Before we get on with the interview, a few things about Abigail Ricarte. She’s a new force in the fashion world, braving the land of headbands. Yes, headbands. But these aren’t your run of the mill headbands. Ricarte’s BAMBAKO is a line of artful, one-of-a-kind headbands for fashion forward ladies who aren’t scared to accessorize with some headgear.
Quick background, Ricarte fell into the world of fashion when she couldn’t find an adequate accessory for her pretty little head that matched her ensemble, style, and, most importantly at the time, that would help disguise her hair (it was in on of those awkward “growing out” phases). Naturally, as any person with a high degree of creativity would do, Ricarte took a detour before heading to her event. She dropped by the craft store to buy supplies to make her own headband. As it turns out, she never exactly made it to that event. Instead, she rocked out and made her first dozen BAMBAKO pieces.
And now, on with the interview:
Why headbands? I always liked wearing headbands but never found anything I really loved, unique, and at the right price. I really wanted a headband to wear for a friend’s birthday one night but couldn’t find anything so I took a detour to the craft store and made my own. I’d like to start doing other accessories in the future, but for now I just really really love making headbands.
When did you first start making headbands? February 2009
What inspires your designs for Bambako? Everything… From a woman’s outfit to a guy walking his dog to a store with a bright awning to a red coffee mug next to retro teal fridge. Colors are everywhere- the combination of colors of my headbands comes from just being aware of the natural color combination of the everyday life that work so well.
Who’s your fashion hero and why? Yves San Laurent, Rodarte, Marchesa, and Marc Jacobs. Geniuses in their craft.
If you could choose anyone you wanted to rock a Bambako headband, who would it be? M.I.A. or Little Boots.
What’s the fashion scene like in New Jersey? What scene.
What are you doing when you aren’t making fashion-forward headbands? Blogging about music, going to shows, trying to play the ukulele…
If you could let the world know about one thing or person, who/what would it be? Red velvet cupcakes at Brown Betty’s in Philly. Oh yes.
What is the one thing the world should know about you? Dang- what a hard question! The world should know that the best from me is still to come… But it’s coming soon.
Where can someone purchase your headbands? Bambako.com or at Henri Bendel in New York.