Ariel Taub is a luxury fashion and bridal accessory brand designed specifically for the modern person who craves elegant and unique pieces. The company’s products include clutches, jewelry, veils, and other couture accessories, which are made with high-quality brilliant-cut crystals and handcrafted in the designer’s Michigan-based studio. Pulse 2.0 interviewed the owner of Ariel Taub to learn more about her namesake company.
Ariel Taub’s Background
What is Ariel Taub’s background? Taub said:
From a young age, I’ve been drawn to the fashion industry, so I pursued as much education as possible to fulfill that dream. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from the University of Michigan, where I also volunteered at their costume department. During my undergraduate years, I had the opportunity to study fashion design at Central Saint Martins in London during a summer abroad program. After completing my studies at the University of Michigan, I pursued a degree in Fashion Design from Parsons the New School in New York. With my education complete, I set out to build my own accessory brand, aiming to provide clients with glamorous, modern pieces intricately crafted by hand.
Formation Of Ariel Taub
How did the idea for the company come together? Taub shared:
“The idea for my company came together from my love for theater and high fashion, making bridal the perfect industry for me as it blends both worlds. Initially, I started my company focusing on wedding gowns, with accessories as a side project. However, when I approached stores, it was the accessories that really caught people’s attention. I found my niche and it was in wedding veils; I became known for my intricate crystal work which set my designs apart. This provided my veils with a unique touch, and it was unlike the typical cookie-cutter designs. This success led to a gradual expansion into other categories. I started with matching crystal belts and garters, and then expanded into jewelry and clutches. Seeing that people were embracing my accessories beyond their wedding day, I decided to venture into the fashion industry by launching a ready-to-wear line. This decision marked the next step in the evolution of my brand, offering customers elegant and glamorous pieces that could be worn on any occasion.”
Favorite Memory
What has been Taub’s favorite memory working for the company so far? Taub reflected:
“My favorite memory working for my company so far is the day I launched and attended my first trade show. It was an exhilarating experience to see months of hard work and design come to life. From the excitement of the first store saying yes to carrying the line and seeing people’s responses to the pieces. It was a moment of immense pride and satisfaction that will forever be engraved in my mind as a designer. At moments of hard times and exhaustion, I think about this moment and it keeps me moving forward every day. To see how far the brand has come from that first launch is so rewarding and I will cherish that moment and feeling forever.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and features? Taub explained:
“My brand is known for modern accessories, which specializes in both the bridal and fashion industry. The core products are wedding veils, sashes, garters, as well as jewelry and clutches.”
Challenges Faced
Has Taub faced any specific bottlenecks in her sector of work recently? Taub acknowledged:
“Yes, one of the significant bottlenecks faced recently in the accessory industry is the shifting consumer preference towards fast fashion and away from US-made handmade products. With the rise of fast fashion brands offering trendy accessories at lower prices, there’s been a noticeable decline in demand for artisanal, locally made items. This shift poses several challenges for us as designers and manufacturers of handmade accessories. It’s become increasingly challenging to compete on price with mass-produced items churned out by large-scale factories overseas. Consumers often prioritize affordability over the unique craftsmanship and quality that come with handmade products. Moreover, the convenience factor plays a significant role. Fast fashion accessories are readily available in stores and online, offering quick and easy purchasing options. In contrast, handmade products may require more time for production and shipping, which can deter customers seeking instant gratification. However, despite these challenges, my company remains committed to our craft and the values of sustainability, quality, and artisanal expertise. We believe there’s still a niche market for handmade accessories, particularly among consumers who value uniqueness, ethical production, and supporting local artisans. By emphasizing the story behind our products, the attention to detail, customizations, and the superior quality of handmade goods, we aim to appeal to discerning customers who prioritize value over volume.”
Evolution Of Ariel Taub’s Technology
How has the company’s technology evolved since launching? Taub noted:
“I recently launched into ecommerce a couple years ago, transforming from solely a B2B company to expanding into B2C. Having an online presence is so important this day and age, between ecommerce and social media.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Taub cited:
“There have been a few milestones throughout my business. The first was getting my products into retailers when I launched the brand back in 2013. The second store to pick up my line was Kleinfeld Bridal in New York. That was such an exciting time in my business, and really gave me the motivation to continue to grow my brand. Another milestone was seeing my product on the red carpet. When I saw Cardi B where my black Austrian crystal polka dot clutch on the red carpet to the Met Gala last year was such a pinch me moment. A final milestone moment was getting my products in over 80 stores all over the world.”
Customer Success Stories
After asking Taub about customer success stories, she highlighted:
“Absolutely! One of the key factors that sets us apart and contributes to our customers’ success stories is our ability to deliver accessories to stores with a quick turnaround time. Since all our accessories are made in our own studio, we have full control over the production process, allowing us to respond swiftly to orders and fulfill them promptly.”
“For example, there was a boutique owner who had a last-minute request from a bride looking for the perfect veil for her wedding day. The store reached out to us in a bit of a panic, knowing that the bride’s wedding was just a week away, but the store told us that the bride fell in love with one of our veils. Thanks to our in-house production capabilities, we were able to create the veil of the bride’s dream and have it shipped to the store in just a couple days. The bride was absolutely thrilled with the veil when she tried it on, and the store was equally delighted with our quick and efficient service. Being able to accommodate last-minute requests like this not only makes our retailers successful in meeting the needs of their customers but also ensures that those customers leave satisfied and happy. And a happy customer is what we always aim for! Ultimately, our ability to deliver high-quality accessories to stores in a short amount of time is a win-win situation.”
Total Addressable Market
What total addressable market (TAM) size is the company pursuing? Taub assessed:
“There are two addressable markets for my company; the bridal industry and the fashion industry. For the bridal accessories, the TAM is approximately $2.5 billion. For the fashion industry, the fashion jewelry TAM is $41 billion and the bag TAM is $300 million.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from its competition? Taub affirmed:
“What sets my company apart from the competition is our commitment to crafting all of our products in my Michigan-based studio. This allows us to offer a level of customization that is unmatched in the industry. For example, with our clutches, customers have the freedom to choose the outside fabric color, the lining of the bag, and even the frame and crystal design. This level of customization means that each accessory becomes a true one-of-a-kind piece, reflecting the individuality and unique style of every customer. Whether it’s a bride looking for the perfect clutch to match her wedding gown or a fashionista wanting a statement piece that reflects her personality, we can create something truly special just for them. By offering this level of customization, we go beyond simply providing accessories – we offer a personalized experience that allows our customers to express themselves in a way that mass-produced items cannot. The attention to detail and the ability to tailor each piece to the customer’s preferences truly sets us apart and makes us stand out in the market.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future company goals? Taub concluded:
“Some of the company’s future goals are to continue our growth trajectory and expand our presence into more retailers around the world. We’re constantly seeking new opportunities to collaborate with boutiques, department stores, and online platforms to make our accessories accessible to a wider audience. Additionally, we aim to become a household name known for our unique, customizable accessories and exceptional craftsmanship. We want to be the go-to brand for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance and individuality to their outfits, whether it’s for a special occasion or everyday wear. Ultimately, our goal is to continue delighting our customers with beautifully handcrafted US made accessories that empower them to express their personal style with confidence. By staying true to our values of quality, customization, and customer satisfaction, we believe we can achieve our vision of becoming a globally recognized brand synonymous with timeless elegance and impeccable craftsmanship.”
