Spotlight on Bicycle Fashion Designers – Riyoko

Spotlight: Kristi Woo

Comfortable bike wear for women.

riyoko.ca

Founded 2008 | Calgary, AB

Kristi Woo, founder and designer of Riyoko, rediscovered cycling in university while studying design. Woo started making, altering, and buying clothing to suit her cycling needs with a focus on movement, breathability, comfort and style, as well as the ability to pack the pieces into her bag for travel. Later, while working and traveling overseas, Woo realized that she encountered the same challenges with travel attire as she did with cycling attire. She also became aware of how few women were riding in Canada. “I wanted more women cycling,” said Woo. “I wanted to provide a strong and healthy example for women’s urban cycling.”

“Riyoko is created for women who live and move, and who want to enjoy their daily experiences and journeys in well-made comfort and style – whether they are on a bike, on a bus, a plane, or at the store,” shared Woo. “Women who bike don’t always live on their bikes, they walk, run, sit, travel, camp, go dancing, so Riyoko makes clothes for women that function in all the urban travel aspects of their lives.”

Part of setting a healthy example is what lead Woo to source and sew Riyoko clothing in Canada. “As a Canadian designer, it’s important to support what I do and design and produce quality pieces in Canada to carry on the trademark of quality and durability and support the local job market and economy that I exist in.”

Woo’s support also extends to her local cycling community by co-leading monthly Cyclofemme YYC rides as well as helping start and support Cyclepalooza, a community-driven, do-it-yourself bicycle festival held for ten days every June in Calgary.