LOS ANGELES—Cardine, a newly established independent eyewear company, is officially announcing its debut into the optical industry. Founded in 2025 by a team of veteran industry professionals, Cardine launches with a vision to champion independence through craftsmanship, quality and meaningful partnership, the company advised. It is entering the market with the planned launch of two new eyewear brands later this year. “Uniting expertise across eyewear design, creative, sales and optical lens manufacturing, Cardine brings together a rare combination of talent and perspective from across the eyecare industry,” the announcement stated.
At the helm of the company are Tatiana De Arruda, an accomplished creative director who has held leadership roles at Marchon, Safilo and De Rigo and designed collections for well-known fashion houses including Bottega Veneta, Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein, who will serve as Cardine’s co-founder and creative director. Noel and Javan Diaz are a father-and-son team behind Simplify Optics, a Santa Clarita, Calif.-based optical laboratory with more than a century of combined optical expertise and a reputation for delivering precision-crafted, locally produced work. Cardine marks the pair’s first venture into the eyewear category.
Named after the Italian word for “hinge,” Cardine’s mission is to serve as a key connector within the optical industry, the company said, pointing to a commitment to building meaningful partnerships with ECPs and supporting the success of independent practices through quality, innovation and customer-focused care. Cardine is guided by a product-first philosophy and emphasizes small-batch production and Japanese craftsmanship, the company said, to create distinctive collections that deliver good value and accessibility.
(L to R) Noel Diaz, Tatiana De Arruda and Javan Diaz.
“Cardine was born from a shared vision to create brands with greater intention,” said De Arruda. “As an independent eyewear company, we’re not driven by volume, we’re driven by product. That allows us to focus on premium materials, thoughtful designs and the craftsmanship required to create something truly distinctive at a price point that offers exceptional value.”
Backed by the Simplify Optics lab and team, every Cardine frame will undergo rigorous quality checks to ensure quality, reliable performance and approval for lens mounting, Cardine said in a statement. As an independent, customer-centric partner for ECPs, Cardine said its process will help practices maximize profitability while reducing turnaround time for frames.
“Having grown up in this business, I’ve always believed great partnerships are built on shared values,” said Javan Diaz. “Entering the eyewear category felt like a natural next step for us, but only if we could do it the right way. From our very first conversations, it was clear that Tatiana shared our passion for quality and creating outstanding products. That alignment gave us the confidence to build something truly meaningful together.”
“What makes Cardine truly different is the perspective behind it,” added Noel Diaz. “We’ve spent decades working alongside eyecare professionals and understand the challenges they face every day, while Tatiana has been a driving creative force behind some of the most successful brands in the industry. By bringing together those complementary strengths, we’re able to create a more thoughtful and complete product offering for optical practices and their patients.”
Cardine will introduce two in-house brands this year, the company announced: LA-PA and Jerry Perkins. LA-PA, which will launch this August, draws inspiration from the architecture and spirit of the world’s most iconic cities. The brand is founded on the belief that luxury should be attainable, and will offer premium craftsmanship, thoughtful design and modern sophistication, Cardine said. Jerry Perkins will debut later in 2026, and is positioned to celebrate the artistry of Japanese craftsmanship, exceptional materials and small-batch production. Reframing vintage luxury through a modern lens, it is designed for customers who value exclusivity, character and timeless design.
“In an industry increasingly shaped by scale and consolidation, Cardine offers a deliberate alternative,” the company said in an announcement. “Working alongside eyecare professionals, the company is committed to building a more intentional future for independent eyewear. One guided by superior product, authenticity and a commitment to supporting the evolving needs of today’s optical practices.”
