Are you dancing yet? by Riyka

Riyka is a London based company, founded by designer Rebecca Johnson and her husband Vedran two years ago. Their aim is to take over the world and enforce sport-lux onto everyone...but mainly to have fun and to keep it simple.

For AW12-13 Riyka continues journeying in an air of nonchalance with its elegantly casual-luxe collection that blurs the line between day and play. Riyka is the one-stop solution in stylish separates to keep a street look razor-edge. Utilitarian and directional, it’s all about sleek designs on sophisticated silhouettes. Riyka is playful and timeless and always firing up the sportswear revolution.

For AW12-13 Riyka poses “are you dancing yet”? The title is fitting, as the collection is whimsical and fun. For the season Riyka were fascinated by the gentleman of Bakongo a clique of extraordinarily dressed dandies from the Congo. In the midst of war and poverty these men dress in three-piece suits, immaculate brogues and it’s this obsession and love for dress that captures hearts, as does their vibrant peacock colours. Another big influence is Ska music for its clash of all things good. Riyka plays with a palette of four colours: navy, royal blue, bubblegum pink and purple on a teasing anagram of textures and fabrics such as leather, denim, cotton and jersey.

Paneled leggings look modern teamed with easy sweats with their Tetris feel as separates piece together to form an iconographic clash that’s pleasing in colour and form. Signature geometric paneling and mirrored use of the triangle nods to the African textiles so coveted by the brand. Graphic dresses are effortless, everyone will be eyeballing. There’s also a rebellious, girlish charm to the pieces, with navy pleated skirts, zipper sweats that adds a youthful irreverence to the overall look.

Creating from their east London studio Riyka designs for an intelligent, expressive and restless soul who likes to be comfortable and’s constantly on the move. Conceived in an innovatively directional way, Riyka is obsessive about its signature shape, style and silhouette.