There’s an imaginary state where everyone loves dressing up, starting from the head, but with just one eco-friendly piece: the president is Rika Gunawan and her happy place is called “Republic of Pigtails”.
RoP or better Republic of Pigtails is an independent fashion brand based in the New York area and on a community of mothers, daughters and sons, offering products that can be worn both from mothers and their little ones and even by pets!
Republic of Pigtails was “founded” during a critical point in Rika’s life when she faced the hard economic reality and decided to continue with what she loved the most: designing.
Ponytails are what may come to everybody’s mind but this Republic is plenty of inspired accessories such as headbands like Alli, Yvonne and Angie, fascinators like Nicole, hair clips like Grace and Mia, wearable hats and bridal headpieces, elastic multiways headbands like Mandy.
Each model has a name, it’s the name of who has inspired Rika with her/his own personality and inner sparkle: a fellow mom, a friend, her daughter…
This made each Republic of Pigtails’ headpiece so unique and personal, I could say alive!
Ponytails are what may come to everybody’s mind but this Republic is plenty of inspired accessories such as headbands like Alli, Yvonne and Angie, fascinators like Nicole, hair clips like Grace and Mia, wearable hats and bridal headpieces, elastic multiways headbands like Mandy.
Each model has a name, it’s the name of who has inspired Rika with her/his own personality and inner sparkle: a fellow mom, a friend, her daughter…
This made each Republic of Pigtails’ headpiece so unique and personal, I could say alive!
Rika Gunawan let me take an insight into her life, her story has inspired me even more after my first meeting with “Nona”…
How and when was your shop born?
It started as a hobby, then in May 2012, when I lost my corporate job, I knew it was time to pursue my dreams.
Could you tell us something about your background? Where are you from?
I am from Indonesia. I came to the States to study. I got my BFAs in Interior Design and Fiber Art at Savannah College of Design, Savannah, GA. Then I met a guy in art school, the rest is history…
When have you met your passion for creations?
I’ve always loved to design and create. To me design is play, not work.
What’s your goal?
To have my own design label that can be enjoyed by everyone
How do you imagine your typical customer?
I’ve always loved to design and create. To me design is play, not work.
What’s your goal?
To have my own design label that can be enjoyed by everyone
How do you imagine your typical customer?
Women who love to look stylish and love to dress up their little ones.
What inspires you the most?
What inspires you the most?
My daughter, family and friends.Do you have an inspiring place (where you create or sketch the product)?
Not particularly.
What’s your biggest satisfaction?
I get the greatest satisfaction from seeing my ideas and endeavours go exactly the way I plan them. And I like the feeling of accomplishment at the end of a busy day. Just knowing that the day was put to good use, that’s where I get the most satisfaction.
I get the greatest satisfaction from seeing my ideas and endeavours go exactly the way I plan them. And I like the feeling of accomplishment at the end of a busy day. Just knowing that the day was put to good use, that’s where I get the most satisfaction.
Do you have a project for the near future?
I have several small projects, nothing big. I like to do small project better, because it’s easier to manage on one person basis. Currently, I am working on Spring 2017 Designs. I am ready to launch my Fall 2016 in August.
I have several small projects, nothing big. I like to do small project better, because it’s easier to manage on one person basis. Currently, I am working on Spring 2017 Designs. I am ready to launch my Fall 2016 in August.
Her Indonesian origin can be spotted in her “Topi”, meaning “hat”, like Suria below: a mix between headband and hat, elaborated like a traditional hat and easy to style like casual headbands are!
The eye for every single detail and the use of recycled materials, Rika’s artisanal touch and her love for her little child are all elements making each and every ponytail and hairclip different, warm like the love behind them and happy like the moments she shares with her friends.
If you’ve found Rika’s world creative and stylish enough for your tastes, you can find all her works at the Republic of Pigtails web shop and an extra dose of news via her Facebook, twitter and Instagram pages.
Who will be Rika’s next dear to inspire a creation?
Who will be Rika’s next dear to inspire a creation?
Valentina Chirico aka Valens
