Mariah Keopple never imagined that a canceled Ivy League hockey season would set her on a path toward fashion. During the COVID‑19 lockdown she picked up a needle and thread, teaching herself to sew through online tutorials while completing a senior thesis on the relationship between clothing and personal identity at Princeton University.
The skill quickly evolved from a pastime into a fledgling label, Riah the Label, which caught the eye of professional athletes seeking apparel that respected both performance and aesthetics. It was in Seattle, while both were rehabilitating injuries, that Keopple extended an invitation to Gabby Williams, a rising star in the WNBA, to attend a small runway presentation she had organized alongside a Seattle Kraken game.
From Runway to Rink
Their connection deepened over a shared love of bold silhouettes, and when Williams asked for a custom outfit for the 2026 WNBA All‑Star Game, Keopple rose to the challenge. The resulting black resin corset paired with a high‑waisted, wide‑leg skirt was unlike anything on the typical runway, perfectly complementing Williams’s athletic build and personal style.
The collaboration did not stop at a single garment. Keopple’s designs have since become a touchstone for Williams, who now favors corsets and flowing trousers both on and off the court. As the Professional Women’s Hockey League prepares its 2026 season, Keopple is set to debut with the San Jose PWHL franchise, while Williams eyes Defensive Player of the Year honors and looks forward to cheering her friend from the stands.
Their story illustrates how sport and style can intersect in unexpected ways, turning a pandemic hobby into a professional partnership that bridges hockey, basketball, and high fashion. With the Golden State Valkyries slated to host the 2027 WNBA All‑Star Game, the duo’s influence promises to ripple across leagues and runways alike.