Meet Arianne Elmy, Founder of Her Namesake Label

To us, the world should be celebrating powerful women every month – and we sure do. In celebration of Women’s History Month, we were excited to sit down with Arianne Elmy, founder and designer of her own namesake label. Arianne has had some pretty major milestones since her brand’s inception (hello, Mariah Carey!), but she’s also all about giving back to the community by donating proceeds to the Global Fund for Women – and so much more. Read on for our full conversation below!

Tell us about Arianne Elmy! How did the brand come to be?

Arianne Elmy is a women’s contemporary luxury clothing brand for all. When I founded the brand in 2014, I was inspired to start my business because I couldn’t find any clothing I loved that was also priced well. I wanted to create clothing that had a story behind them, were created with a vision but also exceptionally well crafted all WITHOUT the extreme luxury markup (such as $1000 for a dress). Because I studied at Pratt Institute and Central Saint Martins, I am very particular about finishing and designs, I don't cut corners like bigger brands do. Because I sell directly to consumers I am able to price my items lower, most of my garments using regular retail marker up would be more than double the current price! The brand has since evolved into much bigger than clothing as I have worked really hard to create a community. I know so many brands love to toss that word around but we are really doing it! We are actively igniting discussions on women's rights and the idea of empowering women directs every single decision made in the brand from packaging to communication to product.

We love that you support the Global Fund for Women! Can you tell us more about your partnership with them?

I created a small collection of items in which 20% of the full price of the item goes directly to Global Fund For Women. The items are all made in California and echo the complexity and beauty of women. We also interviewed 12+ incredible women: a Sudanese Refugee, U.N. Employee, Editors, Founders, Nurses, Moms and all around Warriors to share personal stories on a variety of challenges faced by women daily. You can learn more here.

You’ve had some pretty major press and milestones since the brand’s inception – can you share a memory or two that’s been a “pinch me” moment over the years?

Yes we have had so many incredible women wear the brand! One of the biggest moment's was certainly Mariah Carey wearing the Cleopatra Dress throughout her whole "No-No" music video. Another big moment was Katy Perry wearing a full look on American Idol; the brand has been worn by celebrities on Steve Harvey, The Real Talk Show, Wendy Williams Show, and Ellen Degeneres. Another big moment was when Lil Kim gave me a personal shout out. It's really so fun to see some major entertainers in the brand!

For someone who may be new to the brand, what’s a must-have that you’d recommend as a starter piece

Probably the Good Luck Dress, We literally cannot make this dress fast enough it keeps selling out. The striped party blouse is also a favorite.

What were you up to before launching your namesake label?

I worked at Sally Lapointe and ThreeASFOUR.

Growing up, were you always interested in fashion? Or what drew you to the fashion industry?

Growing up I was really interested in fine arts but also clothing so I just combined my two loves. I am obsessed with making things.

What advice would you give someone wanting to pursue a similar path?

To do as much research as possible and really know your target audience. Having a brand is not as simple as just making beautiful items, you have to go deeper if you want the brand to be sustainable for years to come.

Do you remember what you wore to your first interview?

hmmm my first interview no but I do remember going into a particular interview totally dressed over the top and everyone in the office was dressed so ‘laxed haha. I was wearing a white short dress with high shoulders, the whole dress was outlined in black and had a plunging neckline that was covered by netting material. I think it was made by an Australian brand.

What do you look for when hiring someone to join your team?

Because the brand is small, everything is extremely fast paced and you may be thrown 100 jobs at once. I personally am organized in my head but not IRL so I look for someone that is much more organized than I am. You have to be a quick learner with a good memory and strong ethos to match the brands.

Given our current situation, what are you doing to stay sane, inspired and creating?

To be honest the brand is doing better than it's ever done so I am busy and seeing the brand thrive is really keeping me going. I do find it hard to take moments to create new pieces because I am so busy with a million other things. That is certainly something I need to work on, it's a balancing act at the moment. But I do have new items in the works!!