When you think of locally-based brand RICA London, two words come to mind: effortless and elegant. Founded in Singapore during the throes of 2020 by London native Frederica W. Bristow, the intent of RICA was to deliver a much needed sense of optimism and sophistication in equal measure; one lightweight, opaque or transparent printed scarf at a time. Featuring adventurous acrylics focusing on the faces of women, RICA’s sensibility is about the celebration of self.
Not only are women integral to the blueprint of the RICA signature and brand identity, they are at the heart of the company, too. This female-led business takes keeping it in the family to the next level: the artist behind the exquisite designs is Bristow’s sister and acclaimed artist Poppy Waddilove, who is known for her fashion illustrations. Once Waddilove has sketched out a stunning motif, fine silks are sourced from Hangzhou, China–a hub for silk manufacturing in this region.
Here, Vogue Singapore speaks to Bristow about making the shift to fashion, the impact of accessories and her aspirations for the brand.
Frederica, you started your career as a banker and now you’re in fashion. Tell us more about how RICA London came to be.
I’ve always had my sights set on being involved in something entrepreneurial and creative even during my years as a bond broker. I come from a family of creatives–art, design and music have played a big part in my life. After a few years residing in Singapore, I realised there was a gap in the market for resort-wear that was vibrant, fresh, authentic and that was somewhat nostalgic of a more effortlessly glamorous, bygone era. During the misery of the Covid-19 lockdowns, I pitched my concept to my sister Poppy in London and to my delight she agreed to be our illustrator. Within a month I had set up a business and had my first design underway–it was magnificently exciting and incredibly organic.
“It was important to make something sustainable that could last a lifetime, something that could be cherished and handed down from mother to daughter.”
Why did you want to work with scarves?
I have been wearing silk scarves since I was a child. When I was just 13, my mum entrusted me with her treasured beautiful eye-catching silk Swarovski scarf to wear to my first summer work experience at a bank in the city in London. I remember how it completely elevated the black suit I was wearing and gave my look instant individuality. I adore that the scarves can be so soft and delicate looking, but also be very durable. For me, it was important to make something sustainable that could last a lifetime, something that could be cherished and handed down from mother to daughter. I’m truly proud of the high quality fabric we use–we source our silk from Hangzhou in China, which is renowned for its silks and the calibre is unbeatable.
Why are women featured so prominently in the designs?
Women are beautiful—we should be celebrated and canonised in art. We are a brand for women, made by women. To me, it seems completely natural to have these bold, beautiful feminine faces not only be incorporated into our designs, but become our signature. Not to mention, I grew up in a household lovingly bursting with oestrogen—there’s three of us daughters with a very strong matriarch at the helm who we really look up to. Now that I am a mother of a beautiful baby girl, I feel even more conviction about staying true to our feminine persona.
“Our female muse is at the heart of the design. What is her narrative? What is her mood?”
What is your sister Poppy’s process in creating a new artwork for RICA?
Our female muse is at the heart of the design. What is her narrative? What is her mood? What environment is she in that is veritable and believable for her? I typically put a moodboard or storyboard together, select a colour palette and we essentially go from there working back and forth over the phone exchanging thoughts and ideas. We are both creatively very in sync, so most of the time the design comes together pretty seamlessly. It also helps that she is an exceptional artist with clear vision who can translate my concepts from thought to paper. Poppy works with acrylic paint–the colours are bright and bold which makes them ideal for printing and suited to the lively aesthetic of RICA London.
What is your favourite way to wear a RICA scarf?
I couldn’t choose just one! There is so much joy wearing them in a variety of ways—in short, it really will depend on the occasion. I wear beach scarves frequently here in Singapore, classically around the waist with a swimsuit. Recently I was lunching in New York City donning ‘The Naomi’ beach scarf thrown around my shoulders like a pashmina with a black tailored blazer. It felt elegant and smart, but with a playful edge. Another way I love to wear our 90×90 neck scarf is as an inverted triangle top, tied round the back with a beautiful pair of white linen high waisted trousers.
We are seeing a real resurgence for resort fashion. How is this impacting your business?
Vacationwear has become increasingly popular in the last couple of years, especially with the post-pandemic travel surge. Many brands are tapping into resort wear, stepping away from their more traditional seasonal wear, consequently making it a far more competitive market. That said, I think the buyers are becoming savvier and they are seeking sustainable products that will stand the test of time. When it comes to RICA, we like to hope our buyers feel they are actually wearing a piece of artwork—something that is truly unique and completely original. We will endeavour to continue to follow our instincts, stay sincere and true to our brand roots. We want to continuously invoke that feeling of joie de vivre.
Due to the delicate nature of the fabric, how should we gently care for our scarves?
Our scarves are 100% silk. Rule number one, do not put them in the washing machine. In case it stains, I normally will gently soak the area in cold water and dab very gently. It’s important to store the scarves correctly too–make sure to leave them in a dark and dry place away from the damp. I use my RICA London packaging to store mine. I give my scarves a quick airing outside to freshen up, then lightly steam before use. If you don’t own a steamer, use an iron on the lowest setting.
What are the dreams and aspirations for RICA?
As of now with RICA in its infancy I feel very fortunate that I am fulfilling some of my initial goals already. In addition to our expansion into scrunchies, we have a kaftan collection coming very soon which we have been working on for over six months. Stay tuned for that release. Long term aspirations include becoming a globally recognised brand. I would love our collections to be selling in stores and luxury hotel boutiques worldwide and to perhaps one day have my own flagship brick and mortar location. Also a little RICA London cameo in White Lotus season three would be fabulous!
