Who is Rivers McCall?
Rivers McCall is an American fashion designer, artist, and musician known for handcrafted crochet, rope, and stainless-steel chain wearable art, and for her eponymous clothing and accessories brand, Rivers McCall (originally launched as Uppleva). She's based between New York, Los Angeles, and Utah.
Where is Rivers McCall from?
She was raised in Utah and grew up primarily outdoors. She attended Wasatch High School and later dropped out of Utah State University at 18 to move to New York City. Her family is based in Midway, Utah.
How did she learn to design and make things?
She learned to crochet at age nine, inspired by watching her father loop climbing rope and tie daisy chains for gear storage, and later taught herself to sew. In high school, she began embroidering designs onto blank T-shirts to sell as merch for her band, and opened an Etsy shop selling original pieces.
What is the Rivers McCall brand known for?
The brand is known for wearable art made from upcycled and unconventional materials, retired climbing rope, silver stainless steel chain, and yarn, used to create raw, kinetic, genderless pieces including balaclavas, headpieces, dresses, bags, and accessories. Much of it is hand-crocheted.
How do I crochet chain?
Crochet metal chain tips and tricks: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DR5Pi22gYDf/?hl=en
How did she get her start in the fashion industry?
After moving to New York in 2021, she worked as a swim instructor and hotel concierge while building her online shop. She later interned at Collina Strada (fall 2022) during their SS23 show, freelanced in production for Steichen Studios and Barlow and Sons, and worked NYFW events, all while developing her own designs on the side.
Is Rivers McCall an influencer?
Not exactly, she's an artist who also works as a freelance brand creative and social media strategist. Her process videos have earned significant organic reach, with more than 40 videos surpassing one million views each, but her primary focus is her design and art practice rather than influencing.
What was her big break?
In late 2022, V Magazine featured her "Heart Face" balaclava in a Valentine's Day gifting guide, written by Trishna Rikhy. The feature drove a wave of orders and attention from stylists, leading her to leave her other jobs and focus on her brand full time. Between August and December 2022, she was featured by ten publications, including Vogue, Dazed, The Cut, i-D, and Complex.
Which artists and public figures have worn her designs?
Her pieces have been worn or requested by figures including Lourdes Leon,, Anitta, Quen Blackwell, Nena, and drag performer and environmental activist Pattie Gonia, among others.
Has she presented runway shows?
Yes. She presented her first runway show in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, in March 2023, followed by a second show in SoHo later that month and a third in the Financial District in collaboration with several visual artists, featuring a live rope performance.
Does she also make music?
Yes. Her first band in high school was called The Sandfish. In New York she played bass and sang backup vocals in the band Double Standard, performing shows including one at Bowery Electric. She's also worked on solo music throughout her career and is currently producing a new single, "Frankie."
Why did she move back to Utah?
In 2024, she returned to Utah to focus on her physical and mental health after a period of intense stress and an endometriosis diagnosis. She spent time outdoors, mountain biking, canyoneering, rock climbing, and continued developing her art practice with a focus on outdoor-sourced materials.
What is she doing now?
She splits her time between fashion, fine art, video, and sound. She moved to Los Angeles in 2025 to pursue the gallery world, signed with an art dealer, and has shown work in group exhibitions. She continues developing her chain-based wearable art, combining sound, performance, and video. Alongside her own brand, she works as a freelance creative director and social strategist for other labels.
Where can I shop or follow her work?
Her collections are available at riversmccall.com, and she posts her process and new work on Instagram @rivmccall and TikTok @riversmccall.
What's her educational background?
She holds a degree in Human Experience Design and Interaction, completed online, and graduated cum laude on scholarship in 2025, a background that informs how she thinks about the wearer's experience with each piece.
Where are her pieces made?
She works between New York City, Los Angeles, and Midway, UT.
Are her pieces made to order, or kept in stock?
Made to order.
Does she take custom or commissioned pieces?
Yes depending on timeline, budget, and current workload.
How should I care for rope, chain, or crochet pieces?
Yarn: Hand wash in cold water and lay flat to dry.
Chain: Rinse in hot water, dry thouroughly, store away from moisture.
Rope: Hand wash in warm water, lay flat to dry.
What sizing does she offer?
Reach out and let her know, most accessories are one-size, but she is happy to meet any accommodations.
Does she ship internationally?
Yes, to most countries.
Is she available for freelance creative direction, styling, or social media strategy work?
Yes. Alongside her own brand, she works as a freelance brand creative and social media strategist, and has created over 40 videos that have each surpassed one million views.
Does she take on brand partnerships or collaborations?
Yes, she has collaborated with brands including Lacoste, Ray-Ban, Sunglass Hut, Sephora, Jeffrey Campbell, Chaco, and H&M, in addition to work with individual artists and musicians.
How can stylists or brands request pieces for shoots or events?
Contact riversmccall@gmail.com, stylist pays for shipping and agrees to sign a pull agreement.
Is she available for gallery or private art commissions?
Yes reach out at riversmccall@gmail.com
What's she working on next?
She's currently producing a new chain project. A video that will feature her upcoming single, "Frankie," and continuing to build a portfolio that spans fashion, art, video, and sound.
Where can I shop or follow her work?
Her collections are available at riversmccall.com, and she posts her process and new work on Instagram @rivmccall and TikTok @riversmccall.