LION IS THE NEW BLACK

Today's the big day!

2011-12-09T13:07:00.006-05:00

After 10 great weeks of collaborating with the CFDA and Stern Consulting Corps, I'm finally ready to present my business to an incredible panel of advisors. Big thanks to Britt and Jonathan but especially to Tara (our amazing Stern MBA Candidates) who held my hand through the whole process- and until 3am this morning finishing our lovely teal charts and graphs- and helped me develop a strong set of books and plans for the future. For our powerpoint, we borrowed images taken by style blogger Love Maegen, who featured herself in her master bedroom in SoCal enjoying our best selling pj set!

If you disagree with my mentor Gary and believe I am in fact deserving on an honorary MBA at this point, sign a petition in the comments below! JK- I don't need a certificate. I'm about to give a presentation to the greatest business of fashion minds in New York City in an NYU auditorium in my pajamas- #alreadywinning! ;P

xx,

Ari

In today's installment of you wish you were there...

2011-12-05T12:20:00.001-05:00

and also

This is the best dating advice column I have ever read:

2011-12-01T16:08:00.006-05:00

Read the full remarks on Huffington Post and see my favorite part, the conclusion, reposted below:

Antique Boutique Hotel Camsiole, 100% silk chiffon with 100% silk charmeuse hand made ribbon applique trim

"The good news is that I believe every woman who wants to can find a great partner. You're just going to need to get rid of the idea that marriage will make you happy. It won't. Once the initial high wears off, you'll just be you, except with twice as much laundry.
Because ultimately, marriage is not about getting something -- it's about giving it. Strangely, men understand this more than we do. Probably because for them marriage involves sacrificing their most treasured possession -- a free-agent penis -- and for us, it's the culmination of a princess fantasy so universal, it built Disneyland.
The bottom line is that marriage is just a long-term opportunity to practice loving someone even when they don't deserve it. Because most of the time, your messy, farting, macaroni-and-cheese eating man will not be doing what you want him to. But as you give him love anyway -- because you have made up your mind to transform yourself into a person who is practicing being kind, deep, virtuous, truthful, giving, and most of all, accepting of your own dear self -- you will find that you will experience the very thing you wanted all along:
Love." --Tracy McMillan

Well damn, that's far too long to inscribe inside a wedding band, but I wouldn't mind thinking of it while I'm saying my vows and/or wearing this camisole.

xx,
Ari

Classic Boutique Hotel PJ Set Featured on Who What Wear!!!

2011-12-01T15:16:00.002-05:00

New York Magazine!

2011-11-29T19:49:00.001-05:00

Our Classic Boutique Hotel Pajama Set is featured in this week's (Dec. 5th) New York Magazine! I LOVE the spread which pictures a bun-head girl in silhouette donning threads from Salvatore Ferragamo, Celine, Louis Vuitton and the like. What a group to sit next to!

In purple: Journelle.com
In navy or rust: Shopbop.com
In rust or peach: Lilleboutique.com
In rust or navy: FiveStory NY (69th St.)
In navy or ivory: Gotham Beauty Lounge (Bryant Park)
Always and forever on ARIDEIN.COM!

Happy Pajamashopping!
xx,
Ari

Are you there Long Lost Love? It's me, @TMI

2011-11-11T18:37:00.004-05:00

I give you, my favorite Twitter Bio of all time:
"Love to male-model/review panties. Dream: being the most famous male panty model. Haven't seen my greatest love in 40 years or heard from her in over a year."

Bon Weekend!
xx,
Ari

Holiday Additions In Stores Now!

2011-11-10T17:09:00.000-05:00

One of the most exciting season changes of the year in Manhattan takes Place in November- and just my luck- coincides Holiday shopping frenzy! Soon we'll taste our first hot toddies, pull on cashmere thigh highs underneath our long silken robes and heat things up with a cold glass of Piper next to a burning hot fire place. If you're low on teddies (and if you're not) I'd love to share my favorite ARI DEIN pieces that have just arrived in stores.

Limited addition "Peggy chemises" are perfect for the lingerista on a budget. At $265, this 100% silk georgette slip is trimmed with vintage French lace ribbon, delicate hems and edges are hand cut and finished with picot, and shoulders tie off in lion-tail knots. This is definitely a piece I'll be mixing with ready-to-wear and showing off out of the bedroom! Black or Ivory, inspired by Peggy Guggenheim's Venice and Gothic architecture gorgeousness. Only in stores.

Once upon a time in Fall of 2010 when we shipped season one, the Boutique Hotel Long Gown made a dramatically art deco first impression. At over $600, women bought her up for red carpet and fancy affairs. Backless with adjustable straps and signature Boutique Hotel appliques, her little sister the Demi Gown is a steal at $295 in black or rose. Coming soon in ivory and navy. Only in stores!

Times it's ok to lie in a relationship (esp. when on the phone) Part 1

2011-10-30T21:46:00.001-04:00

Lady friend to gentleman caller: "Just sauteeing some broccoli rabe and snapper. NBD."

(You were making chicken nuggets on the stove top.)

xx,
Ari

WWD Monday Undie Funday!

2011-10-24T14:08:00.002-04:00

xx, Ari

ARI DEIN TURNS 2! I created a monster...

2011-10-19T13:40:00.001-04:00

When I incorporated ARI DEIN on this day in 2009, I had no idea what I was doing or what I was getting myself into. It was the decision of a lifetime, and knowing so many businesses fail in the first two years- October 19th is a tremendous milestone and time to take stock of the incredible experience I've been so fortunate to have so far.

Happy birthday cookie, from me and Lauren and Alex and Aileen. And thank you so so so much to the editors, stylists, buyers, business advisors and everyone at the CFDAI and Stern for their support. Dream big!

xx,
Ari

When you just need to get in the design zone...

2011-10-18T19:02:00.002-04:00

And iTunes has new tween filth in the rental department...

ELLE loves ARI DEIN!!

2011-10-17T15:37:00.000-04:00

page 212 :)

xx, Ari

Basically I need a better camera.

2011-10-15T15:51:00.002-04:00

November 2011 Elle Magazine!!! pg. 212
xx,
Ari

My favorite things to tweet are still "burning sage" and "beetlejuice beetlejuice beetlejuice"

2011-10-13T21:37:00.000-04:00

Must be October! Happy almost second birthday ARI DEIN, I hope the twos are not terrible ;P
(Nothing to suggest they will be anything short of glorious!!)
xx,
Ari

Acrylic 101, step by step

2011-10-10T13:23:00.001-04:00

1. Set up a work space. The kitchen floor works best.

2. Inspiration: check your blackberry for blurry photos you took while day drinking this summer

Sunset Beach <3

3. You are going to need deceptively more white paint than you would think.

a close up

This concludes our morning off. To the office- apparently we got really far in our career without using a whole lot of Excel and that, while impressive, is also not.

xx,
Ari

Happy Columbus Day...

2011-10-10T10:51:00.001-04:00

If you didn't make out with John Smith when the Puritan's arrived in 1492, chances are you're still bitter about your culture being demolished by disease, war and the inhumane colonization of your people.

Imagine how different our American world would be if this land had been "discovered" by socially responsible tourists. Bare chested, brutish Lenape's running around the city planting corn in the Park and catching fish? I could go for that. ;P

xx,

Ari

“Who could be so lucky? Who comes to a lake for water and sees the reflection of moon.” ― Rumi

2011-10-06T20:00:00.000-04:00

RIP Mr. Jobs

2011-10-06T00:09:00.004-04:00

"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything -- all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure -- these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."

The Queen of the Dein's goes bowling!!!

2011-10-05T13:18:00.002-04:00

Lillian is 93 and so chic it hurts. Look at her black velour track suit accentuated by the silvery-white of her coife, sneakers and a "fete du bras" of everything Elsa Peretti made in 1968. Don't let the kindly demeanor fool you though, LSD is Tough. As. Nails.

No one loves their Mom-mom more than me, I'm quite certain of it.

xx, Ari

My pro-cess.

2011-10-04T20:30:00.004-04:00

xx, Ari

Dear Girl Friday- Work for me, it's awesome. Love, Ari

2011-10-03T14:59:00.002-04:00

NOW HIRING!

Account Executive

Job:

We are a rapidly growing women's luxury fashion, lingerie and swimwear wholesaler seeking an Account Executive for its New York Garment District headquarters. The company has been selling to the top high end specialty boutiques in its niche for over one year with unprecedented success, and beginning to meet with major department stores, websites and women's luxury boutiques. Some travel required. Commission, bonus, self-governed vacation policy, and long term growth potential.

Our corporate culture is extremely important to us- as we grow our business we pride ourselves on attention to best practices, employee contentment, and a commitment to creating local jobs in all aspects of the fashion business process.

You:

We are looking for a knowledgeable, energetic, team player. The ideal candidates will have at least 2-5 years of experience in selling luxury fashion items at wholesale. Ideal candidate will have in depth sales experience with specialty boutiques and also have relationships with contemporary fashion buyers in the Eastern and Western regions.

Send resumes to Alex via post@aridein.com

The Fine Art of Pajama Dressing

2011-10-01T20:27:00.001-04:00

We had a blast shooting our fine lingerie as rtw today! It was so much fun mixing and matching designs across seasons and collections. To get the look, I sprinkled in vintage accessories and family heirlooms to express our distinctively art deco, "Old New York" style. Can't wait to post pics soon, but in the meantime- this is something I've heard referred to as an arm party...

xx,
Ari

Before/After

2011-09-26T19:56:00.001-04:00

And now a message from @abigailrules:

2011-09-26T11:59:00.003-04:00

"my dictionary.com word of the day email is Lionize, which means To treat or regard as an object of great interest or importance. It is my new transitive verb."

Cheese fest- only read if you can handle super high content of CHEESINESS

2011-09-26T10:32:00.002-04:00

Sooooo..... well it's not like you don't know I'm a super dork already. Some people find it charming about me...

vintage taxi cabs are yellow.

Everytime I got in a cab in the last two years on the way to an important meeting (first trips to Elle and WWD come to mind) I would get a little pang of excitement/that don't eff up feeling. And I would ride up town with more garment bags than I could carry and give myself the following pep talk, "You need to chill out cookie, because one day you're going to take this trip to __________, and won't that be something?" Well, today is the day I've waited two years for. I have a meeting at __________, and I'll let you know how it goes :)

mac and cheese is also yellow.

Coincidence?

xx,
Ari

PS Yellow is also Lillian Dein's favorite color. So you know, the cheese, the taxi... good luck charms!

Trend Alert: Pajama Dressing for SS2012

2011-09-23T10:46:00.002-04:00

In the words of Leandra Medine- Lady Boner.

xx,

Ari

Queen for a Daisy

2011-09-22T11:54:00.000-04:00

Fleurs for special guests in Suite 924 :)

Have a nice Thursday! xx, Ari

Piggy Bank Problems

2011-09-21T12:28:00.000-04:00

Obsession of the moment is Gucci's art deco collection! Swoonfest! File that one under ARI loves a Florentine Daisy :)

A life altering day

2011-09-20T17:35:00.000-04:00

And I want you to feel what I feel,

so listen to this song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F25ZjdQaG0

and look at this picture of the blind man in Amelie

and clean the office with clorox so it's spick and span for the weeks appointments- oh... that's why I'm elated? no it's not just the fumes I promise.

xx, Ari

Art Deco is the New Red (Carpet)

2011-09-19T11:27:00.000-04:00

Last night at the Emmy's I noticed several gowns with geometric beading- super futuristic. What do you think of the floor length flapper chic ensembles?
xx,
Ari

Metropolis for the Modern Metropolitan Girl

2011-09-15T16:32:00.001-04:00

You might not know this but my first design job in NYC was for a major jewelry company. So naturally, I think that one of the easiest ways to bring ARI DEIN out of the bedroom and into the light of day is to pair her with the right frosting.

I'm just cubes and spheres over these art deco accessories for Fall! Try these pairings from other Manhattan based designers with some of my favorite AD picks of the season, then mix with items you already own- a sleek black legging with knee-high boots, a rolled up/distressed jean with a nice pump, or a trendy floor length circle skirt are just a couple of suggestions for how to finish off these combo looks.

On a budget? Call your Mom-Mom- she has great designer (now vintage) bags for you and I promise, they are wrapped in plastic and tissue paper and as good as new! ;P

xx,
Ari

1. Fallon with the Truffles Demi Robe
2. Eddie Borgo with the Truffles Chemise
3. Erickson Beamon with the Oyster Painter Blouse
4. Gemma Redux with the Boutique Hotel Camisole
5. Monique Pean with Les Ondes Camisole

Be prepared for Hurricane Arielle

2011-09-14T16:38:00.000-04:00

I wanted to illustrate the best way to let your pup out in the morning or grab the mail when the skies are drippy. But thanks to a Burberry Prorsum (a clear cape), Lika (a plastic top hat), an Hermes dog collar, Pucci rain boots (I have these and LOVE them), Fornasetti "Tema e Variazioni" umbrella, it's more like a Halloween costume- ARI DEIN for A Clockwork Orange? I blame my mother, who let me read this book as a bedtime story when I was a tike:

Featuring ARI DEIN Classic Boutique Hotel PJ set in "langoustina rustica".

2011-09-13T16:19:00.002-04:00

"Sit, be still, and listen,
because you're drunk
and we're at
the edge of the roof."
~Rumi

Mixing Leathers, Textures, and Architectural Motifs- All in a day's work

2011-09-13T11:15:00.001-04:00

*Mixing art deco and gothic borders in the same accent color check
*Plaid as a neutral check
*A cape that is also a navy blue blazer check
*But it has no arms so you'll need heathered ballet warmers from a major fashion house check
*You can mix brown suede and black patent trimmed with exotics when they are by the same designer check JUST KIDDING that is not a rule, but I still love the combo ;P

If you show up to the office wearing this outfit I will make you my first hire without checking references or so much as reading a resume. With benefits. And not just the foot rubbing and free caffeine kind that I offer the interns.

xx,
Ari

Camisole: Classic Boutique Hotel Collection by ARI DEIN
Glenplaid Cropped Trowser: J.Crew (why not keep the skinny belt also from J.Crew)
Two-tone Cape: DKNY
Suede Bag: Chloe (I will never stop loving you)
Arm Warmers: Maison Martin Margiela
Bracelet: Gemma Redux (swoon)
Patent Mary-Janes with Lizard Heel: Chloe

The Waldorf=Astoria Cowgirl Policewoman from Rome.

2011-09-13T10:47:00.001-04:00

Featuring the Ombre Painter Blouse from the AW2011 Les Ondes Collection, this tunic length hand painted sand washed crepe de chine top is an all time fave design of mine. Slung low in front so you can hide your curves but still pull off leggings, I paired the top with a studded Gucci belt to establish a waistline amid a sea of fabric, Rick Owens Dark Shadow Italian cotton pant, and a spotted calf bootie from Belle by Sigerson Morrison. Can you believe they are $375?? There's a lot of accessorizing in this look with the Gemma Redux lioness cuff and Fendi Palazzo tote salvaged from a few seasons past. So I topped everything off with a military style black overcoat from Rag and Bone- I think it muffs all the business going on underneath so you can get away with anything. I would wear this outfit to a Dude Ranch in Nevada or while making Fashion Police arrests in SoHo. You can take the cowgirl policewoman out of Rome but you can't take her out of the Waldorf.

xx, Ari

ARI DEIN Walk of FAME!

2011-09-12T17:30:00.003-04:00

So you slept over, and you remembered to pack your Original Oyster Print Elongated Bloomers and eye-make up remover. But now it's 1pm on a Sunday, and you have to meet his brother and sister-in-law at ABC Kitchen for a $12 glass of orange juice. I have your but covered from 6-9. This get up will take you from brunch to an auction at Phillips... in New York or a 7 hour flight later to dreary old Londontown. Cozy weekend chic, not just for famous people anymore.

Elongated Bloomer: ARI DEIN, Cashmere wrap: DKNY, Two-tone Satchel: PS1, Burgundy Python Pump: Alexandre Birman, Faceted Cocktail Ring: Ippolito, Belt: Chloe, Scarf: Etro

xx,
Ari

How to wear ARI DEIN out

2011-09-12T15:43:00.005-04:00

ARI DEIN is really a lifestyle brand because I don't believe in investing in three separate wardrobes three times a year. A girl on a budget has to learn how to add and take away layers throughout the changing seasons without adding oodles of more lines to her bank statement. And hey, budge or no budge- closet space in Manhattan is shrinking faster than my fanny in a third floor walkup. Because a true ARI DEIN girl knows how to make a statement in the bedroom or out on the town, here's a taste of what I would pair with a Truffles Boutique Hotel camisole for a night at the ballet. Or Eleven Madison. Are you reading future this dinner date??

You could easily fill in the accessories with less expensive pieces and achieve the same effect. Shop for a merino sweater at J.Crew, a similar evergreen suede pump from B by Brian Atwood will save you hundreds from Miu Miu, grab a vintage clutch from Grandma and hit the cobblestones! (If I think of anyone making a better lizard print trouser than Chloe I'll let you know).
xx,
Ari

Camisole: ARI DEIN, Cashmere wrap: DKNY, Printed Trouser: Chloe, Peep Toe Pumps: Miu Miu, Earrings: Lulu Frost for J.Crew, Bag: Anya Hindmarch

I took a day off and it was good.

2011-09-06T13:26:00.002-04:00

but not really off off because I spent a few minutes at Sunset Beach trying to push SeaLion by ARI DEIN on their boutique owner ;P

xx,

Ari

Arielle Turns 25 Again Again!

2011-08-30T00:36:00.005-04:00

Irene tried to drown my birthday party plans, but my raincheck turned out better than the original!

A photo booth. We are actually very nice people in real life but this was taken during fake life.

Yes. Yes I am.

A view of the Motherland

So far, ARI DEIN has generously birthday gifted me new Blackberry and Macbook Pro batteries. Not to be ungrateful, but I think the time has come to order myself a pair of pajamas for good measure. I'm about to be quite old, after all. And if you can find it at Staples it doesn't really scream "Surprise"!

xx,

Ari

This is not a style blog.

2011-08-26T09:43:00.005-04:00

Mostly because I don't have any style. If you ask the other cats at the factory, I am the worst dressed designer in the district (hey amazing underpinnings should count even if you can't see them!) I wear shorts to work. I wear beach coverups as ready to wear. I don't accessorize. But I'm working on it. And I'm going to start posting pics of things I covet, that would elevate me from a 3 to a 6 or 7 on the style scale. Starting with E, for Effort. And Etro.

$780 Etro, Net-A-Porter

xx,

Ari

This Just In: Experts Agree

2011-08-25T17:13:00.000-04:00

35% of the visitors who participated in our online poll are more concerned about dressing up for the delivery man if he is hot. In other breaking news, lion is the new black.

xx,
Ari

A long time ago when rain was less wet.

2011-08-25T13:32:00.003-04:00

1939

latin night

outside the starlight roof

mural

Because when it rains, we loop Nat King Cole and polish the silver.

xx, Ari

Lulu Frost Rocks My Socks

2011-08-24T22:58:00.001-04:00

I don't often endorse products here, but Lisa Salzer's designs for J.Crew deserve some special attention. The deco details are just gorgeous- I'm blowing the dust off my credit card as we speak. I've never paid much attention to accessories, I wear a gold heart pendant from my grandparents and an Hermes Kelly Double Tour on my right wrist. The time has come to mix it up.

images courtesy of JCrew.com

this one is from the main J.Crew jewelry assortment but it was too cool to overlook

PS According to lulufrost.com, Lisa is also inspired by her grandmother :)

xx,
Ari

Fashion-able Productions with Cole Wassner

2011-08-22T12:11:00.003-04:00

This past weekend, Cole Wassner, myself and about 15 crew members ventured to a stage in Greenpoint to shoot a demo for his new business venture which is putting an end to wasted paper/money on look book printing. Linda Fargo late to your runway show? Sent an assistant instead? With Fashion-able Productions, Cole produces video runway and turn style footage easily accessible to buyers via email links. Here are some behind the scenes pics of our behemoth of a seamless. Can't wait to share the actual footage! It was a treat to work with photographer Giorgio Niro, but you'll have to be satisfied with my blackberry snapshots until his work is published.

xx,
Ari

CFDAI 10 most likely to succeed :)

2011-08-18T12:41:00.002-04:00

The word on W. 38th St. today confirms ARI DEIN is indeed a member of the CFDA Fashion Incubator class of 2014! I would just like to say, that although I have been decorating my new office inside my mind for at least six months, it was not my intention to divulge the dorky details to Style.com. That said, Lillian's yellow chippendale chairs are going to be right at home in May when we move one block closer to 7th Avenue. So cheers to my new "class mates" in the self described "Fashion Frat". I have my work cut out for me. Hopefully, to my fellow art geeks reading these lame entries, at least someone out there can take from this that life is worth about what you put into it. Dream big. Ben would be proud.
xx,
Ari

In case you wanted to know where I get my mojo...

2011-08-11T15:02:00.000-04:00

It's something they put in the dairy on W. 14th.

xx,
Ari

Tic Toc Toe

2011-08-10T20:04:00.002-04:00

I will be 25 for 3 more weeks gentlemen of MANhattan. Just a little reminder to lock it down before its too old for you.

xx,
Ari

Patience is not my virtue.

2011-08-10T11:32:00.000-04:00

When you are waiting for important news and your gloomy imagination is running away with the spoon.

xx, Ari

My favorite tweets this week!

2011-08-09T17:40:00.007-04:00

@badbanana "The Dow has lost nearly 1,000 points since the Smurfs rang the opening bell, in case we're looking to pin this on someone."

HannahCgH "@ARIDEIN I like to work with meat, but these guys took it a bit too far... vimeo.com/27003856"

@Alex_Dicko "anyone making out in the London riots?"

@CondeElevator "when I interned there, I heard lady on the phone: I’m sorry you’re in the hospital, but I really need those photos."
@lindsaymound "Is Mercury in Gatorade? This day feels like a marathon."

@aridein and @sealion love a good ~~stalker~~ follower so #FF

Autumn/Winter 2012

2011-08-07T18:06:00.008-04:00

Knee deep in AW2011/SS2012 sales I couldn't help sitting down to scribble the first designs for next fall and realized holy moly, already? In the words of Esther Kim, "That's crazypants."

I will give you a hint, (the Royal) We are inspired by Lillian Dein's many trips to the Far East! (And maybe also a movie or two).

A BIG Thank you is due to our AMAZING stocklist for helping ARI DEIN continue to grow into each new season ;P

xx,
Ari

A sneak peak at SS2012, the season if Italo Calvino and Peggy Guggenheim had a love child

2011-08-03T18:47:00.001-04:00

And Nina Simone sang to her beneath her West Village studio apartment window.

Inspired by her optimism:

"If Venice sinks, the collection should be preserved somewhere in the vicinity of Venice.” PG

This market week has turned out to be more successful than I even dreamed, but having set some major things in motion means I have to pull off a few tricks in the coming weeks. It's now or never ladycakes! But fear not, because if these opportunities don't progress how I'd like, ARI DEIN will be preserved somewhere in the vicinity of Manhattan, likely Brooklyn ;P

Inspired by his wanderlust:

"Arriving at each new city, the traveler finds again a past of his that he did not know he had: the foreignness of what you no longer are or no longer possess lies in wait for you in foreign, unpossessed places." IC

My back up plan is a one way ticket to everywhere. But I'll never use it, because the idea of having something to fall back on it more terrifying than needing a parachute in the first place.

"Let the beauty of what you love be what you do." RUMI

And so, I will.

xx,

Ari

"It is worth dying to find out what life is." - T.S. Eliot

2011-07-24T17:20:00.004-04:00

I don't remember being so effected by a celebrity death since River Phoenix. Amy's music influenced me on a very personal level (and not just because she named her record label Lioness). Her lyrics have been the anthem to getting me through my most excruciating break ups, and continue to make me feel powerful and substantially cooler than I am when I listen to them.

Amy's unique style paved the way for women to stand out and up for themselves. She didn't seek to emulate anyone, dress like anyone, sing like anyone. She was just her strange self, and she made us love her. This totally sucks.

SeaLion by ARI DEIN sort of WWD Mention!

2011-07-22T19:11:00.002-04:00

Feeling meak? Stop "Lion Around". Get it??

2011-07-21T15:32:00.000-04:00

Thanks Esther for coming across this new Essie polish color and cc-ing me on Twitter. If you lack a little courage you can always paint it back on. Great for pre-swim launch and market jitters (not that I have any).

xx,
Ari

‎"The ideal place for me is the one in which it is most natural to live as a foreigner." — Italo Calvino

2011-07-20T20:06:00.000-04:00

Vintage Venice you are killing me today.

I'm putting the finishing touches on my look books for SS2012 (one for silk one for swim) and I'm just cavelling all over the place. When my inspiration came to me a few months ago to look back at Venice's rich and artistic history, my time living in Italy, and my favorite writers- an "Invisible Cities" themed shoot at a brand new Gelateria in the West Village fell together like a well timed souffle. Sometimes when you aren't where you want to be, you have to bend reality. I can't wait to share the look book with you, it's going to be a dream.

Oh, and we shot Swim in the Hamptons. It was gorge. Way less intellectual, but just as relaxing as faking La Serenissima in NY.

xx,
Ari

Whirlwind Weekend

2011-07-18T19:44:00.007-04:00

A big GRAZIE to the ladies who got me through this weekend with two photoshoots in four locations (one more still on the way). Thank you for your hard work and for believing in me and Season 4! These were taken in East Hampton (Georgica Beach and Cedar Point) for SeaLion. Next, I'll post a few from our lingerie shoot at Love Gelato in the West Village with an "Invisible Cities" theme. The location was a perfect fit for a season inspired by Peggy Guggenheim's Venice and Italo Calvino vignettes.

Not only do I feel like these pictures have brought ARI DEIN out of infancy and onto the verge of adolescence as a company, but it was BLAST working, road tripping and beaching with everyone! A truly fabulous group.

Claire (Lizzie Fortunato necklace)

Alisa

Jill

and me! such a dorkette after these ladies whomp whomp ;P

Photo credit to my one and only Hannah Heinrich
xx,
Ari

Shmitten Kitten Inspiration: ARI DEIN BINGO

2011-07-11T20:10:00.000-04:00

Make your own!

V therapeutic :)

xx, Ari
Get the original from Shmitten Kitten here

CURVE EXPO Treasure Map to Booth #128

2011-07-11T15:56:00.001-04:00

"Yo ho ho and a bottle of ~~rum~~ limonata!"

Alison Rubke of Faire Frou Frou asked me on the phone today, "Don't you feel like a big business woman now?" Just having finished my hand drawn mailer map for CURVE attendees, I replied, "I sort of feel more like Eloise with a license to drink."

I might be a lightweight and a workaholic (a winning combination I assure you) so there might be a bar in my treasure hunt. But hey, CURVE Expo put it there. They understand the demands of the process and they are lingerie + happy hour = $.

xx,

Ari

book your appt: 212.929.7524 or sales@aridein.com

swimwear questions sealion@aridein.com

If Fannie Brawne Had A Chalkboard Door

2011-07-07T17:22:00.002-04:00

xx,
Ari

THIS JUST IN! I cooked dinner and they ate it and liked it...

2011-07-01T22:14:00.002-04:00

To celebrate some amazing news I received while down the shore, I cooked a Florentine style meal at Camp Shapiro Cape May:

Antipasta 1: Shaved brussel sprouts, percorino and pecans
Antipasta 2: Radicchio, goat cheese, hazelnuts and currants
Bruschetta: Tomato and garlic on baguette
Crostini 1: Ricotta and honey on multigrain baguette
Crostini 2: Baby porcinis, parmesan and fresh garlic on multigrain baguette
Vino: Dad's homemade Super Tuscan
Pasta: Tortelini with porcini, roasted red pepper and artichoke

When everyone sat down to eat, my sister Anna said, "It's ARI DEIN for the table."
#Success
#YesIJustHashtaggedABlogPost

That glass of Prosecco is for you G.

xx,
Ari

-"My Name Is Arielle Shapiro"

2011-06-29T18:16:00.000-04:00

-"Hello Arielle."

-"It has been one year since my last vacation."
-"Welcome to the amazing world of working remotely"
:)

3 Bathing Suits Psyching Me Up For Cape May

2011-06-23T22:15:00.002-04:00

I'm about to go on a week's family vacation tomorrow (yes, even I get 5 days off of ARI DEIN a year) and although these three swimsuits have done nothing to inspire my SeaLion designs... I think they're just fabulous.

1. Gidget
Proof that you don't have to show a lot of skin to get the boys swooning at the beach. I love the retro white piping on this colorful one piece, but I love Moon Doggie even more. He who delivers the best line in a Sandra Dee movie ever in saying, "A girl like you is- is a real responsibility." They don't make them like they used to, back in 1959.

2. Earth Girls Are Easy

Fabulous Why? I attempted to make dental floss bikinis when I was five, but the costumer of this 1980's masterpiece actually succeeded. Fabulous because the peak of Jeff Goldblum's career was landing in a suburban swimming pool in a gorilla suit.

3. Wet Hot American Summer
I didn't realize this movie was filmed 2001 until I found Abby moonlighting as Samantha's assistant on Sex and the City. A quick pop over to IMDB revealed that the SATC cameo predated the Wet Hot one. The yellow and pink stripes on this bikini top remind me of hand-me-down outfits I inherited from my two older sisters when I was in grade school. Take me back to my wardrobe in the nineties, Paul Rudd, and to my first French kiss at Camp Ramah.

xx,
Ari

Because I think Rumi and Vonnegut were friends:

2011-06-23T21:28:00.001-04:00

"Sit, be still, and listen,
because you're drunk
and we're at
the edge of the roof."

~Rumi

"I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over.

Out on the edge you see all the kinds of things you can't see from the center." ~ Kurt Vonnegut

Because PC Corps Disassociate From Individual Voices Online

2011-06-23T18:47:00.011-04:00

Everyone tweeting under the umbrella of a major corporation seems to have a disclaimer: "If I say something stupid, don't blame Conde Nast." Who do you hide behind when you represent the whole enchilada? It might be ~~safer~~ fun to cancel all former ARI DEIN social media and implore the handy work of an inanimate object that I'm not responsible for- inspired by the CFDA Trova and the Hipster Mermaid. Or, I could just behave my self on home row... Decisions decisions. Maybe you can say whatever you like if you take the time to write it in cursive?!
xx,
Ari

SeaLion by ARI DEIN

2011-06-04T13:40:00.000-04:00

SeaLionSwim.com is up and running! (and a little bit under construction since we aren't shooting the collection until July...)

Every summer, my family takes a one week vacation in Cape May. It's something that we look forward to all year long, and at the end of the week we are weighing in on the trip and planning the following summer.

Last year, I was having a particularly tough time finding a swimsuit. My mother and two sisters and myself have completely different body types- and no one was happy with what they could come up with either. So SeaLion by ARI DEIN was born, and I promised myself that in one year, I'd be wearing my own bathing suit. Something in a fabulous, fashion forward print that was flattering and supportive enough to withstand a strong wave or game of beach volleyball.

I can't tell you how good it feels to have a dream and a timeline and know that I followed through with this idea and I'm ready to show it in less than two months at CURVE Expo. I can't wait to wear an ARI DEIN bikini on the beaches of Cape May this month and share them with the world! Oh... and if you like my lingerie you are going to LOVEEEE my beachwear!

xx,
Ari

How to succeed in business WITH really trying

2011-06-02T13:32:00.000-04:00

I've been fortunate to come across some business saving advice over the last two years. It's felt like I've been climbing a mountain that keeps getting bigger, and although I'm only marginally closer to the top, my legs are getting quite strong from the effort. I don't know that reaching the peak is the point, but the learning curve that I've waned while ascending is worth it's weight in gold. And hey, when I first started designing ARI DEIN in the summer of 2009, the mountain was off in the distance, and I was still treading water in the lily pond. Baby steps!

So here are a few tips I've learned from the experts, and a few I've learned from watching other people make mistakes.

1. Consignment is a 4 letter word. If they love it, they will buy it.

2. Fashion is a cash business, not a charity. If you go under because you are generously clothing richer people in expensive pajamas, you have no one to blame but yourself. You are not a bank or a lender, so manage your cash flow, sales and expenses carefully.

3. Be a good listener. You are on the same team as the buyer- you both share the same goal of selling more pieces. Take their feedback and apply it in design, no matter where you are in the production process or shipping season. For each complaint you hear, assume 7 others agree and haven't spoken up.

4. Don't produce more product than you have inventory unless you want to see your profit get eaten away and your image deteriorate by markdowns and sales. And hey, made to order is a chic-y chic way to sound super fancy, it's the closest thing we New Yorkers have to couture ;P

5. Always be lovely. If someone successful is willing to meet with you and bestow some advice, be gracious. If someone is critical, consider their truths. If someone is rude to you, politely excuse yourself from the situation. Never, ever, ever express a know-it-all attitude. Never lie. Never name drop. Never discuss money unless you are in an investor meeting. You represent your brand at all times- at the gym, in the dog park, at the fabric store. So if you want people to think your brand is lovely, help them to think you are lovely too!

6. Sacrifice. This means something different to everyone- probably proportionate to how much money is behind you or how much you have been able to earn. Your business is a child you and if you are good at your job, you will go without so your business can have. If you are great at business, this will change and improve as the years go on, so have faith in your future and sacrifice today.

7. The social side of fashion is seductive and shiny, but step & repeats and parties are for successful people and scenesters. Remember no one is a regular in that room because they didn't pay their dues. Network in a legitimate way and make real friends first, as these relationships will support you in business as well as in life without distracting you from your work.

8. Instead have a social media presence. It's a great (AND FREE) way to represent your brand in a way that is accessible to the masses as well as interesting people on the fringe of your industry. You can have a voice that won't cost you anything and you don't have to buy $1100 Louboutins to be a part of the conversation :)

9. Do it yourself. The time suck-iest part of owning a company is having 15 jobs and 2 hands and 1 brain. But no one is poised to be a better creative director of your company than you, the person who conceived it. You cannot delegate responsibilities to others unless you learned the ropes yourself. You also probably can't afford to.

10. The most important relationships you will ever have are with your contractors and vendors. I say this even above your buyers, because they are in the trenches with you. These are the people who will encourage you on a regular basis and believe in your brand. They will sneak in a small order into production when there isn't time so you don't lose a sale, they will swatch 100 colors for you at once when you are having a hard time making trend decisions for two seasons from now. They have been around a lot longer than you, and they have a lot of advice. My seamstresses and fabric merchants bring a light to my job that is inspiring. I pay them on time, and they do nothing short of their best for me both professionally and personally. It is the difference between enjoying your work, and detesting it. I really believe that.

11. Try not to F up your credit. It's really hard to keep a handle on it when you are hemorrhaging money, but if you don't want to look like a total mess in the business of fashion, control yourself my pretty. You'll be glad you did.

Don't quit your day job. Getting a loan isn't necessarily a good thing. Especially if you have to put up collateral. A loan might give you enough seed money to get your start but then you'll be up the creek without a paddle if you don't meet your sales goals to a T. So, until you're bringing in what you projected (or Daddy is rich), you might be one well dressed waitress or freelancer for another season. Suck. It. Up.

12. Be yourself. You are not in this business to pay attention to trends and what your competitors are designing. You are here to make your mark in a distinctive, inventive way. If you are good at being yourself, people will respond to your work. No one remembers the second person to do something. So when you see others produce what is obviously inspired by your last season, and you are onto the next big thing, smile and nod. You did a good job.

13. It's very important apparently to get recognition in the media, but it's also very expensive. I wouldn't recommend a small company shell out for a retainer before their have garnered substantial sales. After all, you can go broke being an editor favorite if it doesn't influence your bottom line. To really get your business to the next level, you have to strike a balance between exposure and purchase orders. In the event that you have to chose where to put your time and attention, one of these costs money and one of these makes money. "Don't believe your own press." Press can be a barometer for how well your aesthetic is appreciated in keeping with today's trends, but it can have little or know relationship to where you are situated in today's marketplace. The only thing that you can believe is the color of your bottom line: you are at all times difinitively red, black or green.

14. Your company isn't worth anything. Yet. So hang in there cookie, don't sell it for parts when down the road you could be sitting on the top of a mountain smiling down on the next generation of designers, giving them advice. Make believing in yourself your religion and you will go far. Be willing to sacrifice whatever you must for the greater good. Stay positive. If you admire someone's business savvy, hunt them down and ask them what they think about your own business.

15. Lillian's Law. Lillian's law is something I invented based on my grandmother's fabulosity. Lillian knows what paper weight invitations to print, where the 7th fork goes, cursive. Lillian is lavish. Meet ARI, Lillian's granddaughter, new in business without the support of the Dein Fur Inc. family fortune. Lillian's Law = make things look like a million bucks without spending it. This is a creative necessity. Presentation is 9/10 of the law. Perception is everything.

16. There is preserved in life the miracle of surprise. There is the possibility of all of the things you dreamt of coming true, but there is a grander possibility of things you did not dream coming true. When reality has you down, remember you are only human. You cannot even imagine the best case scenerio yet. You can be surprised at any moment with a new dream, a new goal, a new opportunity. You must focus on your dream but leave space in your heart for miracles.

17. Stay humble. It's been two years and this week was the first time I felt proud and patted myself on the back, and now I'm onto the next big task and feeling humbled again. If you are not humble, the world will humble you. If you can't be nice to yourself once in a while, you will stay put.

18. Buddhism 101. Life is suffering. Is your job hard? Then you are doing it right!

19. Smile. Fall in love with the things that you make. It's good for you. Then give them away (by give them away I mean sell them and move onto the next season. "Let the beauty of what you love be what you do." RUMI

20. Fight for it. You know that saying, "do or do not, there is no try?" I say, "Do or do not, all there is is try". Never ever ever ever give up. Try try try. Try again. Some of us get lucky the first time out. Some of us need years. Some of us (often the best) are recognized after our lives. There are art critics who thought Picasso was a geometric mess. You might be total crap. You could be a genius that needs more time.

21. This one is for the ladies! Don't take money from boys. You might really need it. If you don't want to marry him, don't take his money. In the last two years, three or four (I wish I was kidding) phenomenally wealthy gentleman callers have offered me more money than I could spend on my business in a half a lifetime. The best decision I ever made was declining it. If you need money that badly, get a second job. Get a third job. But do not take money from boys that you do not want to marry. If you want to marry him, the only reason to take his money is A. He has a lot of it and you are going to have babies with him B. Your debt is going to become his debt soon enough, and it's not fair to make him pay interest on it, too. If you need me to tell me why this is a bad idea you should not be in business. There is no such thing as a free lunch. If it wants to sleep with you, it is not a lender or an investor. It is a boy you do not want to marry cutting you a check and it's wrong.

There are very good outlines for making a business plan and managing purchase orders on the Hilldun website and the CFDA website. If you are smart you will memorize these and make it your own.

Introducing the ARI DEIN Autumn Winter 2011 Collection

2011-05-19T11:18:00.000-04:00

The Autumn Winter 2011 Look Book is now posted online. I'm really excited about this season because it feels like I finally began to stretch my sea legs as a designer. The subtle oyster chiffon is an original screen print created from my own drawings, and the palate and cuts take me away to a distant shore in the off season- like in Holly Hunter's "The Piano" or a T S Elliott poem. It's moody, it's delicate, and I love that it pushes the lingerie boundaries of pret-a-porter. I hope you ~~like~~ LOVE it!

xx, Ari

ARI DEIN for Emily Post

2011-05-11T14:14:00.002-04:00

So...
This is my rant, about people who rant.

I thought angry people lived in New York because I always see people push on the subway and honk at pedestrians and rush rush rush. But it turns out if you live in suburbia you can be angry, too! I'm not sure why that is, because you have trees and animals and you probably leave work at 5pm and cook dinner at home and watch Modern Family with your boyfriend on the really big sofa that wouldn't fit in my stairwell. It sounds like people who don't live in New York have a lot less to be angry about. Anyway, here are a few pointers from a girl who has learned when to muzzle her inner lion and take a deep, happy breath. You can follow these simple solutions wherever in the world you live!

I Googled Angry New Yorkers

If you are a very angry person, you probably shouldn't have a blog. You should probably have a secret journal no one else can read to find out how angry you are. Anger is scary. Blogs are fun. Sarcasm can be misconstrued for anger, unless you are me and then it either falls into the tiresome/lame/mildly witty category but never, never angry.

If you are a very angry person, you probably shouldn't have a twitter account. The twitter slogan is not, "Concise, evil messages in 140 characters or less." If people think you are an angry tweeter, they will probably be afraid of you and avoid you in real life. #fail

positive examples:

@FatJew If you're not drinking falcon blood out of a boar's skull, we don't want to see your tribal tattoo.

@NdClingerie when I woke this morning, I thought "What clothes should I wear with my bra?"

If you're angry, Facebook is probably not for you. Especially when you leave your own wall in anger and start leaving angry message on other peoples walls. Maybe therapy is for you :)

Why are you friends with people who don't like you on Facebook? (via TheLuxurySpot.com)

So in short, think of some ways to use social media for good instead of evil! Your followers will thank you. And if you can't do that, you can always confine your :( comments to your own blog/twitter/facebook so happy people can escape if they like. Or you can get a job writing for the New York Post or something and say mean things about Republicans. That would be fine.

Thanks and have a lovely day!

xx,
Ari

Some people believe in a divine power.

2011-05-09T19:35:00.000-04:00

I believe in Adobe Photoshop. 1 year ago April, I blogged about my dream to watch Blair Waldorf wear something from my collection on Gossip Girl. I made a Leighton Meester Paper Doll. You all thought I was crazy, but you also knew there was a mysterious possibility that six months later, Eric Daman would appease me with a November 1st cameo.

B seals B-day envelopes in a Boutique Hotel Chemise :)

I'm quickly whipping up a festive dinner so that my friends and I have something to nosh on during tonight's episode, when they come over to watch Blair sport the Boutique Hotel Pajama set. The limonata is on ice (so is the vodka part) and the TiVo (at Mamma and Pappabear's house) is set. I made gluten free pasta with truffle sauce and grilled shrimp and a side of broccoli rabe. The thing is... the truffle sauce was a gift I was saving for a special occasion... it's from Procacci in Florence and very impossible to get here and well... it expired in February. So if I don't blog for a while... it's probably because I died.

these guys!

When I was in college, my parents banned Gossip Girl in their home. The best part of this whole experience has to be that my darling, supportive parents are going to tune in this evening and get it on tape. Not only will GG be on at No.11, they will be glued to the screen. What tastes better than that? ~~rancid tartufo~~

xx, Ari

How to entertain for free after you blew all your money on one pair of pajamas.

2011-04-25T23:25:00.000-04:00

Clearly the recession is over because my most expensive ticket item to date, a $660 pair of 100% silk charmeuse pajamas, is quickly becoming an ARI DEIN best seller. This is especially cool because they were designed as a part of the Autumn/Winter 2011 collection, which was not meant to be available before July. But I've been shipping them from LA to London and believe you me everywhere in between since Valentine's Day. So, you might be asking, what the hell am I supposed to DO in my fabulous new PJ's after I just spent my last dime to acquire my very own made-to-measure pair?

Here are a few thoughts from a girl who shoplifted hers off the showroom racks (that's me by the way, Carmen knows if she takes anything without asking her internship will never, ever end mwah ha ha). I'm sure Blair Waldorf would agree, as she'll be spotted sleeping in her burnt orange and pale pink version of the set on May 9th's Gossip Girl episode "Shattered Bass".

1. Movies from the New York Public Library are F-R-E FREE!!! (Membership to the Young Lion's club is not- but worth every penny)
Je recommend: Troop Beverly Hills, The Parent Trap, AB FAB episodes (especially the Marrakesh one where Pats and Ed sell her daughter into white slavery. It's so Talitha Getty of them), Stealing Beauty, Adventures in Babysitting.

2. Limonata is $1.65 at the gourmet grocer down the block. Your boyfriend's Vodka stash is up for grabs. Mix yourself something nice and don't spill, sugar water stains.

3. Free <3. These pajamas feature an exquisitely low V-cut neckline. They might be inspired by menswear, but I'd argue the effect on a woman is sexier than a chiffon nightie any night of the week. Also, the top hemline is slung low. With pants optional, there's a chance that even if you gambled away your last quid on this purchase- you're still going to get lucky.

4. Lingerie is cheaper than therapy. Truth be told, 8 hours in the Classic Boutique Hotel Pajama set is worth 800 getting shrunk. No lie: silk is made of proteins that are congruent to human skin- they can energize muscle tissue, reverse the effects of aging dermis, repair cells and calm the nervous system. To increase the natural effect of silk fiber on the bod, our charmeuse is used inside out. Like the rest of the Boutique Hotel Collection, this garment appears to have a demure, matte finish on the outside while the slippery, luxurious surface is closest to the wearer. Che treat!

5. Gifting. Behold the greatest pleasure of them all- dropping $660 on some ARI DEIN must haves and just giving them away! About half of the pairs sold have been for presents- Valentine's, Birthday, Anniversary and now Mother's Day. So by all means, open your heart and your generous spirit this time of year. Do it for Mamma. Do it for Karma ;P

availablilty:
Faire Frou Frou size small in Peacock or Tainted White (sold out)
Lucile and Co. size small or medium in Tainted White
ARIDEIN.com made-to-measure Peacock or Tainted White and pre-order Langoustina Rustica or Oyster Lip

The Closest I May Ever Get to James Wolk Touching My Underwear

2011-04-14T10:17:00.000-04:00

Boutique Hotel Cami & Shortie for Autumn/Winter 2011

A new show has finished filming their pilot, and I'm hoping they get picked up by ABC! Not just because they have styled a Boutique Hotel camisole and shortie on the lead (played by Katie Cassidy, A.K.A. Juliet on Gossip Girl), but because her leading man is none other than my Hollywood crush, James Wolk!

Katie Cassidy

Entitled "Georgetown" and developed by the producers of Gossip Girl and 90210, the show takes place in D.C. and follows the dramatic lives of young, would be politcos. Scandal! James likely touches ARI DEIN in her lingerie area- I can't wait!

me and James

Someone just wrote me a love poem. And I threw up in my mouth.

2011-04-07T12:19:00.000-04:00

Via someone who calls himself "Andrew"

Daydream delusion
Milkbar shakes and puppy dogs
Highlines of my architectural eyelash
Oh Jeweler with your pretty face
drop a truffle
in my wineglass.
I'm a Botticelli's angel
I'm a Fifth Avenue parade
I want to know what makes you wink,
don't want to guess anymore.
You have no idea where I came from.
I have an idea where we could go.
You swim with me
I'll swim with you.
That's how it could be.

I was reluctant to post this because of the heaving sensation I feel in my stomach when I read it. But it poses the question, is there anything out there between total emotion-phobia and emotional verbal vomit? An open letter to men everywhere, fix it.

xx,
Ari

Elephants and Lions and GoDaddy, Oh my!

2011-03-31T13:52:00.000-04:00

A video recently surfaced of GoDaddy CEO killing an elephant in Zimbabwe. The 4 minute clip, entitled "My Vacation Video", is going viral across the internet and PETA is having a field day. In it, the GoDaddy (sport?)team stages what many are calling a "brutal" and "violent" late night take down. The next morning, hungry villagers attack the giant carcas and tear it to shreds, all while wearing GoDaddy logo baseball caps (oh, irony).

Ok, so the footage is totally weird. But it seems like one elephant (who apparently was disturbing local crops) fed a lot of humans. I know I would feel differently if lets say, I just watched a lion silenced on camera. But I have to be honest with you- I've witnessed more violent animal deaths on the PETA website regarding the "kosher" killings of beef.

I'm also from Stockton, NJ, where I grew up with 90% of my grade school class skipping out on the first day of Deer Season, and I lived in Florence where not only was participating in the hunt (boar, fox, pheasant) a major status symbol and historic tradition, it's also where the majority of these family's meat comes from- fresh and preservative free.

It raises interesting questions: Where exactly do you think the filet in the freezer section comes from anyway people? And, more importantly, when was the last time you were starving in Southern Africa and a wealthy American handed you protein for free?

That said, Bob Parsons, stay the f*** away from my panther-family friends. I'm a proud WWF adoptive parent- and I will protect my own! ;P

Here's the video- interested to see what the creatives feel about the hype:
http://www.video.me/ViewVideo.aspx?vid=380843

SeaLion by ARI DEIN: artisanal swimwear made in New York

2011-03-17T14:37:00.000-04:00

I'm excited to officially announce that this summer, I will debut my first swim collection entitled SeaLion by ARI DEIN. Details to be confirmed as to whether the launch will take place in Miami or New York (or both), but regardless this in an incredible new venture for a bunch of reasons. First and foremost, one of the things I am most passionate about in design are intricate, original prints. This isn't necessarily something that gets a lot of exposure in lingerie, but with swimwear I really have the opportunity to be creative and play with textile designs more than usual. It's a challenging and fun direction to take in order to to deliver product completely dissimilar from anything else on the market- which less face it, can be hard to accomplish when you can only reinvent a string bikini so many ways.

Lillian Dein at the beach

Secondly, with our factories in the New York City Garment District, our production costs for lingerie are through the roof. Every time a chemise is sewn here, we pay double for french seams (think about that- it's essentially twice the work) and our baby hem is so miniscule, only an expert can master the job. Not to mention, all of the hand appliqued details in the Boutique Hotel Collection which are so time consuming and labor intensive add up. Enter SeaLion- unless you expect a couture swimsuit with all the fixins of made-to-order 100% silk intimates- we have the ability to offer artisanal, locally produced maillots for a portion of the cost of our premiere collection. I'm not saying they are going to be cheap, but the goal is to deliver awesome products that are more competitive in the marketplace- think Bloomies or Nordstroms.

Finally, I'm a 85E cup- that's French people speak for 32DD. There are some really great bra brands out there (my faves are Chantelle and Huit) that are supportive enough for a chic with curves. But honestly, in my search and believe me when I tell you I have been SCOURING, I cannot seem to find any designers producing beautiful swimwear with an adequate size range. I haven't been able to support a string bikini top since I was 14. Therefore, not only am I'm stoked for awesome products that myself and my 25 year old girlfriends can afford without scrimping our pennies and skipping important meals- I'm excited to be working on a few styles that will give the girls a boost, especially if you're fuller on top. Also in the works- some fabulous accoutrement for the mer- gorgeous, breezy coverups and classy beach bags, maybe even towels, sunglasses, hats and sunscreen! The possibilities are and always will be endless- so fan SeaLion by ARI DEIN on facebook.com/sealionswim and follow her on twitter.com/sealionswim to stay in the loop!!

xx, Ari

Oh Oysters!

2011-03-10T14:50:00.001-05:00

"O Oysters," said the Carpenter,
"You've had a pleasant run!
Shall we be trotting home again?'
But answer came there none--
And this was scarcely odd, because
They'd eaten every one.

ARI DEIN Faves!

2011-03-03T12:11:00.000-05:00

Meet my fellow lingerie creatrices! From top left to right, then bottom left to right:
Else (Ela Onur), Eberjey, Nichole de Carle, Toad Lillie (Laurie Shapiro- no relation- that we know of), Beautiful Bottoms (Lauren Skerritt and Poppy Sexton-Wainwright), Kriss Soonik, Zinke (Jesse Zinke)

I am fortunate to be a part of an community that nurtures newcomers and proud to be in business amongst such amazing talent and lovely people. Here's a collage of some of my favorite looks for this coming season from the companies I excited to share the floor with- so check them out!
xx,
Ari

ARI DEIN Spring! "Where flowers pick themselves"

2011-03-01T11:35:00.000-05:00

I'm very excited about shipping my second season to boutiques around the world this month! In honor of our fun and flirty Spring Collection, we've given ourselves a fresh facelift all over the internet. I invite you to check out the latest look book on aridein.com. You can also visit twitter.com/aridein and facebook.com/aridein to keep updated with developments behind the scenes at ARI DEIN, where starting in March, significant changes are afoot for the major growth of our young company. Brace yourselves, we're going to make a splash!
xx,
Ari

"who knows if the moon's

a balloon,coming out of a keen city

in the sky--filled with pretty people?

(and if you and i should

get into it,if they

should take me and take you into their balloon,

why then

we'd go up higher with all the pretty people

than houses and steeples and clouds:

go sailing

away and away sailing into a keen

city which nobody's ever visited,where

always

it's

Spring)and everyone's

in love and flowers pick themselves"

e e cummings

BREAKING NEWS: Blair Waldorf is my homegirl.

2011-02-16T15:07:00.000-05:00

I would just like to announce that Blair Waldorf will again be wearing a piece from my Boutique Hotel Collection on the Season Finale of Gossip Girl, airing on 5/9. This is the second time Leighton Meester will be styled in ARI DEIN, the first was on November 1st's "War at the Roses" Episode. A very big kiss goes to Brittany in costumes and Eric Daman!!

Classic Boutique Hotel Pajamas in "Langoustina Rustia", ARI DEIN AW2011

Recently these pajamas have been featured in Women's Wear Daily and the Wall Street Journal, Pretty Little Underthings and Lingerie Talk. This piece as well as the rest of the AW2011 Collection will make its New York debut at the Waldorf Towers on Monday the 21st. They have already showed in Paris.

xx,
Ari

An Oldie But A Goodie

2011-02-14T22:04:00.000-05:00

I want to be the girl who recites Vonnegut in her sleep and thinks Mad Men is the most interesting program on television. But at the end of the day- I'm just yo' average chic. And Sex and the City was a really good show.

"Maybe our mistakes are what make our fate. Without them, what would shape our lives? Perhaps if we never veered off course, we wouldn't fall in love, or have babies, or be who we are. After all, seasons change. So do cities. People come into your life and people go. But it's comforting to know the ones you love are always in your heart. And if you're very lucky, a plane ride away."

Happy Valentine's Day

Love,

Ari Dein

February 14, 2011

2011-02-14T11:08:00.000-05:00

Today is my niece Aya Pearl's 1st birthday! Here she is posing with her lion toy at my parent's house over Thanksgiving. I love her to pieces, she'll be my Valentine every year for the rest of my life.

Which brings me to other things I have loved so much. Here is our cat Spanky. He was put down this morning. He has been the Shapiro family mascot for 17 years and I will miss him forever. What a prince.

Happy Valentine's Day,
Ari

In Case You Thought Disney Sent The Wrong Message

2011-02-12T23:33:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking this week about my favorite love stories from the ballet, opera and theater... let me tell you it's a brutal world out there! A doozy! My parents have been reading Shakespeare to me since I was in utero- I grew up thinking Ophelia did it on purpose. It seems like all the best girls go off the deep end for love and it's supposed to be this really dramatic, self-sacrificial, incredibly intense act of romance. Well, J'adore a good bedtime story. But it's 2011 ladies- and if there's anything not worth dying over...

I should think if I ever fall in love, it would be a good reason to try and stay alive. That said- I made you a little moody collage in the spirit of my "who gives a you-know-what about Valentines Day" campaign that I'm spearheading this year. After all, if you have to wait until February 14th for your significant other to whisper sweet nothings and buy you dinner- he's probably not that significant anyway :)

Enjoy my photo study of women who bit the big one for Mr. Wrong. Here's to a Sappy Valentines Day! And remember, if Fanny Brawne could survive, so can you.

xx,

Ari

PS I can't stop giggling at the expressions on their faces- #emotionalfail I might officially be dead inside.

Tosca/Anna Karenina/La Sylphide/Romeo and Juliet/Hamlet/Giselle/Madama Butterfly

True Life-My Diary: real e-mails and a Journal, too

2011-02-11T23:02:00.000-05:00

I don't know what I've done to give the following impression to my professional work associates:

actual email from this afternoon:
"I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Any big plans for Valentine's Day... you always seem to have a certain someone on the back burner! ;-)"

Well ladies- I refer you to my Valentine's Survival Guide that I whipped up at 3am last week when I should have been otherwise occupied {sleeping?}.

Whatever it is I wind up doing (slash not doing) Monday- you can be sure I will be wearing something fabulous under my outfit.

Oh, and I'll be reading the WSJ- because this weekend my Classic Boutique Hotel Pajamas are featured in their- get this- HEARTLESS V-Day Gift Guide!!! So to all those bankers I dated when I lived on Wall St. who used to drone on and on about getting in the Journal someday- scooped you again ;P

Side note: sometimes... your public just gets you. FTW:
"Here are some presents free of namby pamby sentiment. For Him: Selfish gifts that'll make you happy and improve his style and manners. For Her: Offerings that avoid the usual cliches and preserve your manhood, too."

ZOMG!!! Someday I might have my very own Valentine to buy a keepsake for on February 14th. Until then, that's what I'm here for, gentlemen. To preserve your manhood. Done and Done.

LOVE,
Ari

Fave acronyms/emoticons/things I learned from Google this week (besides Edison's birthdate)
WSJ: Wall Street Journal, bitches
;P : Winky Kissy Face
FTW: For The Win
ZOMG: Urban update for OMG- sarcastic Z due to common and frequent typos
Manhood: ??!?!?!

The only guy for me has been dead for almost 400 years.

2011-02-08T20:56:00.000-05:00

Not a lot has changed in the land of men vs. women over the past four hundred years, as evident in my all time favorite Shakespearean play. The first time Much Ado About Nothing was read as my bedtime story (thanks Pappabear), I was only an infant. I was about 8 when Kate Beckinsale starred in the movie and needless to say, the plot has made an impression. I still don't know which affection (or affliction) I find the most captivating- the brooding Claudio's naive adoration of Hero, the angst displayed by the tyrannical Don John or the jovial sparring between Beatrice and Benedick which proved hey, you can really love anyone if you hate them long enough. Is MAAN a comedy or a tragedy, anyway?

One thing is certain: Shakespeare had his shit on lock down back in 1598 when he encouraged women to convert all their sighs of woe into, "Hey, Na na nbd." And that my friends is a lesson that will transcend the test of time as well as a classic ARI DEIN chemise. On a side note- it goes without saying that I'd slip one on for an evening with Keanu (Bill and Ted sandwich please) or Robert (Dead Poet's is another fave for another post)... The point in 3...2....1.....

"Sigh no more, ladies, sigh no more,
Men were deceivers ever;
One foot in sea, and one on shore,
To one thing constant never.

Then sigh not so,
But let them go,
And be you blithe and bonny,
Converting all your sounds of woe
Into Hey nonny, nonny."

Sometimes you just have to say pouf and move on with your morning. I'm just glad I was born a woman, because I get to be constant, honest and float my head in the clouds while my feet are planted firmly on the ground. No more sighing. Thanks for the tip WS- wish you were here.

xx,

A Lion Among Ladies

V-Day D-Day: A Lion Among Ladies Survival Guide

2011-02-02T02:24:00.000-05:00

We might heart our FWB's, BF's, F', H's, and EX's more this time of year, but let's face the music ladies- the most important relationship you'll ever have is the one you have with yourself. This February 14th, follow my V-Day Survival Guide and direct a little love and attention inward. And if a gentleman caller catches you in the act of enjoying your downtime a la style ARI DEIN- then you're prepared and he's lucky ;P
xx,
Ari
As an aside- this is also my February 15, 2011- February 13, 2012 daily routine for anyone who wants to know. Except sometimes I exchange Miles for Chet- and sometimes I trade Vonnegut for other Vonnegut... or Melville or Rand or Woolfe... eep

Je Gush: Back From Gay Paree, Straight Into the Lions Den

2011-02-01T15:45:00.000-05:00

So for whoever reads this blog on the regular (apart from my intern and creeping ex boyfriends, I assume there are a few other objective readers out there) I'm sorry that I haven't posted about my trip to Paris yet. Basically, attending Le Salon all the way in France was a lot like if you flew 7 hours to Manhattan only to visit the Javit's Center and go to one super cool hotel bar (Costes with Claire & Melissa- Journelle CEO and Sr. Buyer- the bartender lit the bar on fire, the host was so cracked out he would have jumped through flaming hoops... wait maybe he did...)

Anyway, I didn't have much of an opportunity to become enamored with the City of Lights or warm up to the locals (in the works: planning rematch trip with a good friend). What I did attempt was a little ass kicking and taking names at the trade show on behalf of my concocted alter ego ARI DEIN. And while the majority of orders seem to materialize post market back at the office, I can say that I left Paris confident that our business has had a significant growth spurt of which I can be proud. I will announce all of our new stockists after we present at the Waldorf at the end of the month so stay tuned!

One of the exciting parts about running a fashion business is the Press. It's like a whole industry set up just to pat you on the back at the end of a difficult job and say, "Well done, you're in print now my dear." I've never pitched a story before (apart from Knickersblog and Lingerie Post in March of 2010). So it's especially exciting to get any recognition at all. I landed in Paris with my first print editorial in my handbag- product placement in Shape Magazine. Upon arrival Creations was handed out with three images plus a social media interview, and WWD Intimates ran with a full page ARI DEIN AW2011 spread. Somewhere, Ben Dein is smiling down at his great granddaughter and saying "Not bad, kid. Shit's getting real."

Today Lingerie Talk's last piece in their "Bright Young Things" editorial ran, and it was probably the most moving coverage of ARI DEIN yet. Sometimes an editor just gets you- like Bobbi Queen styling our Boutique Hotel Classic Pajamas on a Coco-esque retro model, or LT understanding both extremes of the ARI DEIN girl personality- the modern, refined young woman looping Jazz records and drowning in Vonnegut (ok and hot toddies), and the rebellious inner youth goofing off in the famed Upper East Side hotel.

LT makes the amazing distinction that while the Waldorf and Plaza are east of 5th Avenue- ARI DEIN the woman would live on the west side. Blows my mind how well they captured our identity- that is journalism at its best. Click below the article that moved me- get this- near speechless with appreciation. Writing like this is how young designers are nurtured by lingerie industry vets, and can dane to dream for coverage in the very publications they listed (which noticed us next).
http://www.lingerietalk.com/2011/02/01/lingerie-designers/bright-young-things-14-a-city-girl-nurtures-her-new-york-roots.html
xx,
Ari

L'avenir appartient à ceux qui se lèvent tôt.

2011-01-23T02:56:00.000-05:00

Well it's day two of Le Salon- ARI DEIN's first international trade show. It's ironic that I flew around the world to reach the European and world markets and the American's finally bite! ARI must be chic-er here by proxy.

I seem to be the first one here everyday. Some things don't change in a new city or time zone- when you're an eager beaver you're and eager beaver en francais, too.

I have to say the best part of the young designers "Be Spicy" section is the "we're all in this together" attitude between the exhibitors. A few of the girls were in London at last week's expo together, and instead of treating it like a competition as I was warned it would be, everyone is supportive and friendly. We share steamers and when 5pm rolls around (here til 7), we share ~~booze~~ prosecco. I really like the cross out tool.

Cheers to day 2! Bring it on Paris- Booth #G97 Le Salon International de la Lingerie, Porte Versailles, Paris
xx,
Ari

Here's what I like Paris ditto raspberry tarts

2011-01-18T12:25:00.000-05:00

I have lots of super emotional things I would like to post about leaving for market in Paris in about thirty minutes to show my third season. But I'm going to spare you, and refer to my dear friend and style icon Eloise. If Eloise is to the Plaza what ARI is to the Waldorf, then there is no better imaginary posterchild for my life experience than she. I'll even let it pass that E's blond and six years old. She has a turtle named Skipperdee. That is all you know and all you need to know.

We are staying near the Arc de Triomphe in a private residence that belongs to my mother's best friend. It is in the 16th. That's like the Upper East Side of Paris if you're a NYer and don't speak mapquest.

Eloise, I see your two wire hangers and raise you 58 bias-bandage silk wrapped monstrosities. My goodness were those hard to pack.

I'm counting on some serious jet lag. In Paris we say, "Ne pas déranger".

I'll try to post fun pictures of our time in Paris so check back often! If I don't post it's because I'm exhausted, busy writing orders (cough cough) and ~~drinking my weight in champagne~~ ~~eating my weight in macarons~~ ~~lost in Hermes~~ well whatever if I don't post there will be plenty of follow up in NY before we do it all over again at the Waldorf!

Find us at Le Salon International de la Lingerie, Porte Versailles, Paris, Booth #G97
xx,
Ari

A New ARI DEIN Blog Officiel

2011-01-07T23:27:00.001-05:00

Please go easy on me while I play with code and make my blog look as much like Front Lines with Fargo as humanly possible with 0 we(b)xpertise.

xx,
Ari

In the New Year: Wishes for life, liberty and the pursuit of lingerie as it pertains to my happiness

2011-01-01T18:33:00.000-05:00

I just want to write a quick note for my first post of 2011 (ok let's be honest, I am wearing the only thing brief about me- when am I ever quick?). I went to bed last night in awe of what was accomplished in 2010: ARI DEIN was launched, stocked in 9 boutiques internationally with the first season, appeared in WWD and Gossip Girl, showed at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel and hosted a Fashion's Night Out trunkshow at Journelle. I've just moved into my first office space and hired an intern, and we fly (with my mom and fabulous model Alisa) to Paris for market in two weeks. I have an incredibly sappy blog- it's true I am (have become?) a very emotional person. I think that's what happens when you are deeply involved in your art and constantly exploring the most creative parts of yourself. But I'll save you the blubbering about how much I love my job and how ecstatic I am about ARI DEIN's successful launch and how much it means to me that the collection has been doing well... Blah blah blah

Let me leave you with a piece of the dream- My New Years wish for you is that you discover what you are best at and passionate about and that you pursue it with every fiber of your being. I hope you find yourself in what makes you truly happy, and with that self assurance, the freedom to be completely released from everything else, especially if it is standing in your way. I hope that I know that it's true, it's gonna be a good year!

xx, Ari

Walkmen lyrics: In the New Year

oh I'm still living
at the old address
and I'm waiting on the weather
that i know will pass
i know that its true-its gonna be a good year
outta the darkness-and into the fire
ill tell ya i love ya
and my hearts in the strangest place
thats how it started
and thats how it ends

and i know your with me
its a point of pride
and its louder then lighting
in this room of mine
oh im just like you i never hear the bad news
and i never will
we won by a landslide
are troubles are over
my sisters are married
to all my friends
yeah thats how it started

you took your sweet time
and i waited by without complaint
till all the bad dreams-made me insane
so its all over
its all over anyhow
you took your sweet time
finally i opened my eyes

my friends and my family
they are asking of me
how long will you ramble
how long will you still repeat
the snow is still falling
and I'm almost home
i see a new year

Spreading holiday cheer one scone at a time

2010-12-21T12:49:00.000-05:00

I woke up at 6:30 this morning to shoot the last of our light box shots for web updates. I headed over to the photography studio an hour later, first stopping by Irving Farm for coffee and scones for MM and me. When I got outside the door of our Flatiron destination, I noticed a girl sitting near the entrance who couldn't have been more than 20. She was surrounded by cardboard walls, and attempting to stay warm underneath a pile of dirty blankets. Her hands were blue. My heart sank. I gave her a warm buttery scone and some cash to sit in Starbucks and grab a coffee. I let her make a call on my cell and MM gave her an extra pair of gloves and a garbage bag to cover her belongings while she found shelter inside. And that was it. Pretty much all we could do besides taking her home with us.
She was so appreciative, and I realized that I never help others in this way. Instead of feeling good about my samaritan-ism, I felt trashy for being so caught up in my own life that I don't lend a hand more often to those in need. I'm a new business owner, so naturally I always feel like my funds are tied up. But my good fortune is too long to list...

I always liked the quote from the Taoist philospher Lao Tzu, "You are rich when you know you have enough." But maybe you're rich when are you willing to give your riches away for the betterment of those with less. My career is my passion. But art, although integral, can feel superficial when you're not out in the trenches saving lives. With anything, the trick to leading a full life is balance. I think this time of year it's important to reflect on that, and how you can balance your lifestyle away from the day to day "me me me" way of thinking. And maybe the fashion industry in Manhattan doesn't have to be an every man for himself world after all.
So Happy Holidays. Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.

and Adrian Grenier. Let it begin with Adrian Grenier, too.

I don't make New Years resolutions because I'm pretty hard on myself in general- there's really nothing extra to rag on just because it's December 31st. But this year I've got one on lockdown, and it has to do with how I can spend a little more time giving of myself instead of just obsessing about making ARI DEIN the next big thing 24/7. What do you do in your life to help others?
xx,
Ari

RIP CC, Farewell mon amie.

2010-12-20T16:15:00.000-05:00

I received some very disturbing news the other day: my favorite bra is being discontinued- something about Chantelle not being able to source the chantilly lace anymore? This was the first real bra I ever bought, at Journelle, when ARI DEIN was still a thought in my head and not even so much as a sketch had been drawn for the first season. I was wearing my 34C Victoria's Secret nude t-shirt monstrosity, dreaming of creating something exquisite for flat chested women as a sort of a "those who can't do, teach" career path when I walked into the boutique- my life was about to change forever! I swear, if you've been living in the wrong bra/size your whole life- this was like the rapture (for cute Jewish chics?)- being born again- a divine experience.

When I tried on the whisper pink, unlined balconette in a 32E, I was just humoring the sales girl. Long story short, I left wearing my knicker triumph out of the store, tossed my VS piece of merde in the waste bin, and over the next few months bought my new bestie in every other color. I bet you were all wondering what I wear underneath my AD pieces- now the secrets out. I would run a marathon in this baby. And now, the chantilly collection will be no more. Honestly, I never had the desire to make underwire bras because I saw that there were great choices on the market and I wanted to contribute something else, something original. But now, feeling this tremendous loss in the kingdom of the brassiere, I'm reconsidering...

What do you think? About to release our first soft cups splendors this coming Spring, should ARI DEIN take a stab at elegant support-ware for a woman with a rack?

xx,
Ari

If I have a big head it's Claire Chambers and Co.'s fault.

2010-12-15T23:12:00.000-05:00

Journelle's Holiday Gift Guide

No synthetics. No implants. No problem ;P

xx,
Ari

s'il vous plaît me clone

2010-12-15T21:12:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's shoot at the Waldorf=Astoria was like a heated Survivor challenge. Except we were in Manhattan and not Nicaragua. And we were racing against time instead of Jeff Probst. We shot in some of the most iconic and exclusive parts of the hotel but on a strict clock. We didn't dare daudle and I did my best to capture my third season on film lickitysplit! Those images will take some time before they can be released, but here's a sneak peak of an SS2011 addition that we brought along for the adventure. I took 3 shots of this look on a borrowed Canon Rebel, and this was number 1:

Someone please clone me. Paris in 1 month and counting and there is oh so much left to prepare! If I get my act together... the a complete SS2011 Look Book will be available on www.aridein.com soon:)

xx,

Ari

CRUNCH TIME PLAYLIST

2010-12-09T11:39:00.000-05:00

How I pretend I'm in the country in some really huge, riverside loft space in the woods (like the Cullen house?) getting ready for Paris when really, I've got the garment district's most petite office space on lockdown on W 38th ;P

1. Rumspringa: Shake 'em Loose
2. The Walkmen: Woe Is Me
3. Fleet Foxes: White Winter Hymnal
4. The Smiths: I Won't Share You
5. Cold War Kids: Hang Me Up To Dry
6. The Stranglers: Golden Brown
7. Phoenix: Lisztomania
8. The Sea and the Cake: Lamont's Lament
9. The Zombies: Tell Her No
10. Mike Snow: Animal
11. Phoenix: North
12. My Morning Jacket: Lay Low
13. The Walkmen: Canadian Girl
14. Grizzly Bear: Two Weeks
15. The Whitest Boy Alive: Burning

If your life's a JCrew commercial you might enjoy ;P
xx, Ari

ARI DEIN INTERNATIONAL :)

2010-12-01T21:56:00.000-05:00

I am excited to announce that I will be showing my Fall 2011 Collection in both Paris and New York this Winter. I plan to attend La Salon International de la Lingerie from January 22-24 (Booth #G97) and will be pent up at the Waldorf Towers the following month during CURVE EXPO (Suite #29H1). I'm glad I wrote that last door number on my hand this morning when I toured the hotel- it's a tough one to remember.

I will also be toting along Spring 2011 with new additions for our anticipated new stockists- shipping immediates worked very well with my first season. Bridal will also make a scene if we can find ARI DEIN in White some room on the racks. (Ha, get it? Racks?)

Jokes aside, I am beyond words with excitement to bring ARI DEIN to Europe just a few months after reaching my first UK stockist. I look forward to what I hope will be a wonderful market on both continents and hope you'll come see me!

xx,
Ari

Happy Chanukah Everybody!

2010-12-01T21:47:00.000-05:00

The Life and Times of a Lingerie Designer: Daily dose of insomnianspiration

2010-11-24T00:45:00.000-05:00

I made a few home improvements recently, some of them in the middle of the night. I can't help it- I'm well caffeinated and work gets me all jazzed in the wee hours when I should be napping. Anyway, I decided to cover my apartment door with chalkboard paint. I wrote a list of the stockists and editorials that my heart desires with giant check boxes next to them. The idea being, when the boxes are all marked off- I can move!!! I forgot to use it though, and tonight I got to cross off two at once. What a thrill!

xx,
Ari

Because no one should have to dry clean your dirty knickers.

2010-11-23T19:11:00.000-05:00

If you're like me and you drop mad cash on your lingerie wardrobe, you better know the first thing about taking care of it. Consider that little Bombyx Mori, spinning a delicate silk thread to be woven into one ARI DEIN chemise. If you think you can send that sweet little fiber to the dry cleaner and cover her in harsh chemicals and she'll be ok, you would be wrong. With that in mind I have teamed up with La Blanc to offer an alternative to dry cleaning on my website. I'm saving you money people and I'm saving your knickers, too.

ARI DEIN care labels (c)

Le Blanc is almost as old as Ari :) and has been fighting stains on specialty fabrics for 24 years. It's also a family owned business. Are you getting the love now? Look forward to a major collaboration between La Blanc and ARI DEIN as we will be working together to create custom fragrances and new products that cater to the ARI DEIN home lingerie washing experience. Honestly, it feels like I get great news every day. But after a phone call from Le Blanc CEO a few hours ago, I feel gittier than Dita in a martini glass bubblebath.

Enjoy!

xx,
Ari

My first time in WWD :)

2010-11-22T18:21:00.000-05:00

For those of you who don't have the online subscription, I made a little screen shot of ARI DEIN's first WWD mention. The irony to be included in Spring Trends when I am convinced I'm not trendy!

I just got off the phone with Alison Rubke at Faire Frou Frou in LA. We were talking about how her whole store is full of navy's and purple's right now. I'm guilty of the same color palate as everyone else- completely by accident. And it seems what I thought was going to be an independent choice (yellow) for Spring is actually shaping up to be a huge trend for next season. Which begs the question: for designers, are the similarities in color theory across the board dictated by the same girlish voodoo that makes women get on a "time of the month" schedule? Do great minds really think alike or are there more cosmic forces at work here?
xx,
Ari

Mammabear(lion) and Pappabear(lion) take France, leave Ari this album

2010-11-19T22:55:00.000-05:00

My parents recently vacationed throughout France and just sent me an album of snapshots they took of lions during their travels.
Say hello to mon mere and mon pere, Mona and the Doc, Dein Shapiro:

They are ARI DEIN's biggest fans. Truth.

I'm a lucky girl :)

Also, hommes, you're apparently not allowed to wear swim trunks in certain pools. We are talking strictly speedo territory and underwear, for all you crazy American's trying to conservative it up in a sensible pair of shorts... Per les filles- you better take it off. No covering up with a wrap- the French want you stripped!

"Pareos and swim skirts are not allowed in the water"

"Only boxers and trunks are allowed"

xx,

Ari