The De Rigo Group
We bring the elegance and vision of Italian eyewear to the world. Our strength is transforming experience into value: combining competence, creativity and responsibility to shape brands (collections) that speak an international language, without losing our own identity.
Our story. Our roots. Our vision.
Our story began in 1978, shaped by the hands and intuition of the De Rigo family. From a small workshop in the Belluno area, we have grown to become one of the most authoritative global players in the design, production and distribution of high-end eyewear. Today we are present in over 100 countries, with a wholesale and retail network that brings our know-how to every part of the world.
De Rigo’s numbers
23 BRANCHES
A presence built over time, made up of different places in which to share the same vision. Our branches are relationship hubs and centres of expertise: spaces where De Rigo’s vision takes shape every day, starting with the people in each market.
100 COUNTRIES
Being present in over 100 countries means knowing how to dialogue with different needs, sensitivities and cultures. This is how our idea of eyewear travels the world: adapting and evolving, but staying true to who we are.
100 DISTRIBUTORS
A network built on trust and reliability. Our distributors are not just business partners but allies with whom we share a vision, values, goals and responsibilities and who help us bring De Rigo’s excellence to the world.
3400 EMPLOYEES
Behind every number there are people. The De Rigo team is made up of 3400 employees who put passion, commitment and expertise into what they do every day. De Rigo continues to grow, innovate and look to the future on a solid footing.
5,000 NEW STYLES EVERY YEAR
A continuous flow of ideas that become products. Every year thousands of new styles are born from the combination of research, creativity and production know-how: a constantly evolving process, guided by the pursuit of excellence.
- 1978
- 1983
- 1985
- 1988
- 1995
- 1998
- 1998
- 2000
- 2000
- 2001
- 2002
- 2007/8
- 2009
- 2012
- 2016
- 2016
- 2018
- 2020
- 2021
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023
1978
The year it all began
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.
1983
Acquisition of Lozza, originale dal 1878
In 1983, Lozza – Italy’s longest-standing eyewear brand – is acquired.
Police is born
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.
1985
Sting Eyewear
Sting is launched, the company’s second brand conceived and designed for a younger audience aged between 15 and 25.
1988
Branch in Spain
De Rigo expands into the Iberian Peninsula, with the opening of a branch in Barcelona, Spain.
1995
DE RIGO S.P.A.
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.
Distribution widens
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).
1998
Police: lifestyle brand
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.
1998
Acquisition of Dollond & Aitchison
Dollond & Aitchison, the world’s oldest and leading optical chain in England, is also acquired.
2000
Branches in Japan and Hong Kong
Japan and Hong Kong join the distribution network.
2000
Acquisition of General Optica
Investments in the retail channel continue with the acquisition of General Optica, the most important optical chain in the Iberian Peninsula.
2001
Joint venture with Prada
De Rigo enters into a Joint Venture with Prada until 2003.
2002
Branch in Greece
De Rigo continues the expansion of its distribution network in Southern Europe, with the opening of a branch in Greece.
2007/8
Police the all-round lifestyle brand
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.
2009
De Rigo expansion in the retail industry
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.
2012
Branch in the USA
The new De Rigo USA branch is inaugurated, thus strengthening the group’s presence in the United States.
2016
De Rigo Rem is born
De Rigo strengthens its presence in the USA, acquires REM Optical Co., and moves its branch to Los Angeles.
2016
Branch in Australia
De Rigo Vision opens a branch in Australia and further strengthens its presence in the USA with the acquisition of all REM Eyewear shares.
2018
De Rigo 40 years in the industry
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.
2020
Branch in Finland
De Rigo expands in Scandinavia by opening a new branch in Finland.
2021
Launch of Yalea
De Rigo launches its fourth house brand Yalea, the eyewear brand dedicated to women.
2021
Lozza becomes a historic brand
Lozza is named a ‘Historic Brand of National Interest’ by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development.
2022
Acquired Rodenstock’s Eyewear Division
The acquisition expands the portfolio with the Rodenstock Eyewear and Porsche Design Eyewear brands and strengthens the presence in the premium segment and in Central European markets, particularly Germany.
2023
Police turns 40
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.
1978
The year it all began
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.
1983
Acquisition of Lozza, originale dal 1878
In 1983, Lozza – Italy’s longest-standing eyewear brand – is acquired.
Police is born
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.
1985
Sting Eyewear
Sting is launched, the company’s second brand conceived and designed for a younger audience aged between 15 and 25.
1988
Branch in Spain
De Rigo expands into the Iberian Peninsula, with the opening of a branch in Barcelona, Spain.
1995
DE RIGO S.P.A.
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.
Distribution widens
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).
1998
Police: lifestyle brand
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.
1998
Acquisition of Dollond & Aitchison
Dollond & Aitchison, the world’s oldest and leading optical chain in England, is also acquired.
2000
Branches in Japan and Hong Kong
Japan and Hong Kong join the distribution network.
2000
Acquisition of General Optica
Investments in the retail channel continue with the acquisition of General Optica, the most important optical chain in the Iberian Peninsula.
2001
Joint venture with Prada
De Rigo enters into a Joint Venture with Prada until 2003.
2002
Branch in Greece
De Rigo continues the expansion of its distribution network in Southern Europe, with the opening of a branch in Greece.
2007/8
Police the all-round lifestyle brand
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.
2009
De Rigo expansion in the retail industry
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.
2012
Branch in the USA
The new De Rigo USA branch is inaugurated, thus strengthening the group’s presence in the United States.
2016
De Rigo Rem is born
De Rigo strengthens its presence in the USA, acquires REM Optical Co., and moves its branch to Los Angeles.
2016
Branch in Australia
De Rigo Vision opens a branch in Australia and further strengthens its presence in the USA with the acquisition of all REM Eyewear shares.
2018
De Rigo 40 years in the industry
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.
2020
Branch in Finland
De Rigo expands in Scandinavia by opening a new branch in Finland.
2021
Launch of Yalea
De Rigo launches its fourth house brand Yalea, the eyewear brand dedicated to women.
2021
Lozza becomes a historic brand
Lozza is named a ‘Historic Brand of National Interest’ by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development.
2022
Acquired Rodenstock’s Eyewear Division
The acquisition expands the portfolio with the Rodenstock Eyewear and Porsche Design Eyewear brands and strengthens the presence in the premium segment and in Central European markets, particularly Germany.
2023
Police turns 40
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.
Retail and wholesale: feeling at home anywhere in the world
We are present in more than 100 countries, with 23 branches and 100 independent distributors. We adapt our offerings, services and support to the needs of each market, building lasting relationships of trust.
Our retail chains
General optica
General Optica, with more than 220 direct stores and 70 franchise stores, is the leading optical chain in the Spanish market. Founded in 1955 in Barcelona, General Optica – whose staff includes more than 1,700 individuals – has always stood out for its professionalism in vision care and the quality of the products offered, in addition to its ability to provide customers with aesthetic consultations.
Mais Optica
Founded in 1998, Mais Optica, with its 20 direct stores and 14 franchise stores, is one of the leading optical chains in the Portuguese market. Initially established as a subsidiary of General Optica, it maintains the values and traditions of its parent company, prioritising professionalism in vision care. In 2009, in order to appeal more to Portuguese consumers, the chain’s trade name was changed to Mais Optica.
Boots Optician
The ‘new’ Boots Opticians, a leader in the British market with more than 630 stores and over 5,000 employees, is one of the largest optical chains in Europe. In 2009, Boots Opticians merged with Dollond & Aitchison, the oldest optical chain in the world with 250 years of industry experience. Today, the two companies constitute subsidiaries of the De Rigo Group.
Opmar Optik
Founded in 2001, it is one of the largest chains in the Turkish market, boasting a network of 75 prestigious stores employing 430 individuals. Opmar Optik offers its Turkish customers optical frames and sunglasses hailing from the most prestigious of international names, with a special focus on ‘Made-in-Italy’ brands.