Bio - Ariike Ruban - Founder and Designer

Early Life and Inspiration

I was born in Nigeria, where the roots of my passion for fashion were planted. My mother was a skilled dressmaker, and my grandmother traded in the exquisite Yoruba handwoven textile known as Aso Oke. This rich heritage immersed me in the world of fabrics and design from an early age. . I vividly remember creating my first full garment when I was just nine years old, a milestone that marked the beginning of my lifelong  journey in fashion.

Education and Career Path

My educational journey  took me to England, where I initially pursued studies in International Relations before briefly studying design and pattern cutting. Family commitments interrupted my design education, leading me to shift focus and study Law. I became a barrister specializing in Employment Law and Professional Regulatory Law, practicing at 49 Essex Street and 1 Gray's Inn Square. My legal career included roles as an in-house lawyer for several solicitors' firms and representing nurses at the Royal College of Nursing.

A Return to Fashion

Despite my legal career, my passion for fashion never waned. I continued designing clothes for myself and my family. Two cancer diagnoses prompted a period of reflection and recovery, during which I reconnected with my creative roots. I began experimenting with remnant fabrics, creating soft toys named Tata. This creative endeavor reignited my passion for design and marked the beginning of my return to the fashion world.

Founding Ariike Studio

In 2019, I opened Ariike Studio, marking my full return to fashion. I began reworking jeans into tote bags and aprons, selling them on platforms like Etsy, eBay, and Amazon. By 2020, I had developed a reworked denim line, which debuted at a pop-up event in September 2021. This led to our first standalone pop-up store in Shoreditch in December 2021.

In 2022, I expanded my line to include apparel made from deadstock materials sourced from local fabric shops in Brixton and sari shops in Tooting, South West London. This resulted in a capsule collection showcased in a six-week pop-up at Brixton Village in June 2022. Throughout 2023, I continued to grow the line and started a monthly pop-up at Haus Store in Brixton.

My first fashion show, "When We Wore Threads," held in February 2024, marked a significant milestone. This event celebrated the brand's ethos of sustainable fashion, featuring used denim, deadstock fabrics, and remnant materials.

Design Philosophy

My designs draw inspiration from everything around me, especially the silhouette of Yoruba costumes and the splendor of handwoven cloth in that tradition. I aim to retain the unique characteristics of the fabrics we use, allowing the material's nature to guide the design. 

The inherent irregularities and imperfections of used fabrics and remnants lend authenticity to each handcrafted garment, handcrafted for longevity. At Ariike Studio, we do not design for seasons ir trends. Our collection evolves continuously, shaped by the unique materials we source.

"I make clothes that bring back a sense of luxury, style, and ease to the wearer, pieces that can be worn for any occasion and complement individual styles and aesthetics."

My designs blend luxury and vintage aesthetics, creating timeless pieces that honor sustainability and craftsmanship. Through Ariike Studio, I aim to create fashion that is kinder to the planet, celebrating amongs other things, the beauty of recycled and repurposed materials.