Bio - Ariike Ruban - Founder and Designer

Ari Ruban

 

Background

I am a London based designer. I was born in Nigeria, but I have lived most of my adult life in London.  My mother was a dressmaker and my grandmother was a textile trader. It is therefore not surprising that I grew up in a world of colour, texture, textiles, design and women fussing over the latest style trends.    I made my first full garment when I was 9 years old - that marked the beginning of my lifelong love affair with fashion.

Despite this I veered into law and throughout my legal career, I was never too far away from a sewing machine. However, two cancer diagnoses prompted a period of reflection and recovery and  my return to the fashion world.

Founding Ariike Studio

In 2019, I opened Ariike Studio, marking my full return to fashion. I started with  reworking used jeans and in 2022, I expanded my line to include apparel made from deadstock materials.  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. In June 2026, Ariike Studio moved to the iconic Oxo Tower Wharf in London.

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.