Posted by Amanda Castro on October 05, 2009 12:55 p.m.
Nestled in the gourmet district of Berkeley, California, a small boutique boasting fabulous European-inspired threads is awaiting your discovery. French brands like IKKS, Cotelac, and Neen, perfectly compliment American labels like Millard Fillmore, Thursday Island, and the eponymous line Riki, which is manufactured in San Francisco. The unique assortment of European and American pieces is the main attraction of this small storefront where simplicity and style seems to be the driving force behind every garment. It also features local jewelry and accessory designers to compliment what has become known as the “Riki Look”: effortless, sharp, and decidedly European. You would never guess that the storeowner began her career as a designer for children’s clothing before permeating the women’s wear market.
Back in the early 80’s, owner and designer Ursula Labermeier, who grew up in Northern Europe at the French and Luxembourg borders, lamented the lack of style and natural fiber usage in the children’s wear market. She decided that because she couldn’t find anything as cute as the clothes for kids in Europe, she would make some herself. After constantly being stopped on the street by other doting moms wishing to know where their little one found such cute outfits, Ursula knew she was onto something. Thus, the Riki brand slowly came to fruition. But Ursula didn’t stop there. She also found that there was a lack of style and affordability to European-inspired clothes in her own market. What’s a designer to do but take matters into her own hands. Clearly, she was meant to bring a little refinement to our American trends.
After several years struggling to develop and maintain a name in the retail market, Riki opened its doors in 1992 and has since become a wonderful go-to for professional women and fashionistas alike. The clothes are simple yet sophisticated; revealing their style through creative fabric use, intricate sewing and construction, and unique silhouettes. Even the simplest of T-shirts can be deceiving as more than likely it’s been designed on one seam, a superb feat in the sewing world. The colors are quite typically European: muted, soft, simple, and flexible in versatility. Heather grey, fig, black, white, oatmeal, and navy are usually found accented with cranberry, emerald green, crimson, plum, and even canary yellow. The cuts are lean, tailored, and constructed to accentuate your best assets. A master patternmaker, Ursula painstakingly perfected the cut of her skirt so that it remains one of the most sought after items today. Even the shoes are sourced with the Riki Look in mind. There isn’t one item in the store that is trendy or superfluous. Ursula handpicks every piece to guarantee the Riki stamp of approval.
Prices range from about $120-$160 for skirts, $45-$80 for tops, and for the upcoming fall season, $100-$350 for coats. She also carries fabulous trousers and Red Engine Jeans which come in at around $165.Though your wallet may be cowering in your handbag, believe me- a former employee but eternal Riki fanatic- you’ll never need clothes from any other boutique. Quality, comfort, and chic style are what get when you make the transition to become a Riki girl.