| Style | Brand | Price | Where to Buy | |-------|-------|------|--------------| | Classic White Cotton Zip‑Top | Everlane | $78 | everlane.com | | Neon‑Green Nylon Zip‑Top | Nike ACG | $115 | Nike.com (A‑CG collection) | | Satin Ivory Zip‑Top | Aritzia – Wilfred | $138 | aritzia.com | | Black PVC Zip‑Top | Zara | $92 | Zara.com (Season‑23 “Industrial” line) | | Metallic Pleated Mini Skirt (to pair) | ASOS DESIGN | $45 | asos.com |
(All prices are in USD and reflect the latest sale at the time of writing. Stock may vary.)
| Step | What to Do | Pro Tip | |------|------------|---------| | 1. Choose the Right Fabric | Cotton for casual, satin for dressy, PVC for edge. | Look for breathable blends in summer (cotton‑linen). | | 2. Play With the Zip Position | Pull it up to frame your face, or down for a relaxed neckline. | A mid‑zip creates a flattering V‑shape for most body types. | | 3. Layer Smartly | Use thin tees underneath to avoid bulk. | A white ribbed tank under a bright zip‑top adds contrast without adding thickness. | | 4. Pair with Contrasting Bottoms | Shorts, skirts, or wide‑leg pants. | High‑waisted bottoms elongate the silhouette and keep the focus on the top. | | 5. Add One Statement Piece | Shoes, bag, or jewelry. | Keep the rest of the outfit neutral to let the zip‑top shine. |
The Friends V zip top embodies an effortless mix of comfort, nostalgia, and refined simplicity — precisely the sort of item that fits naturally into Rika Nishimura’s understated, thoughtful approach to dressing. It’s an easy buy for someone wanting a versatile, everyday top that reads modern with a hint of retro personality. rika nishimura friends v zip top
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Rika Nishimura uses the same tannery for both bags (a small family-run operation in Tuscany), so the leather quality is identical: Vegetable-tanned, full-grain cowhide that develops a rich patina over time.
However, wear patterns differ.
Winner: Zip Top (marginally more durable long-term).
Before we pit the "Friends" against the "Zip Top," context is key. Rika Nishimura is a Japanese-born, New York-based designer who rejects logos in favor of form. Her ethos is simple: The bag should serve the wearer, not the other way around.
The "Friends" bag debuted in 2018 as an homage to communal living—designed to hold everything you need for a day that starts at a café and ends at a gallery opening. The "Zip Top" followed shortly after, born from a request by a busy mother of twins who needed security without sacrificing style. | Style | Brand | Price | Where
Rika Nishimura isn’t just another TikTok fashionista—she’s the Japanese‑born, LA‑based lifestyle creator who built her following on relatable, mix‑and‑match aesthetics.
When she announced a “Friends v Zip‑Top” photo‑session in early March, the internet buzzed. The concept was simple: gather her closest friends, each wearing a different zip‑top style, and let the outfits speak for themselves. The result? A viral carousel that has been saved over 500,000 times and sparked countless copy‑cat looks.
As of 2025, retail prices have climbed due to inflation and leather costs. | Step | What to Do | Pro
Why the disparity? The "Friends" bag is discontinued in certain colorways (the "Miso" yellow and "Matcha" green versions sell for over retail). The Zip Top is evergreen—constantly in production, which hurts scarcity but helps availability.
Winner: Friends (for investment). Zip Top (for value).