Introduction:

Rika has been a customer of ours for a number of years. She has always kept us apprised of her work and given us input about her purchases of our Japanese kimono fabrics. Always friendly and enthusiastic, her passion for her work is almost palpable. We recently visited her site www.rikarika.net and liked what we saw so invited her to show her creations here. We welcome her to our gallery and hope you enjoy.
Yoko Lewis

K. Rika Kurdyla

ABOUT RiKA & HER DESiGNS...

What I do has much to do with my origin from Tokyo. My mother - a kimono-lover and tea ceremony artist, and grandmother - a seamstress and traditional Japanese calligraphy master are the two of the most influential artists in my life. They are responsible for providing me with the interest in the two things that make my profession so unique. Being exposed to such artists since birth, I was always tinkering with various creative projects even at an early age. Such appreciation for the arts lead me to pursue it further at the university and graduate level.

As a sculptor by trade, I wanted to create functional artforms that reveal what I consider most important and meaningful in my life through the inherited joy of handling these fabrics, and the act of sewing them together. My creations are also an attempt to channel my own “invented culture” of sorts - by bringing together elements of the East and theWest. As a half-Japanese/half-Polish American, this act is the closestI could get to having my own 'tradition.' Hopefully, some of this happiness transfers to my creations.

All of my creations involve vintage kimono silk in some shape or form –whether it be the entire article of clothing, or in combination with newer materials. Though the style may be the same, no two are exactly alike due to the various kimono textiles incorporated into the designs.

While I do love using beautiful kimono fabrics in my creations, I also strive to create things that focus on good design elements and detail that is excitingto the eye, with equal attention to practicality. I personally am the designer and seamstress, so I oversee every step from conception to end product - ensuring that the quality of each piece of every step is never compromised. I strive to design clothing that flatters every woman, with all the eclectic touches in the right places that make every item unique - my mission is to have everyone that wears my creations feel like it was made just for them.

For more information and photos visit the website - www.rikarika.net

RiKARiKA
vintage fabric * one-of-a-kind designs
Seattle, WA 98103
www.myspace.com/rikarikadesigns

We thank Rika very much for sharing her work with us, and for allowing it to be shared with our visitors here in the site gallery.

Yoko Lewis