Brenda McGuire has worked for a decade to keep riot (formerly raya) out of the mainstream, helping the denizens of Commercial Drive find their unique style. Her friend of 30 years, Laurie Loewen, brought Prince George into the action when she stepped into the eddies this spring to join Brenda in bringing a splash of fun and fashion to the north. (No-one but me enjoys the above cheesy water analogy).

riot has a wonderfully eclectic collection, trending towards sustainable lines like Twice Shy, Grace and Cello, and Of the Earth. These hang alongside outstanding local labels such as Mia Melon and Lily and Jae, and international lines Grab, Colcci and Hooch. In between, riot packs in beautiful jewellery, (most of it locally or Canadian made), accessories galore and stellar basics.

As the collection is built, riot weighs up price alongside style and sustainability. The goal is to carry clothing that is not only gorgeous and eco-friendly, but also affordable.

riot sells clothes, and also works to have a positive impact on our world, to reduce the damage we all do to the planet. Here's riot's thinking:

• look first to local businesses when buying inventory and supplies
• buy clothing and accessories produced locally and in Canada
• search out clothing made from sustainable fabrics, and designed by locals
• encourage suppliers to produce sustainable goods and use less packaging
• give to Vancouver and Prince George charities and arts groups
• reduce, reuse and recycle wherever possible

It's all part of the philosophy that began in 1996 and is still going strong today.

This riot of fashion is presented by staff who enjoy being in the boutique. They bring their music, sense of humour, and saucy attitude, plus their respect for the beautiful differences in human bodies and minds. Many fabulous characters have worked the floor of riot (was raya) over the years.

Come and meet the riot squad at
riot in downtown p.g. or
riot on commercial drive

We want people -- staff and customers -- to enjoy being in the store. We want the store to be full of good conversation and laughter. We do our best to help our customers feel good about their bodies and express themselves through clothes using our excellent product knowledge and people skills. We are honest. We try to carry clothing that is affordable to our neighbours.

We operate the store in a fiscally-responsible way. We are organized and clean.

We treat our staff like the valuable members of the team they are. We ensure all staff members contribute equally. We expect their best hard work and understand their need for a balanced lifestyle.

We support local businesses as much as possible when buying inventory and supplies. We give frequently to local charities and arts groups.

We try to mitigate the damage we do to the planet. We reduce, reuse and recycle as much as we can. We search out clothing made from sustainable fabrics. We buy clothing and accessories that are produced locally and in Canada. We encourage our suppliers to produce sustainable goods.

I just wanted to say that I love your store so much and have had my most memorable shopping experiences take place there! The girls that work there are so upbeat and halarious I felt like I had known them forever the first time I went in. They made me feel right at home and made me laugh and I felt that they gave me their honest opinion on everything which I really appreciate. I never once felt pressured into buying something and couldn't wait to come back when your new stuff came in!

   -- Caity Hooper