Welcome to my new photo series ‘Headspace’ where I meet and photograph creatives in their workspace. A couple of weeks ago, I headed to Ridley Road Market to visit the studio of east London fashion brand RIYKA…

With a focus on sustainability and a sports luxe, street approach to functional but stylish pieces, RIYKA has a loyal following among those in the know. Founder and designer Rebecca Johnson told me, “I’ve always been a bit of a tomboy – I like clothes that are comfortable and unrestrictive. I make clothes I want to wear.” Sold online and in Broadway Market boutique 69b (which has a loyal following of its own) RIYKA customers tend to be 20- and 30-somethings – “definitely in the creative industries” Rebecca adds – drawn to well-cut pieces that are practical and look good.

Well, I’ve been wearing the Timothy jumper (the same as the one Rebecca wears in the photo below) and can confirm all of this! In fact, the first few days I found myself reaching for it over and over, just such an easy wear. A little background; Rebecca uses British made, recycled or organic materials where possible, works with sustainable Bulgarian factory ‘One Good Factory’ and sends all fabric waste to be recycled with GETS and Edinburgh based Kidzeco. Plus pronunciation is ‘Ree-ka’, Rebecca named the brand after her grandmother’s nickname and spelt it differently!

Do check out the AW14 collection – as well as the Timothy jumper, my faves include this Oscar t-shirt, Louis jumper and super cute pinafore. Full outfit post with my Timothy coming soon! And you can follow RIYKA on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest; like me, Rebecca’s a bit of a social media addict, plus a mean Pinterester – I’m currently drooling over this minimalist look she just pinned on her ‘Second favourite colour’ board…!

RIYKA founder & designer Rebecca Johnson and her inspiration wall in her Ridley Road studio wearing the Timothy jumper from AW14 collection

The AW14 Alice Dress