ARIKO officially launched last April of 2024. We kicked it off with an awesome party at Indoek Gallery with special guests: EMOCEAN Mag, Midtown Wines, and Air Pizza. It was a blast and so fun to show up for our community of surfers, fashionistas and creatives.
One year and change later, the brand has grown steadily. We joined two seasons of markets in New York City (September 2024, February 2025) and Los Angeles (October 2024, March 2025). We added eight stores to our retail partners and they are everywhere from London to Hawaii. It's been amazing to see how buyers are responding to our surf inspired brand whether they are surfers or not! I set out to make something that is fashion and surf; it is so rewarding to see it get received for its own merits.
We are still at our shop in shop in Ventura, CA at the Livery on 34 N. Palm Street. Our in person retail sales have been instrumental in our development and ability to interact with customers. It's not just the sales and marketing that is valuable; it's also the direct feedback I receive about designs and styles. I have many notes on improvements we can make going forward in our Post Surf Crew Sweatshirts and Surf Tanks. There are some key pattern adjustments that can improve the fit and I am so grateful I got to hear these first hand. Each little tweak on a style's fit can make vast improvements, even if it's only 1/4 to 1/2 inch!
As we embark on year two, our goals for the brand remain similar to year one: continue to create a surf inspired fashion line that is wearable to everyone, everywhere. I'm super excited for the new styles we have coming (Denim Mini Skirt anyone?!) and to be stocked in the Wolf & Badger store in the heart of Los Angeles. I'm thankful to our wholesale and retail clients alike for their faith in ARIKO and beyond stoked for this year ahead. As ever, I love hearing from you all so feel free to drop me a line with feedback good, bad or indifferent at ariel@ariko-la.com.
Maelle is wearing our Denim Day Mini Skirt and Crop Tee
Cameron is wearing our Bucky Overshirt, Beach T-shirt, and Day Pants.
Maelle is wearing our Day Pants, Crop Tee and Surf Trucker Hat.
Ariel is styling Cameron for the next shot in her Day Pants. Cameron is wearing the Post Surf Crew Sweatshirt and Beach Bandana. He is using a CMB board in the shoot that we ride often, lovingly referred to as the Mint Chip.
All images courtesy of Josh Gross from Remote Cntrl.
