
Nikita's summer '07 line is definitely their best ever! Their use of abstract patterns and lovable line drawings are like a breath of fresh air. The also have a huge selection of top and pant styles that you can't find anywhere else. With european styling you're are sure to find something totally unique. My two faves are the 'Lucy in the Sky top' and the 'Thunderstorm Zipped Hoodie'.
Heida Birgisdottir from Reykjavik, Iceland started Nikita in 2000. She was the owner of her own snow/skate/street clothing shop and was bummed when she couldn't find girls clothing that she liked to wear herself. As a designer, she found the best solution was to start her own label. Today, Nikita is sold in hundreds of shops in over 30 countries.
Another awesome aspect to Nikita is that they do not use models to show their clothing. All the girls in the ads, p.o.p., and website are professional surfers, snowboarders, musicians, skaters, and DJ's. Heida like using girls that are "...just so real. They are active, they express themselves, they are themselves." It is those words that the whole Nikita brand is based off of. Nikita is a clothing line that allows girls to mix and match pieces to create their own unique style. With baggy boy fitting pants to tight skinny jeans - Nikita has it all.
I admire Heida for taking the initiative to start her own line of clothing in an industry usually run by guys. If you're looking for a small rider-owned company this is it. Heida surfs, skate, has a huge pile of snowboarding trophies under her bed, and became Iceland's first woman's motorcross champion. She is inspired by her beloved Iceland as well as paintings, old and new furniture, crayons, and even food. Their professional team includes snowboarders Natasza Zurek, Christel Thorensen, and Keiko Yanagisawa, as well as skateboarder Mimi Knoop.