Meet Ariana Armendariz

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ariana Armendariz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ariana, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from Redondo Beach, Ca. My mom was a flight attendant growing up, so we traveled a lot as kids. She was a single mom, my dad passed when I was five. She worked very hard to always give my brother and I what we needed, due to that we have always had a very good work ethic.

Growing up both my parents were very well dressed, I always saw the importance of “If you look good, you feel good” as well as being able to express who you are through style. My family is Mexican American, mostly from El Paso Texas on both sides. I was grateful that my parents always brought us back to see family and spend time with our grandparents who are all from Mexico. Family is very important to me, and has shaped who I am today, especially my old brother.

Having a flight attendant for a mom was amazing because we traveled to many different countries and I was able to learn about different cultures and fashion. One of my favorites cities is Mexico City. I was taught about Frida Kahlo very early on (due to being made fun of for my thick eyebrows, gotta love older brothers). With that being said I really dove into her style and the way she expressed herself through fashion and art. Casa Azul is still one of my favorite places to visit to this day.

Unfortunately, at 21 my mom also passed away. Loosing both my parents at an early age really made me grow ups faster than expected. I think it has impacted the person I am today because I understand how short life can be. You always have to just go for it, and follow your dreams no matter how different they can be. My mom instilled that quality in me I think. She always said being a flight attendant was her way of seeing the world and getting paid for it. I kind of feel that way when it comes to touring. I am able to travel the world, work with some of the biggest fashion houses, costume designers, and stylists in the world. I am very grateful to live the life I live, while doing what I love and also meeting such inspiring people.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I began my career assisting stylists and costume designers, which eventually led me to the world of touring (Head of Wardrobe for artists like Madonna, The Weekend, Halsey and more). One of the artists I was working with invited us to join them for shows in Jamaica, marking my first international experience supporting a live concert.

To give som insight into my work, it’s actually uncommon to handle both the design and touring sides of wardrobe. I also work across many other lanes of fashion and wardrobe such as commercials, TV, print and occasionally film. When I’m involved in in the design aspect of a tour, I typically join for the first few shows to ensure everything looks right, then pass things off to the touring team. However; there have been times when I’ve been asked to stay on and join the tour full-time.

I’ve reached where I am today through hard work and dedication, driven by my love for costume design, fashion, and the joy that live music brings to people. Instead of conforming to the usual single-track approach in wardrobe, I stayed true to my passion and vision. I never allowed others’ opinions to alter my career path.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spots in LA are of course Manhattan Beach. If I wanted to get some yummy breakfast I would take them to Un Caffè Altamira. They have great coffee and fresh farm to table style breakfast and lunch. After we would walk on the strand or the beach to get a little exercise, or maybe walk up to BLVD to do some shopping. If we needed to get our nails done we would of course drive up to Melrose to check out Clique nails salon, and maybe get some cool nail designs done. Once we were done we might go try some of my favorite restaurants like Cecconis, or maybe head back down to Manhattan Beach for sushi at Izakya. If the weather permits we might even do a hike in PV or Malibu.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to June Ambrose ( Creative Director / Costume Designer), who showed me how important it is to be yourself and always treat people with kindness. Thank you for being a mentor to me always!

Nra Kudelka (stylist / Costume Designer & Entrepreneur) who gave me my first shot as a young asst. on my first music video (Mariah Carey: Don’t forget about us) and tour (Justin Timberlake: Future, Sex, Love, Sound). We are friends to this day (19 years later). She just opened Clique on Melrose. A cool kids nail shop that also sells art, clothes and other bodega type treats. Go check it out if you’re in LA.

My brother, Jake Armendariz (LA county fireman, and part of our USAR team). Thanks for believing in me and always pushing me to go for what I want. And for stepping up at a young age to be a father type big bro.

Website: Www.ArianaArmendariz.com

Instagram: @ari.ana_armendariz

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Youtube: Ari Armendariz – @ari4peace