RedTracker

Writing about Charlize Theron’s important work in Africa caused me to reflect again on Anne of Carversville’s main mission of telling women’s stories from fashion to flogging. Under intense pressure in the launch of my GlamTribale jewelry and gift collection this year, it seems that some of our critical writing on women’s issues has suffered.

AOC’s voice remains among the strongest ones out there, but not quite as loud as in prior years. I’m on a mission to address that challenge in 2014.

One of the simplest ways to create context around my main focus of the Smart Sensuality woman (sexy, smart and with great heart) is to call out these women worldwide. A reasonable goal rolling into 2014 is one woman a week, released on the weekend.

In the case of Ulrika Lundren, she is a new find, uncovered in posting this editorial Amber Anderson As ‘Amber Darling’ By Jen Carey For Rika Magazine #9 Fall 2013. Fact-checking myself on Rika’s location, I erased Britain and wrote Amsterdam before reading Rika web copy that fascinated me. Swedish-born Ulrika Lundgren fits the mold perfectly of AOC’s Smart Sensuality woman.

Rika is part of Noble Project, a charity brand supported by artists, musicians, actors and designers worldwide.

Lundgren’s vision of the Rika brand, its voice and mission create a perfect story of creating a Smart Sensuality brand. The remaining text has been copied from the Rika website. Enjoy Rika! ~ Anne

Rika was founded on the strong personal taste of Ulrika Lundgren, the style fuses rock ‘n’ roll and a timeless feminine silhouette – with a sprinkle of pared down, Scandinavian aesthetic. Rika’s trademark symbol is the star, “A star reminds us of that vintage touch of French bohemian as much as of a contemporary hue of rock ‘n’ roll,” said the designer, which sums up what Rika is about. Today, Rika includes a beautiful selection of handcrafted, chemical-free leather accessories together with a ready-to-wear collection of fashionable but season-less wardrobe staples with an edge. A feminine pencil skirt in leather paired with an ultra soft baby mohair striped sweater, or a star cashmere cardigan matched with a rock chic leather biker jacket are amongst Ulrika’s favourite items to wear all year round.

Rika Magazine

The Rika Magazine is another project dear to the label. Created by Lundgren and New-York based design director Jacob Wildschiodtz, the independent, bi-annual publication acts as a manifesto of Rika’s philosophy: each issue features women in the arts, whose personality and vision are inspiring to readers worldwide. Rika looks at women as muses, creators, fighters and lovers in the fields. Each issue picks a theme, which is freely reinterpreted by an array of established and up-and-coming contributors. Blessed with editorial contributions ranging from Helena Christiansen, Maison Michel-Chanel to Anton Corbijn and exclusive features of Yoko Ono, Caroline de Maigret or Milla Jovovich. Rika embodies the philosophy that “a magazine should be a meeting point for a creative community, and a source of inspiration to each and everyone’s daily life.”

Rika Boutique

Rika’s collection is showcased in the ‘Rika Boutique’ located in Amsterdam in the area of ‘The 9 Streets’ known for its independent retailers and unique boutiques. Alongside the Rika collection, Ulrika mixes in carefully selected brands that compliment her own personal style philosophy to create a fashionable but season-less wardrobe. Rika Boutique has stocked a mix of brands from Porenza Schoulder to LaLa Berlin and currently Alexander Wang and IRO, with accessories from Maison Michel, jewellery brand Shaune Leane and collections by Linda Farrow Eyewear (including The Row and Alexander Wang) Each season the Boutique is refreshed with new pieces discovered by Ulrika on her travels from handmade gold bracelets to beautiful rings and clothing accessories.

Rika Maison

Designed with style and ambiance in harmony with Ulrika’s Scandinavian sensitivity, the petite guest house offers two rooms on two floors, with a view on the historical Amsterdam canals with decoration composed of unique, meticulously chosen objects from Ulrika’s personal travels. Art, design and fashion books along with fresh flowers and custom designed furniture add to the charm and style of the guesthouse which was acts as an extension of Ulrika’s home, a place to welcome friends of the brand. Maison Rika is located in the ‘9 Streets’ of Amsterdam across from the Rika Flagship Boutique. The Gallery & Gift space of Masion Rika stocks products from scented candles and perfumes to pieces by artist John Derian along with jewellery by designer Holst + Lee (NY) and hats and head pieces from Maison Michel (Chanel, Paris)