Bio - Ariike Ruban - Founder and Designer

Early Life and Inspiration

I was born in Nigeria.  My mother was a skilled dressmaker, and my grandmother was a textile trader. I was immersed in the world of fabrics, colour, design and dressmaking from my childhood.  I made my first full garment when I was 9 years old - a milestone that marked the beginning of my lifelong love affair with fashion.

Despite this I veered into law but  my passion for fashion never waned. Two cancer diagnoses prompted a period of reflection and recovery, during which I reconnected with my creative roots. I began experimenting with remnant fabrics, that 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 repairing and  reworking used jeans.   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. 

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