So, in case you didn't know, my name is Aarabhi and I am the designer for 'Aarabhi London' and this week I thought I'd introduce myself a little by answering 20 questions. These are completely random questions but if there's anything you'd like me to answer, please feel free to leave a comment below.

1. Three things about yourself?

I am 27yo, I was born and raised in London and I run my business alongside working in another job.

2. Why fashion?

I've always been creative, even when I was younger but fashion was just one way I could use that creativity in a productive way.

3. Item you'd love to design?

I'd like to design bags more than anything, I just love them and it's so hard to find one that's perfect for me so being able to design my own would definitely solve that problem.

4. Goal for 2020?

My first goal is to hopefully sell the SS20 collection which will be available to purchase very very soon and I really hope you'll like it! I'll also be running the London Marathon to raise money for Street Child UK and have a fundraising goal of £2000 so please help by sponsoring my run.

5. Accessory you can't live without?

I have black boots similar to the ones below which I can wear with literally anything, from trousers to skirts, plus their very comfy.

6. Favourite holiday destination?

Morocco! Everyone is so friendly, the food is amazing and of course the sunshine.

7. Favourite TV show?

There's waaaay too many that it's so hard to choose from! I'm going to say the top three would be This is Us (plenty of tissues needed), The Good Fight and Narcos. Real Housewives may just be one of the greatest shows I've ever seen. 

8. Clothing item you can't live without?

This would be my leather jacket, just because I can wear it with anything and everything and it immediately look like I've made an effort without really trying. Plus I've had it for over 10 years and I'll probably still use it 10 years from now.

9. Style Icon?

There are so many but I would say Olivia Palermo would probably one of my top five. All her looks are so well put together and she makes it look effortless. Her looks are generally feminine, classic and classy and I'm yet to see a look that I don't like.

10. Favourite Aarabhi item?

The beaded AW19 skirt is my favourite but so is the beaded crop top below. Ok, I have two favourites...please don't make me choose!

My favourite is the SS20 collection and it was probably on of the easiest to design for. I love EVERY piece and I hope you do too!

 

12. Most difficult Aarabhi collection to design?

I would say the AW19 was pretty hard to design. I just felt stuck for so long but eventually it all worked out perfectly.

13. Least favourite Aarabhi item?

I wasn't too happy with this top, on paper and with the beading sample I thought it'd look amazing but then I just didn't feel that it worked out for the final piece.

 14. Favourite thing about starting Aarabhi London?

I love that I can work to my own schedule and create clothes that I want to wear and that my friends want to wear.

15. Least favourite thing about starting Aarabhi London?

It's hard to stay motivated because I work on the business on my own and there's nobody to talk to for most of the day but the closer I get to launching a collection, the more excited I get and the more I want to work. 

Online because it makes it easier to find specific items or items that I can't find in a regular shop. Plus, it stops me from getting distracted and buying things I probably don't need.

17. How much attention do you pay to fashion in the way you dress?

I honestly don't pay much attention to the way I dress which probably sounds really bad! I'm mainly running errands or working so I usually just put on something comfortable and warm but when I go out for for dinner or just to meet friends then I'll use it as a chance to dress up a bit more.

18. Why did you choose to start Aarabhi?

It started because I wanted to create an ethical brand of embellished pieces. Since I started, this main aesthetic has changed as my focus now is to create strong pieces which you can dress up or down and wear with items you already have in your wardrobe. I want to clothes to be comfortable, functional and overall make any woman feel amazing.

19. Why did you want your pieces to be made ethically?

I have always wanted to be able to know that the clothes I buy have been made by people who have been paid and treated fairly and also to know exactly where my clothes are coming from. It was hard to find brands that cared about ethical production who weren't just making basics and that's why I wanted Aarabhi London to create the 'stand out' wardrobe pieces which are produced ethically. From stitching pieces myself, I know how long it takes and how much work goes into it, even if it is just a t-shirt so you need to value the work and time that has gone into producing that piece. 

20. How would you describe your fashion sense?

My "look" changes every day! It's just whatever I feel like but I like very simple silhouettes and pairing more intricate pieces with simple black jeans for example. T-shirts are something I would struggle to live without as most of the time, I'm pretty casual.