Blog – riyoko

What Riyoko is All About
Sep 13, 2013
Written by kristi woo

It's been a little over five years since Riyoko was founded, and I recently had an opportunity to be part of a very thoughtful interview with Momentum Magazine for the Fashion Designer feature in the October/ November 2013 edition. The full interview really got me chatting about what riyoko is all about, and I wanted to share the full interview with all of you, so here it goes!:

Who is Riyoko?

Day-to-day, Riyoko is Kristi Woo, myself. I am the Founder and Designer. Riyoko is also made up of the supportive, and talented community that surrounds it for pieces of each project:

(Top L to Bottom R: Kristi, Riyoko Designer & Founder; Heather, Briggs Stategy; Jerisse, Visual Marketing; Kevin, Kiss Photo; Jordan, Barb, AJ, Foon, Models & Photographer; AJ, Valadka Photography; Ajay, Web Programmer: Giles (right), Print Media; Wilma, Manufacturing; Hoyee, Model; Jordan, Design Assistant; Dubs, Model)

When did Riyoko form?

Riyoko was established in 2008 and production began in 2009/ 10.

What inspired the creation of Riyoko?

When I was in Uni, I rediscovered cycling. I was a design student, and during that time, I either made my own clothes or shopped vintage. As time went on, I started making, altering, and buying clothing to suit my cycling needs. Movement, breathability, comfort and style, and the ability to pack the pieces into my bag were key. I decided I wanted to make urban cycling clothing for women, but didn't have the means to do so yet. I was also in flux with how to use my skill set in the Fashion industry; I wanted to make sure to support the ideals I believed in: fair wage, quality production, sustainable practices, and a positive body image for women, so I went overseas to travel and work, and contemplate how I could do this. As I was traveling, I also discovered I had some of the same challenges with travel attire that I did with my cycling attire, and when I arrived home, I became aware of the small percentage of fellow women cyclists on the road with me.

I wanted more women cycling. I wanted to provide a strong and healthy example for womens' urban cycling. I knew that functional yet stylish clothing was a barrier for me when I started, and I had the skill set to address that. I also wanted to support quality goods made in Canada. I meshed together these attributes with my other experiences, discoveries and beliefs, and riyoko was founded.

Who are Riyoko garments created for?

Riyoko is created for women who live and move, and who want to enjoy their daily experiences and journeys in well-made comfort, and style - whether they are on a bike, on a bus, a plane or at the store. Women who bike don't always live on their bikes, they walk, run, sit, travel, camp, go dancing, etc., so riyoko makes clothes for women that function in all the urban travel aspects of their lives.

Why is it important to create clothing for women who ride bikes for transportation?

It is important to be comfortable and functional in whatever we do. Clothing is a necessary accessory to our daliy lives, it shouldn't dictate what we do, or how we do it, but it should do it with us, and do it well. Sometimes clothing can be a challenge on a bicycle. Pants can get ruined from chain grease, skirts can get caught, pieces don't breath or wickaway, they retain odor, seams wear and rip due to stress, jackets are not wind or water resistant, pieces are not visible, and/ or they aren't easy to travel with or pack. For women who bike for transportation, clothing that integrates into their everyday wardrobe and yet functions technically becomes very important. Their clothing needs to breathe, move, travel and endure. Pieces such as these allow us to go about our day in comfort and style without having to worry so much about fit, sweat, durability, visibility, packability or style.

How is the importance of being active (both physically and as part of a community) integrated into Riyoko?

Actions taken are like physical votes, so the importance of being active is practiced in a few different avenues at riyoko:

riyoko works with like-minded Canadian businesses to support the Canadian economy, lower our carbon footprint.
In studio and in production, riyoko works with other like-minded businesses to practices as close to zero waste as possible.

One of the reasons riyoko was formed was to support and encourage women cycling, of course through the clothing, and also through co-leading, Cyclofemme YYC. A monthly ride in support of getting more women cyclists on the road in Calgary. We take different routes on each ride to introduce new ways to get around town via our bikes in a safe and comfortable manner and pace.

Riyoko helped start and continues to support Cyclepalooza, a community-driven, do-it-yourself bicycle festival held for ten days every June in Calgary. With a variety of bike-related events, Cyclepalooza brings together people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels through cycling for fun and transportation.

Why is 100% Canadian made important to you?

There are a couple reasons:

Staying true to the ideals of cycling as much as possible, producing local, and Canadian keeps the carbon footprint smaller.
Producing in Canada supports the economy and brings it home. These days, many of the the Canadian textile mills, and manufacturers are shut down, or have moved overseas. Less is made here. As a Canadian designer, it's important to support what I do, and design and produce quality pieces in Canada, carry on the trademark of quality and durability, and support the local job market and economy that I exist in.
Quick, cheap fashion that is made elsewhere, which is not consciously made, or technically well-made is very common nowadays. Just as riyoko believes in a lower carbon footprint. Riyoko also believes in a smaller consumption footprint. Riyoko pieces are quality pieces made to last by people we know and have a rapor with.

What is next for Riyoko?

Workwise, making Sweater Dresses, Riding Hoodies, and Fleecy Tights to cozy up in for F/W 2013, and putting my head down to design for Spring 2014.

Additional comments?

Thank you Momentum for asking me such thoughtful questions.

To the journey ~

Busy Summer Making
Aug 27, 2013
Written by kristi woo

Busy Summer Making

Things are brewing at Riyoko, many to be revealed in the couple months. And, this summer has been a trip, in the literal and metaphoric sense. Riyoko travelled to Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa between May and June. On return to Calgary, the city experienced a 100 year Flood in June. In the mix of June to July were also the fave local music festival, Sled Island, and Cyclepalooza, in which riyoko is a big part of.

Amongst all of this, there has been a revolving soundtrack which has been whittled down to a random few in the last week or two; so, to wrap up these lazy, busy summer months heading into fall, here is the riyoko short-ish... list for summer tunes:

Any other suggestions? The studio can always use fresh music!

Zara Ansar <3 June Sister Cyclist
May 31, 2013
Written by kristi woo

Zara Ansar <3 June Sister Cyclist

Zara Ansar is riyoko's Sister Cyclist for June <3. She is a co-founder of Ottawa Velo-Vogue, tied into the making of Ottawa's Plaid Parade last fall, is an stellar photographer and multi media artist, a fresh dresser, a fellow sister cyclist, and amongst other events, and initiatives she has organized the upcoming Ottawa Velo Vogue Fashion Show and Sale this Saturday June 1. Riyoko will be there on the runway and we will have a booth -- all thanks to Zara - an all round awesome human being.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am an Ottawa born artist/ videographer with a love for repetitive patterns and bright colours. I enjoy taking photos of lovely people ( mostly with their bikes), filming weird music videos, and being a VJ at various parties in Ottawa. I love wearing costumes and being strange and out the ordinary.

During the day, I'm a videographer, and at night, I'm a ninja doing anything from graphic design, drawing/ painting/ printing, riding my bikes (not at the same time) to filing and photographing cool things and people - always have to be doing something creative otherwise life would be dull.

I also enjoy cooking extremely spice food that will leave you in pain (but it's sooooo worth it), listening to electronic music/ disco, making people laugh and dabbling into electronic music with my many synthesizers.

Tell us a little about your bike.

I have two bikes! One is a Pake bike which my lovely boyfriend Greg put together for me and suprised me with one day. It's fast and gets me around town. My other bike is a bright yellow Bobbin Birdie. This bike is great when I'm not in a hurry, need to cart around my photo equipment and to generally look super awesome on it!

What started you biking?

I started biking when I was a kid and loved the feelign of being on a bike and getting around faster. I stopped biking after my bike was stolen, and then started up again after meeting Greg ( he was a pro cyclist). I love getting around by bike because it's healthier, I don't have to wait in traffic in a car, and it's much cheaper!

What do you like best about travelling in your city?

I live near the canal, so I have amazing access to bike paths!

What is your favorite riyoko piece (and what do you wear with it?)

My absolute favourite riyoko piece is my leopard print leggings. I wear them to work with black dresses, and skirts a lot. At home and when I'm out and about, I wear them with long neon tank tops and bold sneakers, or I mix crazy patterned tops/ dresses with them.

What do you never leave home without?

Definitely my camera, gotta capture those lovely people on bikes. Also my cell phone, gotta stay connected on social media!

What is your philosophy?

Do what makes you happy, be the change you want to see in this world, stay positive, keep improving, be creative, have fun and be crazy.

<3

Citizen Cyclist, Jesse Murphy a.k.a Murph MFG
May 07, 2013
Written by kristi woo

Citizen Cyclist, Jesse Murphy a.k.a Murph MFG

This month, I wanted to introduce my new studio mate, Jesse Murphy, founder and designer for Murph MFG. He makes handcrafted goods with an eye for simple and beautiful construction and design. It's nice to see another bike on the sign post outside the studio on any given day, but especially these days, when I know it's Jesse's bike because I know he's already at his workbench making new things! And that is awesome.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm 27 years old, married to a beautiful woman, and I'm always late.

Tell us a little about your craft/ design aesthetic.

I make jeans and leather goods, all by hand, and without much speed. In the past, I was trying to offer a variety of clothing, but have recently narrowed it down to just jeans. I want to do a great job with what I make, so I've decided that I need to reduce the clothing to just one item and just focus on jeans.

The leather goods are wallets, belts, phone sleeves, and key lanyards all made with simplicity and function in mind. There is one more piece in the line (a tote bag), I suppose bridging the gap between the leather and denim.

What started you designing?

Initially, I was wanting something that I couldn't quite find and/ or afford in stores. I was on a trip to New Zealand and discovered a sewing machine at the place where I was staying. I made it most of the way through a piece and gave up on it to make a hoodie out of some drapery. It turned out well enough that I kept going with it and haven't stopped since.

What are you up to these days?

Well, still settling into my new studio space, and getting ready for New Craft Coalition (May 31 - June 1, 2013). I've also been spending about half my time screen printing lately. I really enjoy screen printing. It was probably about ten years ago that my friends and I would cut stencils and spray paint images onto t-shirts. It was a lot of fun, but not very practical. Nearly every time I do a print job, I'm reminded of how tedious it was cutting stencils, and I'm amazed what you can do with silkscreening. I generally print for other people (clothing companies or events, etc.), so it isn't quite the creative outlet for me that sewing is. I think it's good to have a job that pays money while trying to establish a handmade brand though.

(This is a bag design Jesse has been making lately. They are stunning. Photos courtesy of Market Collective)

What do you like best about travelling in your city?

hmmmm...probably that I can almost always count on it being sunny.

What do you never leave home without?

My Leatherman - it's a multitool.

Tell us a little about your bike.

Almost every piece of it was a gift! It's an old bike, but it's still amazing. It has twelve gears, brakes, straight bars, a rack, and lights. It's great - perfect for me, and I am so thankful to have it.

What is your philosophy?

hmmm... that I have to be honest with everything I do and make. Fakes will be found out, so you may as well be authentic. Is that a philosophy?

*Also check out this great interview and awesome photos of Jesse and his craft by our friends at Market Collective!

San Francisco!
Apr 12, 2013
Written by kristi woo

San Francisco!

At the end of March, I took a short trip to San Francisco with RZ for a little work, a couple days of much needed relaxation, and biking, of course. We rented Public bikes from Live Fit Gym in the Mission for $40/ day, a bit on the expensive side, but the bikes were in pretty greaet shape, and they came with sturdy locks. It was also the Easter weekend, yet they opened their doors for a short period to take back our returns on Easter Sunday. Thank you Live Fit Gym! These were the first Public bikes we've ever ridden. They were a pretty smooth ride, even despite the wear and tear due to being rentals. The one drawback I might see, if I were to purchase one, is the gear system. It's not internal, so it may require more attention and cleaning than my current Linus Mixte 8 which has an internal hub. Overall, they took us everywhere we wanted to go all over SF, and that was worth it.

We neglected to take photos of our bikes but these are the models that we rode:

My bike was pink, not really my flavour, but what can I say? I had a bike, so I was more than happy. Richard's was a simple white one with red cable housing:

On the first day, I popped into Huckleberry Bicycles to meet Brian, Jonas, and Zach. Riyoko has been available at Huckleberry for three and a half seasons now, but as I'm in Canada and they are in SF I had never met Brian, Jonas, or Zach, nor had the opportunity to see the store in person. I had seen the store online and corresponded with the trio via email and phone over the past seasons, and I was quite excited to be able to visit. The store is gorgeous: old cement, and hardwood flooring, wood fixtures, friendly and knowledgable staff (shout out to Erin and Isaac), and bikes, bikes, bikes, accessories and clothes. It is full of wonderful product from SWRVE, to Chrome, to PedaLED, and of course riyoko! It's soon to be under renovations for expansion, so I'm sure much more swag and bike candy will be available. I am so happy and honoured to be carried at such a beautiful shop - Thanks Brian, Jonas, and Zach!

(Oh, and p.s peeps - there is a fresh new batch of riyoko Three-Way Armwarmers available at Huck's, so get'em while they're hot!)

Next, we headed down to the House of Nanking, one of RZ's old haunts, for a bite. The sign is the best; the food was so-so.

That evening we attended the campaign closing party for 'The Spinster', "a psychological thriller that follows a cycle vixen in search of true love into the dark, shadowy depths of romance". The film is written, produced and directed by Kristin Tieche a.k.a Velo Vogue. It involves the San Francisco bike community on and behind the camera which is very inspiring, and I am told that riyoko lace Tights make a saucy appearance somewhere in the film too!

The party was held at the Nooworks boutique, a local avant-garde lifestyle brand of apparel and accessories that uses ethically sourced materials. Every season they work with different artists to creat their prints and styles. I got to reconnect with Gwen, one of the designers extraordinaire for Nooworks, who is also a co-founder of Pedal Savvy, the crew responsible for many of the great fashion shows put on at Interbike, the SF Bike Expo, and in the Mission District over the past few years. Itw was excellent to see Kristin and Gwen again and to see the inspiring work they are doing. They were some of the first women cyclists in the industry that I connected with when I started riyoko. They are two diversely talented women, and I look forward to seeing them again on my next visit.

Oh! and btw, Kristin surpassed her kickstarter goal for the film's funding! Yeah! I can't wait to see the cut and editted version when it's ready!

On Saturday, we biked down to the Ferry Terminal Farmers' Market to meet up with a couple of my closest friends from my days in Japan, Doug and Yukiko, and their two scrumptious rug rats, Maya and Japhy. Yukiko is an amazing textile and fabric designer, her label is called Chinpinch. Everything she makes is awe striking in detail, and full of love and craft. Doug is currently the Kitchen Manager forFarmhouse Culture Kraut locally sourced and organic sauerkraut in California. They have a booth at the market, so we got to sample a bit, and hands down, it is the best sauerkraut I have ever had. Since I am not a big fan of sauerkraut, this means something when I say it. It is even better than any of the sauerkraut I've sampled in Austria, which is pretty darn good ( and again, this is coming from someone who does not really fancy sauerkraut). We liked it so much I even brought a tub home. It leaked slightly in transport, and even after that, I can still say it is worth it.

Kraut barrels at the market:

Doug and Yukiko's guy, Japhy really digs the kraut. I kind of know how he feels because after the one tub we have is gone, that's it for us until we head back to California again.

(p.s on the kraut. Farmhouse is in the running for an entrepreneurial award, the Mamachia Entrepreneur of the Year award. If you want to vote you can do so here. I'm not sure who else is in the running, but like Japhy, all I can think about is the kraut.)

After the market, we walked our bikes with the D & Y clan down to Chinatown for dim sum. We took our time getting there, catching up, and I got to chat at length with Maya. It was the first time I got to hangout with the kids actually, as they were not born the last time I saw Doug and Yukiko. After dim sum we headed to City Lights Books and then reluctantly parted ways - to be continued next time.

Sunday was our last day in the city and we took a nice long ride from downtown to the ocean. We almost got rained out, but we stopped along the way for some traditional American brunch at 'It's Tops' while we waited out the downpour.

After the rain subsided we rode through the Haight,

over through the Golden Gate Park and straight to the ocean. I love Golden Gate Park.

I love the ocean.

Sigh. Next, we rode up to Delores Park to try to catch the Hunky Jesus competition, but missed it by a few minutes; so we returned our bikes, and started our trek home via BART and airplane back to Calgary. A bientot San Fran! See you again soon! and for a longer stay next time!