Meet Ariel: The LA designer putting a contemporary spin on retro disco attire
In Conversation with Ariel, Founder of RezekStudio:
- A Brand Encapsulating Fashion’s Longstanding Nostalgia over the Classic Disco Party Pants, Frivolous Feathers and Sensual Silk Slips.
Rezek Studio brings to life every Gen Z/Millenial Fashionista’s ultimate Pinterest inspiration boards!
- A perfect fusion of the 90’s Kate Moss Slip Dresses, Flouncy 60’s feather frocks and most notably, the renowned 80’s aerobic disco pants. Ariel's emerging label truly does have it all(regardless of what era inspires your style most!).
Despite only starting the label in 2019, just before the pandemic, her label has gone from strength to strength. Featuring in international publications such as Vogue, expanding globally and being adored by the likes of major influencers i.e. Hannah Schonberg & Matilda Djerf. Essentially, the brand offers everything you could dream of for ideal post pandemic style: It’s Bold, Colourful, Fun and Cheeky- Whilst being figure flattering all at the same time! Since we are finally out and about, why not take these playful styles out for a spin? Ranging from sultry scarlet to muted mint green, there’s something for everyone.To hear about her brand inspiration, highs & lows and advice for those aspiring to follow in her footsteps, keep reading…
By Hannah Tappin
Hannah:What was your life before founding Rezek, how did the idea/inspiration first come about?
Ariel: I worked in a lot of different creative jobs, primarily being a Fashion Stylist. The inspiration for the line really started when I would make the samples of things I wanted for myself that I couldn't find anywhere. People said I should have it made and eventually I did!
Hannah: Your styles & pieces have such a playful, colourful disco element - where did you draw your inspiration from and where do you look for new inspiration?
Ariel: Definitely the disco era and vintage clothes from the 70s and early 80s. I just love how feminine and slinky the clothes were. Halston is my favorite designer of the era.
Hannah: Which muse would you love to see wearing Rezek?
‘I also make things I want to wear over and over again which makes everything feel more authentic’
Ariel: Honestly all of our customers! I also make things I want to wear over and over again which makes everything feel more authentic.
Hannah: What are your future plans for the brand?
Ariel: For now just growing organically and keeping up with it!
Hannah: What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in running the brand, how have you overcome them and what strategies do you use to manage difficulties?
‘In 2021 when I decided to continue with the line it ended up just being the perfect timing when girls were really ready to get out of the sweatpants and dress up! I didn't really have a strategy but it ended up working out in the best way it could have’
Ariel: When Covid started I had just launched the line a year before. That was obviously the most difficult time and I really just completely paused it for the whole year of 2020. In 2021 when I decided to continue with the line it ended up just being the perfect timing when girls were really ready to get out of the sweatpants and dress up! I didn't really have a strategy but it ended up working out in the best way it could have.
Hannah: Did you always want to be a designer? - was it your dream growing up?
‘I definitely always knew I would do something creative’
Ariel: I would say yes. My parents are both pioneers in design entrepreneurship, so I was always exposed to design. In school growing up, anything creative was my strong point and anything else was not! lol. I definitely always knew I would do something creative.
Hannah: What motivates you most in your work?
Ariel: I would say seeing my customers wear our clothes and hearing how good they make them feel! It is a really fulfilling feeling and when they ask me what's coming next it keeps me motivated.
Hannah:What has been your best memory from Rezek and your worst?
‘I think this whole year of 2021 through 2022 has been the best memory! Experiencing the brand grow and expanding with amazing people’
Ariel: I think this whole year of 2021 through 2022 has been the best memory! Experiencing the brand grow and expanding with amazing people. I would say the worst memory is when the pandemic started. I, like most people didn't know how to move forward with my company and it was a scary time for many different reasons.
Hannah: To anyone looking to start their own label - what are key pieces of advice you would give them?
‘ Have a clear vision and be decisive!’
Ariel: That's hard! Personally I would suggest to start small and grow organically. Also, have a clear vision and be decisive!
Hannah: What do you love most about LA's fashion scene/ designers/creative community?
Ariel: I'm definitely a beachy, California type girl. I love LA style because it can be playful and fun. There are a lot of really great brands now in LA!
Hannah:What are the ultimate fashion IT-crowds best hang-outs in Los Angeles?
‘ I love going to Palm Springs or Miami as well because I can truly dress however I want there! All the colour and drama’
Ariel: Oh gosh that's hard because I haven't gone out much this year! If my friends and I want to go out and dress up we might go to dinner and a martini at Sunset Tower or a new restaurant called Horses. I love going to Palm Springs or Miami as well because I can truly dress however I want there! All the colour and drama.
Hannah: To any young fashion enthusiast’s who are nervous to pursue their dreams, what would you say?
‘I was nervous about it most of my 20s I always knew that fashion/design was my thing, but it took me until my late 20s to get the confidence to put myself out there! As soon as I did I received such good feedback’
Ariel: Do it! I was nervous about it most of my 20s I always knew that fashion/design was my thing, but it took me until my late 20s to get the confidence to put myself out there! As soon as I did I received such good feedback. Part of me Wishes I would've started earlier but also believe everything happens for a reason.
Hannah: Amazing! Thanks Ariel. I believe that too, so fascinating to hear about your brand, inspiration and pieces of advice. Shop Ariel’s amazing retro disco inspired corset and pants collection at Rezek Studio To see more from the brand, click here to Rezek’s Instagram.