Student

LA Apparel Manufacturer Ari Jogiel Returns To FIDM as Guest Speaker

Students in the Merchandise Product Development and Merchandising & Marketing Premier Groups were joined this week by guest speaker Ari Jogiel, an entrepreneur who in 2017 launched a full package apparel manufacturing facility two blocks from FIDM in the heart of the Fashion District. 

He first visited FIDM as a guest speaker in 2018, the year after he launched, and returned yesterday to share his experience, industry insights, and an overview of the apparel manufacturing process as well as what it takes to launch your own brand. In the five years he’s been in business he’s worked with 180 brands including North Face, Nike, PacSun, Penguin, Vans, and FIDM Grad Chloé Rose.

He walked the students through a presentation of a new product line he’s developing, menswear inspired briefs for women, made from organic cotton. His advice for students who want to launch their own brands is to be very niche and target your market.

Ari grew up in Mexico City and as a child dreamed of having his own clothing brand. He was recruited to play soccer at San Diego State University, but an injury put that career on pause. He went into corporate America after college, but never gave up on his dream of having his own fashion label. “If you have a dream and you have a passion,” he said, “you can make it happen.” He now plays soccer in Europe.

When he was starting his apparel business, he launched a Kickstarter campaign that raised $25K in 30 days and gained great exposure for his brand. Clients now come to him with their design ideas and he brings them to fruition—full package—everything including pattern making, sourcing, fit sample, grading, and production. 

The city of Los Angeles is a main fashion manufacturing hub in the U.S. and Ari has tapped into the energy. Supply chain issues that surfaced during the pandemic has brought brands clamoring to manufacture domestically. One of his taglines is “Made in Freaking Los Angeles.”

Ari Jogiel is passionate about his work and nothing stops him. When asked what it takes to be successful, he said a person must identify their strengths. One of his greatest strengths is he never gives up. He is currently hiring.

Follow Ari Jogiel on Instagram @arijogiel.

Categories:  Merchandise Product Development Merchandising & Marketing Industry Partnerships Student