Life & Work with Ariel Kochbarski

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Kochbarski.

Ariel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my own consulting practice in 2016 called Of The Momnt. I helped brands with all things relating to retail and e-commerce. My background at that time was heavily focused on buying, merchandising, and the fashion experience I had in NYC and Los Angeles to date. I grew up in NJ and moved to NYC right after college to pursue my dreams.

Fast forward to 2017 and I received an opportunity to consult on a luxury plus size e-retailer, 11 Honoré, as their Buying Director. I loved it! When the pandemic hit the luxury industry rapidly and forcefully, I was laid off from 11 Honoré. I took my time honing in on my next move and during that time, industry colleagues and friends began asking me to style campaigns, shoots, and more for them. I enjoyed it so much and did it every chance I got. I lead shoots or I assisted on others’ by prominent stylists that have been doing this for YEARS! It was a pivot and learning a different side of a business I have been in for 17+ years. This change allowed me freedom in my schedule and time so that I have been fortunate to create a work + life balance that I always desired. Now, as I am approaching 2023, the styling arm of my business includes personal, editorial, celebrity, and commercial work. I’ve also been able to take on some design and merchandising projects again, going back to my roots in retail and how I got started in the business of fashion.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Sometimes smooth and sometimes bumpy! Sometimes the universe gives you small signs along the way and if you follow them, things feel a bit like you’re in the flow of it. Other times, you are confronted with setbacks and those can either make or break you. I have had my share of setbacks along the way and thankfully each time I have had one; I’ve doubled down to try to work harder so that I don’t incur that challenge again. There is always a challenge followed by an opportunity right around the corner.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m known for the ability to make something appear elevated and luxurious, no matter the price point of the item or whether it actually is a luxury item or not. I have spent years in that side of the business and my eye is trained to recreate that sense in whatever campaign or shoot I work on. I’m most proud of my editorial work to date – it’s the place where I get to be the most creative. I have a diverse background working with all kinds of bodies – women, men, plus-size women, and more. This is one of the key things that sets me apart from other stylists and designers. This ability has allowed me to work on many different kinds of projects so I never feel that there is a shortage of work out there for me.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I have many wonderful memories of both my mother and father fostering my love of horseback riding. I grew up riding horses and eventually competed in my childhood through my college years in equestrian sports. I had a love of it from a very early age and I remember my dad taking me out to ride in the fields around his place and my mom driving me to my riding lessons on Saturday mornings.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://ofthemomnt.com/
• Instagram: @ofthemomnt

Image Credits
Editorial Images shot by Vincent Perry Jr. Nyakio for Beauty Inc. Cover shot Julien James BTS Images shot by myself, Ariel Kochbarski, on my iPhone