ABOUT US
Founded in 2001, ARI is what founder and designer Moshe Ben-Ari likes to call a "lifestyle brand". His stores in SoHo, Miami, and Beverly Hills are more than just retail; they are social clubs that welcome clients to come in, hang out, have a drink, and listen to good music while shopping. Moshe believes in the power of timeless, classic pieces that fit right. Craftsmanship and quality materials are at the core of ARI’s identity, and each piece is made with care in Italy.
The goal of being a “one-stop shop” for our clients has been achieved by sourcing only the finest leathers, fabrics, and yarns and by perfecting the signature athletic fit for each piece. After 20 years in business, Moshe, in collaboration with his wife Rita, launched the first women’s collection. Rita, born in Sicily and with a background in textile design, stayed true to ARI’s core values while adding her own colorful flair to the designs.
Q&A WITH THE FOUNDER MOSHE
Where do you think your passion for clothing stemmed from?
It definitely came from my mother - the love of clothing. Growing up as a kid, my mother was a tailor, so everything we had was custom-made. Not because we were this fancy family but because we had no money to buy clothes regularly. It is the ultimate luxury nowadays to have tailor-made clothes, but we didn't appreciate it at the time. She also always emphasized looking proper no matter where you were going when you left the house, making it clear that looking good was always important.
Describe your design process.
Well, it all starts with the fabric. I could look at a leather sample and immediately see a tough-looking motorcycle jacket with heavy hardware, a belt and zippers, and maybe even pockets on the sleeves. I see a beautiful cashmere and think, oh this could be a great coat. The fabric gives you a lot of ideas. The fabric is the foundation.
What are your central values in production that you don't give up?
Quality of materials and craftsmanship. We never compromise on those two.
How do you know when you have the final prototype when creating a product?
When it fits. I try it on and feel for it. I want to make sure it's comfortable. I want to ensure I can wear it, sit with it, and never need to take it off. That's the beauty - it's a product that I want to sit in and enjoy wearing. It feels like it hugs me, not like it wears me.
How do you see ARI?
Easy to wear. Easy to style as well. The collection kind of melts into each other. It's not a runway collection. Although, we could custom-make you anything you want. I can make you a pink leather suit if you'd like it. But most of the stuff hanging in the shops is classic with a twist. It has that little edge- a fit, silhouette, or color that will make it just a bit edgier.
What is the signature of the brand?
The athletic fit of the product. A client could take everything in their size in the shop, and each piece will fit them. In the men's world, it's great. It's easy, quick shopping. You get a whole new wardrobe in a half-hour.
Any interests outside of the brand?
I travel a lot. I also like sports. Big on sports. Big on cycling. And eating well. My brand reflects this as well. It reflects a quality of living. It's actually funny how many conversations I had in the shop with clients about eating healthy, and I'm not saying, oh, live your life crazy strict. It’s all about balance. Eat as much as you want but make sure it's proper food. Drink your whiskey, good whiskey, but make sure you exercise as well. Simple. Pure simplicity.