Art as a Necessity in Daily Life

Ulrika Lundgren has a rich creative background, having worked as an interior designer and stylist. Today, she is a multifaceted career woman, serving as the designer for the fashion brand Rika, editor-in-chief of Rika Magazine, and operator of Maison Rika. Lundgren has a deep passion for art, which she has expressed through several brand-related photography exhibitions. For her, art and fashion have always been intrinsically linked.

"Art is part of life. I express my worldview through art. Rika Magazine, in particular, has a strong artistic element; I see it as a 'tool' to showcase my world. It also serves as a platform for other photographers and designers to exhibit their creativity. The concept that ties everything together is the integration of the Rika brand, Rika Magazine, and Maison Rika, our hotel."



Maison Rika is a small hotel with just two rooms, located near the Rika boutique. It was converted from a small gallery in the "9 streets" area, Amsterdam's stylish heart.

"In an era where more people are traveling, we're growing tired of conventional hotels. Travel loses its excitement without new experiences, and I believe people are seeking new styles of travel. We want guests at Maison Rika to feel a comfortable, home-like atmosphere. We arrange restaurant and event reservations according to guests' preferences and prepare treats for tea time. We treat them like family. It's a small service made possible by having only two rooms. Because we have so few rooms, we're always fully booked (laughs)."

Rika: Celebrating Female Strength and Grace

"We gave them Rika's signature VIPER SHIRTS and let them style them according to their own taste. The shoots weren't in a studio but in their homes, allowing us to create images that express their intimate atmosphere and individual personalities."

Rika's brand concept is urban style inspired by female strength. Rika Magazine also features many fashion stories centered on strong women. For Ulrika, these strong women share a common trait.

"The women featured in this exhibition are all talented and excel in various fields. For example, Anna Fremantle, who started as a model, is now the director of the Edinburgh Fashion Festival. Linda Rodin is not only a stylist but also the founder of the skincare brand 'RODIN'—she possesses so many talents. Beyond style and beauty, it's important for women to take pride in their work. I want to convey this message to women everywhere."



As a mother of two, Ulrika is a strong woman who balances family and career, embodying the Rika brand's ideal. She shared her thoughts on life.

"Work is a part of my life. A mother's duties are the same for everyone, whether they are famous or not. In my case, many things happen in both my work and personal life, and I simply accept them as they come. I didn't meticulously plan this life ten years ago; it's just how things have unfolded. Overthinking the future can create pressure, so it's also important to take risks when the situation calls for it."



Rika Studios Japan
Tel.03-6455-3440
http://www.rikaint.com/home/