Design Thinking: Rielli Brand

(Image courtesy of Rielli Brand.)

In Graduate School, one of the buzzwords professors love to discuss is "Design Thinking." Design Thinking is an iterative process in which we seek to understand the user, challenge assumptions, and redefine problems to identify alternative strategies and solutions that might not be instantly apparent with our initial level of understanding (Dam and Siang). Design Thinking enables companies to understand consumer needs to serve their audience better. For this project, I contacted different companies to learn how organizations applied Design Thinking. I spoke with Rielli Brand's founder, Ariel, to learn how the company incorporates its mission and vision into its products.

(Image courtesy of Rielli Brand.)

1. What makes Rielli Brand different from other brands on the market?

Rielli stands out from other brands because we started as a small, handmade, homemade line. We made a name for ourselves very early on in the founding stages, and our iconic crinkle fabric has gotten us noticed by various sources around the world. Our unique fabric, designs, and story set us apart from other brands.

(Image courtesy of Rielli Brand.)

2. How does Rielli Brand stay ahead of upcoming trends?

As a designer, staying up-to-date with trends is something I enjoy. Staying ahead of trends and forecasting seasonal trends is definitely more tedious. We love creating moldboards and re-visiting ’90s magazines because old trends always come back. We also follow trend-setting fashion influencers who give us a good idea of color schemes and trends for the upcoming season.

(Image courtesy of Rielli Brand.)

3. Where does Relli Brand draw inspiration from during the design process?

In the design process, Rielli draws inspiration from Pinterest. We are always inspired by a certain time in fashion or even a destination. The Athens Riviera inspired our last collection, so gathering names inspired by Greece for our swimsuits was fun. The past, present, and future inspire us. Our designs are not limited to a certain place or time.

(Image courtesy of Rielli Brand.)

4. How does Rielli Brand incorporate its mission and vision into its product offerings?

We incorporate our slow fashion ethics in our products by still being “made-to-order.” Despite growing the brand, we hope to stay true to our core values and only produce what is needed. We are still growing, but as the world changes, we hope to grow at our own pace. Our vision is to stay true to your authentic self, “keep it rielli,” and our swimwear gives you the comfort and confidence to be your authentic self.

(Image courtesy of Rielli Brand.)

5. What is the future of the company?

The future of Rielli is bright. We hope to be more international and make our way in continents we’ve never been in before. We want the brand to be accessible to everyone, so we hope to make our name on an international level. Our goal is to have our first official fashion show and expand our line to new categories. We can’t wait to show the world what’s next!

(Image courtesy of Rielli Brand.)