Based in Los Angeles, Maroko founded Select LA, an online marketplace for one-of-a-kind vintage & designer clothing. Every item is hand selected for authenticity and quality with a major focus on contributing to a more intentional and sustainable shopping experience. In addition to running a business, in Ariel's spare time, she also dabbles in content creation whilst traveling the world.

Interviewed by Secily Viviana.

S: Hi Ariel!

A: Hi Secily!

S: Let's dive straight into it, shall we? What does a typical day look like for you in LA?

A: Depending on the week, I could be shooting or sourcing. There’s always something to do or emails to catch up on. I’d like to say my days are elaborate but I’m a pretty routine girl - coffee in the morning and a hot bath at night.

S: Routine is key to a happy life! How would you describe your personal style and how would you say it influences your work?

A: It’s a mix between feminine and sporty. I’d like to say I haven’t been influenced by my Catholic school upbringing but those pleated skirts and polos really stuck with me. I think having that basic structure of very simple and tailored pieces has easily shaped my style and how I approach sourcing for Select. After you’ve gone through different phases and trends, you get to a point where getting dressed should just feel easy and seamless to who you are. 

S: Couldn't agree more and it's such a relief when you finally feel like your style is truly your own.

A: Exactly!

S: Could you walk us through what sparked your interest in sustainability and creating Select LA?

A: Select has taken on a lot of iterations since I started. It’s grown with me as my taste and preferences have evolved. I’ve always been enamored with the quality and cuts of vintage clothing. It feels a little magical when you find something that speaks to you and your personal style. I wanted to carry that same sentiment when I started Select, while also emphasizing that vintage can be practical and worn everyday. When shopping becomes intentional and you start investing in pieces that surpass trend cycles, sustainability comes naturally.

S: Yes, I think most people think of vintage pieces as elaborately bold pieces but they're definitely everyday pieces that are always so worth investing in. What would you say is one item that you simply cannot live without?

A: Definitely my “Do Not Disturb” button...

S: It's so needed! Time to focus and recharge is absolutely mandatory. What's your go-to OpéraSPORT piece?

A: I love the new Esmeralda Dress from SS24!

S: How would you say that you stay inspired and creative in an industry that is constantly evolving?

A: For me it’s just about staying true to your own interests and sources of inspiration. I watch a lot of old movies, even if the plot is terrible, there could be really incredible decor, style, lighting, or a frame that you draw inspiration from at some point. I have a lot of vintage magazines and books around - even if you’ve flipped through them hundreds of times before, you never know what you’ll be drawn to on that day. Spend less time online. Travel as often as possible. Get a library card. Go to a museum. Touch grass.

S: Ah yes, that's a great motto to live by and will guarantee an endless source of inspiration. And what would you say that you like most about the fashion industry?

A: I think the best thing the industry has going for itself is the endless possibility of collaboration between designers, photographers, stylists, etc. The concept of bringing together different perspectives, tastes, and personalities to a single subject or garment is a beautiful thing. I’m not really tapped into the industry so much. There are brands I’ve admired for a long time and I like to stay on top of those and keep my eye on designers and creatives that pique my interest. I’m more so fascinated by the history that shapes a designer, collection, or specific garment. Since fashion is cyclical and often a reflection of the times, I think it’s important to observe and understand how everything was and is interconnected and what that means for the future.I feel like the 80s will come back in a handful of ways. One can only hope men will wear Armani suits again.

S: 1000% agreed, there's nothing better than connecting with like-minded creatives who share the same vision for a project! It's my favorite thing about the industry as well.

S: I must say, I love your pictures! What type of camera do you normally like to use to create content?

A: I picked up an Olympus Stylus years ago at a thrift store for cheap (back when you could do that sort of thing). I like the element of surprise and delayed gratification with film, especially when traveling. It keeps you in the moment, which feels sacred nowadays.

S: That's the best thing about shooting on analog, you get this almost childlike excitement to get a roll developed, it's the best. As summer is just around the corner and we know you love to travel, where is your next destination?

A: Most definitely France.

S: Great choice! And last question, if you could time travel to any fashion era, which would you choose?

A: I know I would’ve ate up the mod era.