A family story
First and foremost, De Rigo is a family with a fascinating story - one worth telling and sharing. We are experience, reliability and ambition. Founded in 1978 by the De Rigo family as a small artisan company in the Belluno area, today De Rigo is a world leader in the design, production and distribution of high-end prescription frames and sunglasses. The Group is currently present in over 80 countries owing to its extensive wholesale and retail network.
Our story begins in 1978, when the De Rigo family establishes Charme Lunettes in Limana, Belluno. A small artisan company that employs 30 workers, producing sunglasses and prescription frames for third parties.
In 1983, Lozza - Italy’s longest-standing eyewear brand - is acquired.
The Eighties proved pinnacle - a period that saw eyewear make the official transition from simple necessity to fashion accessory, with POLICE making a fundamental contribution to this shift by embracing the spirit of the times.
De Rigo expands into the Iberian Peninsula, with the opening of a branch in Barcelona, Spain.
De Rigo expands into the Iberian Peninsula, with the opening of a branch in Barcelona, Spain.
The two companies belonging to the De Rigo family, Charme Lunettes - the historic manufacturer of the Police brand - and Argosol - the historic manufacturer of the Sting brand - merge and give rise to De Rigo S.p.A. Owing to the experience gained in the eyewear sector, the company strengthens its presence in the fashion industry by acquiring the rights to produce and distribute sunglasses and prescription frames under license for the most renowned of fashion houses.
Direct distribution extends beyond Italy to cover Germany, Austria, France, the UK and Spain. The continuous growth of both the company and market presence of its brands, becomes the basis for De Rigo's listing on the stock exchange. De Rigo shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
De Rigo goes beyond eyewear and, with Police, initiates the process of creating a Lifestyle Brand. The first step entails the signing of a license agreement for the development of the fragrance line.
Dollond & Aitchison, the world's oldest and leading optical chain in England, is also acquired.
Japan and Hong Kong join the distribution network.
Investments in the retail channel continue with the acquisition of General Optica, the most important optical chain in the Iberian Peninsula.
De Rigo enters into a Joint Venture with Prada until 2003.
De Rigo continues the expansion of its distribution network in Southern Europe, with the opening of a branch in Greece.
Police becomes a Lifestyle Brand to all intents and purposes, comprising fragrances, watches, jewellery and small leather goods. New branches are opened in Croatia, Brazil, Portugal and China.
De Rigo S.p.A announces the merger of subsidiary Dollond & Aitchison with Boots Opticians. The agreement leads to the establishment of the second largest optical chain in the United Kingdom. The group opens a branch in Turkey and acquires the second largest optical chain in the country, Opmar Optik.
The new De Rigo USA branch is inaugurated, thus strengthening the group's presence in the United States.
De Rigo strengthens its presence in the USA, acquires REM Optical Co., and moves its branch to Los Angeles.
De Rigo Vision opens a branch in Australia and further strengthens its presence in the USA with the acquisition of all REM Eyewear shares.
De Rigo turns 40 and celebrates this important milestone by founding the Fondazione De Rigo H.E.ART (Health, Education & Art for Youth). Ennio De Rigo is awarded the honorary title of ‘Cavaliere del Lavoro’ by President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella.
De Rigo expands into Scandinavia, with the opening of a new office in Finland.
De Rigo launches its fourth house brand: Yalea, the eyewear brand dedicated to women.
Lozza is named a ‘Historic Brand of National Interest’ by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development.
40 years for a success story that speaks of courage, determination and an adventurous spirit. Police: four decades of history for an eyewear brand that soon became a lifestyle icon.