From Rink to Runway
Mariah Keopple never imagined that a canceled hockey season would become the launchpad for a fashion career. During the COVID‑19 pandemic she turned a college hobby for sewing into a small collection that caught the eye of WNBA superstar Gabby Williams.
Williams, who was rehabilitating a knee injury, traveled to Seattle to support Keopple’s Torrent teammates at a PWHL runway show. The event marked the first time the two women met, and Williams was drawn to Keopple’s bold, athletic‑inspired aesthetic.
Inspired by their shared love of corsets and wide‑leg silhouettes, Keopple designed a black resin corset paired with a high‑waisted skirt for Williams’ debut at the 2026 WNBA All‑Star Game in Chicago. The outfit was tailored to Williams’ athletic build and marked her first collaboration with a stylist.
The partnership quickly became a talking point, highlighting how performance wear and high fashion can intersect. Keopple’s label, Riah the Label, grew out of a Princeton thesis exploring fashion and identity, and now focuses on inclusive designs that accommodate diverse body types.
Both women continue to push boundaries: Keopple will represent the PWHL San Jose at the upcoming 2027 All‑Star Game, while Williams hopes to attend those games this winter after missing time due to overseas commitments. Their future collaborations promise to blend sport, style, and empowerment.