Is Ariella good for occasionwear?+
Ariella has specialised in cocktail, evening and special-occasion wear since 1966, so dressing for weddings, races and black-tie events is genuinely its core business rather than a sideline. The label leans ladylike and sophisticated, which makes it a natural fit if you want something polished rather than trend-led. As with any occasion brand, it is worth checking the fit of a specific style before the big day.
What is the difference between Ariella London and Ariella Couture?+
They are the two house labels under the same British company. Ariella London is the retail line, while Ariella Couture is the designer label, and the business also manufactures under clients' own labels. Knowing which line a dress comes from helps you gauge where it sits within the brand's range.
Which Ariella dress should I buy first?+
Because the house was built around cocktail and evening wear, a classic occasion dress is the most representative way in. If you have a specific event such as a wedding or the races, start from the silhouette that flatters you and let the brand's eveningwear heritage do the rest. The Ariella London retail line is the easiest first port of call.
Where is Ariella from?+
Ariella is a British fashion brand, founded in 1966. It began trading on Carnaby Street in London and grew from there, eventually expanding to eleven retail outlets across London along with franchise stores in Switzerland and the USA. In April 2015 it opened a flagship store in the Brent Cross Shopping Centre.
Who founded Ariella?+
Ariella was founded by two brothers, Aristos and Achilleas Constantinou, who designed, manufactured and retailed their own collections from the start. Achilleas Constantinou has remained central to the business as its CEO. He also founded the Fashion & Design Protection Association in 1975 and sits on the board of the UK Fashion and Textiles Association.
What is Ariella's design aesthetic?+
Ariella's identity is rooted in occasion dressing, designing, manufacturing, wholesaling and retailing women's fashion across its labels. Expect cocktail and evening silhouettes aimed at special occasions rather than everyday casualwear. That focus has stayed consistent since the brand's founding in 1966.
Is Ariella an ethical and responsibly run brand?+
Ariella is a member of SEDEX, the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange, a nonprofit dedicated to improving responsible and ethical practices in global supply chains. It also belongs to the UK Fashion and Textiles Association and the Fashion & Design Protection Association. For a brand of its scale and heritage, those memberships are a reasonable signal of intent.
Has Ariella won any awards?+
Yes, several over the years. Ariella received the Queen's Award for Export Achievement in 1998, the UK Fashion Export Award in 2008, two IPC Woman Fashion Awards, and the UKFT Export Awards in 2010. It also won the HSBC Business Thinking 2010 competition for the London region, reflecting a strong export track record.
Where can I buy Ariella?+
Ariella both wholesales and retails its own labels, so you will find it through its retail presence as well as third-party stockists. The brand opened a flagship store in London's Brent Cross Shopping Centre in 2015. As always, buying from the brand or an authorised stockist is the safest route for occasion pieces.
How should I care for an Ariella occasion dress?+
Eveningwear with delicate fabrics and embellishment rewards gentle handling. Follow the care label closely, favour professional cleaning for embellished or structured styles, and store hanging or boxed so beading and fabric keep their shape. A quick steam rather than a hot iron is usually the safest way to refresh an occasion dress before wearing.