie Odegard. This elegant Art Deco Chai...
Metal, Brass, Sheet Metal
