Rigards Model RG2002TVA For The Viridi-Anne 2019

Designers: Ti Ning Kwa, Ti Siang Kwa, Rigards - Odd Skin Out Limited, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, SAR
Manufacturer: Odd Skin Out Limited, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, SAR 

Created in collaboration with Mr. Tomoaki Okaniwa of artisanal fashion brand The Viridi-anne, our fresh release RG2002TVA comprises first of a main frame crafted of angled steel bars. Bound together by tension and equilibrium, the bars curve sinuously along an infinity path and converge into a slender sideways figure 8, pulling off a signature play on the two eternal symbols of balance and propitiousness. 

Despite its lithe spider-like grace, the frame asserts itself with a sculptural fullness brought forth by the nuances of shadows created in the convex/concave undulations. 

The clean aesthetic hides robust details: a pair of upwardly extending bars (inspired by the notion of insect mandibles) that functions as stealthy nose pads and creates the illusion of the frame seemingly floating on the wearer’s face; unique spring-hinged lens cage for efficient lens mounting (a trademark mechanism); and slightly recessed rims that enhance the perception of depth and three-dimensionality. 

Each pair is oxidized by hand, yielding subtle individual characteristics as the steel takes the patina finish differently from frame to frame. 

We designed also a detachable clip-on sun-lens (crafted using flexible beta-titanium), the perfect addition for the brightest days. 

The sum of the two parts gives us a silhouette that calls to mind the simplified representation of human eyes, as is often depicted in Cubist portraits. Modern abstract masters saw the virtue in less-is-more and advocated eliminating the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak, and that is what we have tried to explore through RG2002TVA.