Our story
Cardine, meaning “hinge” in Italian, is the foundation of every frame, serving as the essential point of connection. Simple in form yet critical in purpose, it reinforces structure, function and alignment while ensuring the longevity of the eyewear.
Just like our name, we pride ourselves on serving as a key connector - fostering long, meaningful partnerships with our eyecare professionals while delivering a thoughtfully curated portfolio of independent eyewear brands designed in-house. Rooted in quality and innovation and driven by care and support, we are grounded by the belief of being authentically independent in every aspect of our business.
Small Batch, Exceptional Value
As an independent eyewear company, we put craftsmanship and quality at the heart of everything that we do. Every collection is produced in small batches with the highest level of detail, delivering exceptional value well beyond mass-produced brands.
Lab-Tested & Approved
Backed by a state-of-the-art lab facility, our frames are rigorously tested to meet the highest standards of precision and performance. Passing through a rigorous series of quality checks, all eyewear and prescription frames have undergone a full, in-house professional finishing process and are expertly prepared for mounting.
Partnering with Purpose
At Cardine, the service is as intentional as our eyewear. We are committed to supporting our eyecare professionals with attentive care, dependable communication and a partnership-first approach designed to make every experience feel seamless, personal, and supported.
Behind the Scenes at Cardine
In an industry dominated by large corporations, independent eyewear is essential now, more than ever. Drawing from a diverse range of experience from across the industry, Cardine was founded in 2025 by a group of industry veterans who saw the need for a more considered approach — and set out to break away from the mass.
Tatiana De Arruda
Originally from Brazil, Tatiana De Arruda is an accomplished designer and creative director who began her career in furniture design before discovering her true passion for eyewear. With decades of experience, she has held senior roles at leading eyewear companies including Marchon and Safilo, overseeing design for iconic fashion houses like Calvin Klein, Bottega Veneta, Marc Jacobs and Tommy Hilfiger.
In 2018, she embraced a new challenge by moving to Los Angeles to oversee creative and design at De Rigo Rem. During her time there, she continued her collaborations with other iconic American brands, including Converse, TUMI and John Varvatos before going onto co-found Cardine and launch her own brands.
Co-Founder, Head Designer, Creative Director
Javan & Noel Diaz
Javan and Noel Diaz are a father-son duo with over 70 years of combined hands-on optical lab experience.
Noel started his career at 18 years old and worked in several labs in California before joining Empire Optical in 1988, eventually becoming co-owner alongside Neil and Jo Anne Grossman. The lab grew to become one of the biggest independent laboratories in the country.
Influenced by his father, Javan chose to pursue the family business. He went on to study Business Management at California State University in Northridge, building the foundation for his future role in the industry. Javan worked for Essilor for 7 years before starting the lab VSPOne Los Angeles in 2015. In 2017, his father, Noel, their business partner, Keith Grossman, and Javan purchased majority interest of the company and established Simplify Optics—a state-of-the-art, independently owned optical laboratory based in Santa Clarita, California.
Cardine will mark their first venture into the eyewear sector.
Co-founders