Rika Nishimura Friends V Zip Top Official

: Machine wash on a cold, gentle cycle or hand wash to prevent the fabric from over-stretching. Avoid the Dryer

Her friends called her practical. "Rika, just use a button," they'd say. But buttons are lies. Buttons are temporary, shallow fastenings that pretend permanence. A zipper is a pact of teeth interlocking. Each tiny tooth is a small promise: I will hold you, but only if you hold me back. rika nishimura friends v zip top

Before we pit the "Friends" against the "Zip Top," context is key. Rika Nishimura is a Japanese-born, New York-based designer who rejects logos in favor of form. Her ethos is simple: The bag should serve the wearer, not the other way around. : Machine wash on a cold, gentle cycle