A note from Lyla
Messinger, designer.
I had the wonderful
opportunity to visit the Riri
zipper factories in Switzerland
and Italy.
Swiss precision was
shown at it's best as the metal
zippers were produced. While
touring the factory in Lugano,
Switzerland, it was fascinating
to see all of the steps in the
zipper's construction. I lost
count at 20 while I was trying
to make note of the number
of human hands that touched
each zipper from beginning to
end! Each tooth is polished,
which makes the zipper slide
very smoothly. You will also
notice that the teeth are
smooth to the touch and there
is no bite to the metal teeth.
The zipper tapes are
manufactured in Italy, in a
small town called Tirano. This
is also where Riri makes the
plastic teeth zippers and has
their high tech
department.
Leftover zipper tape
makes a great piping in a
garment.
 |
I
applied the multi-colored
aluminum teeth zipper to the
Latté Jacket
from my A La Mode pattern
line. You'll notice the
zipper is functional to the
point where the lapel on the
jacket folds back. At
that point, the teeth create a
decorative piping on the
lapel. |
I hope you
have fun designing with these
wonderful, high quality
zippers. Designers from
Dooney & Bourke, Gucci, and
many other names you will
find on the runways of the
fashion world, use Riri zippers
to create that “perfect”
garment, bag, or accessory.
Consider adding zippers to
jacket sleeves, pockets, etc.
to channel your creativity and
zip it up!
Watch for more project
ideas and zipper
designs! Sign up on the e mail
list to be notified of “what's
new.” We will be adding
pictures of the factory and the
actual zipper construction
which I think you will find
very interesting.
Care of your
Riri aluminum teeth
zippers:
The factory doesn't
recommend washing these
zippers, because there are so
many chemicals that people
wash their clothing in. To be
safe, they say do not
wash.
We have been very
successful in washing the
zippers, using a mild
detergent for fine washables
and placing the garment in a
laundry bag, if possible. Use
gentle cycle and air dry.
Always turn the zipper to the
inside before washing the
garment. Prevent the
enameled pullers from being
agitated against metal, as the
enamel could chip if not
properly cared for.
