Frequently asked questions

What is RIVTAK handmade?

We are a growing lifestyle brand and the progression of clothing and accessories designed and hand-crafted by River Takada. This brand is an on-going project for my love of craft, fashion and photography. RIVTAK, established in 2007, has since bloomed into something bigger, deeper and more passionate. River is incorporating her social practice of teaching textile and business classes to kids and adults who are interested in being their own bosses. RIVTAK handmade is the umbrella space where River releases her many mixed media product lines including clothing, home goods, prints, jewelry and workshop series.

What does the name mean?

RIVTAK is short for my name; River Takada. My last name is pronounced “TA-KA-DA”. This is my Japanese mother’s name.

Where do you source your materials?

My goods are made from materials that are recycled, found, and reclaimed> Upcycled and Salvaged.  I get my materials from thrift stores, yard sales, flea markets, clothing swaps, factory remnants and donations from the giving hands of many people. I often travel to cities and remote locations to source unique and forgot textiles and metals. Deadstock- refers to vintage/old product that has very been used, it sat in a warehouse for many years, perhaps because it was excess product that didn’t sell or samples. I love finding deadstock suppliers who are selling new and un-used materials, thus allowing RIVTAK to release unique products that are Zero-Waste.

WHERE CAN I FIND YOUR THINGS FOR SALE?

I currently sell my  jewelry, handmade and vintage clothing online, and a limited selection is available to small, women owned shops! Markets are some of our favorite places to connect with people face-to-face. View our Events page and follow on Instagram for updated events.

WHERE CAN I TAKE A WORKSHOP? 

You can find up-to-date events on the Calendar.  I teach pop-up workshops at businesses and art spaces, just drop me an email if you are looking for textile and craft programming.  I have also taught workshops at The North Carolina Museum of Art, Duke, NC State, and been a studio assistant at Penland School of Crafts. I teach adult and kids classes at the ArtsCenter in Carrboro and the Scrap Exchange in Durham. I teach Indigo Dye Workshops at my studio in the Spring & Fall. Other places I teach include Freeman’s Creative, The Scrap Exchange and Observable Universe.

You can book a private party with me.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU? 

Textures, function over form, organic shapes in shibori tie dye, geometric designs and textiles with a history. I combine my education in textiles, weaving, dyeing, screen printing, and sewing; with my interest in fashion to make trendy, eco-conscious, ready-to-wear clothing, jewelry and home goods. When I was 17, I moved to Tokyo to live with my grandparents and worked at a cake and tea house called Christie in Toshimaen. This gave me a surge of freedom, independence and adventure. When I wasn’t working, I was walking around Tokyo, riding the subway to random locations, exploring back alley ways, sightseeing and window shopping. I saw the most influential art, fashion and beauty of life that were scattered all over the place. Now in Durham, NC, I am inspired by the other entrepreneurs and artists making their mark on the community. I combine trendy inspirations from my style muse friends, and international travels, along with the use of found materials and draping on a dress form to design my clothing and accessories. With wonderfully artistic parents who gave me Monet poster art, a hand built doll house, hand sewn clothing and delicious food from this earth; I have had the ideal upbringing of a creative mind and it is hard *not* to find inspiration in everything!

WHO IS THE TEAM BEHIND THE BRAND? 

I, River, am the executive designer behind the brand. I design, re-design, sew, screen print, dye, source fabric and materials, cast models and photographers, style lookbooks, design and make shop displays and equipment, edit photographs, guerilla market, etc.

Studio Assistant: Emma Ptak

Logo Designer: Molly Drake of Parson Lane

I work with local photographers to capture the styles I put together with handmade and vintage items. I pull a lot of inspiration from my friends/model muses, and love collaborating with my stylist friends. Interested in modeling, photographing or generally interested in becoming a member of the team?  Email me!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MAKING THINGS?

For as long as I can remember I have loved clothing, dressing up, collecting little trinkets and making things. I started making clothing for my dolls and was taught how to sew on a machine in 3rd grade by my mother, who is also a textile enthusiast. Now I have been sewing for 20 years! I learned how to screen print, weave and dye fabric in college.
Rivtak was established in 2007, under the name: Riverbasin Outfitters. It has since gone through many metamorphoses, depending on the amount of time, space and what materials I am inspired by in the moment.

DID YOU GO TO School FOR THIS?  

College education-wise, I went to SCAD for my first year of college, then continued at Haywood Community College (Clyde, NC) where I immersed myself in an intense 2 year study in fibers; weaving, dyeing, printing and small business.  I was fortunate to learn about textiles from Catherine Ellis and Amy Putansu - amazing instructors and inspiring textile artists. I also received support from the Fiber Handweavers Guild of Western North Carolina and the Asheville Quilt Guild during my time at HCC. While I was at school, I focused on sewing with handwovens since my passion has been and continues to be creating functional hand crafted items.
After school I have continued with taking weekend and week long workshops in many disciplines to advance my skills.

WHAT MAKES YOU ECO.ECO FRIENDLY?  

I practice an Eco.Eco (Economical.Ecological) business style where we recycle everything and source as many things second hand or discounted as possible.  We make an effort to reuse every fabric scrap in new products like headbands, coin pouches, small pillows, etc. By being economically conscious of our overhead, we can pass those savings on to you, our supportive customers! That is how we can bring you handmade and affordable products with a small footprint. With our current economy, it is more important than ever to be kind, thoughtful and sharing with the people around us. I believe in sharing knowledge of my craft and educating people so that in small ways we, together, are making a big difference. I believe in actively supporting other artists, musicians, farmers and businesses in the local area. Join me in supporting Independent and Local – it makes our economy go around! Please share this website with a friend. You are the best advertisement and support I can have. Thank You!

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Born in Tokyo and raised in Carrboro, NC, I have come to love and appreciate the buzz of the city and ease of a small town.  I have collected inspiration from high fashion and art of Tokyo and gained support in my ever growing community in North Carolina. I grew up in Carrboro, NC, went to Chapel Hill High School, and graduated in 2004. I have also lived in Tokyo, Japan, Savannah, GA and Waynesville, NC.

WHERE ARE YOU CURRENTLY BASED OUT OF? 

My path has brought me full circle back to the area I grew up, the Triangle of North Carolina, where I live in Durham. I am self-employed with a studio practice and teach anywhere on the east coast.