ACE Gives New Meaning to Malibu for "PHASE III" Collection
The LA-based brand reimagines Southern California aesthetics with actress Chloe Cherry.
Los Angeles’ laid-back response to New York Fashion Week has arrived in the form of the latest collection from ACE, an independent brand by Ace Aroff. Named “PHASE III,” the collection introduces one of a kind pieces that give a futuristic edge to the winter garments that the local residents might wear to the beach. Pictured on Chloe Cherry, a rising star on Euphoria, ACE explores how the hot and cold duality of life in L.A. can create a new genre of dressing.
With “PHASE III,” ACE presents unisex pieces like the PCH Thermal, the TORMENTA Coat and MALIBU SLEAZE Trucker Hats that can be combined for an easy to wear, all-season uniform. The embroidered logo on the chest of the TOMRMENTA Coat matches the tattoos, which may or may not be real, on the models in the brand’s latest visuals. Aroff’s experiences as an LA native allow him to pull off these visual stunts in an effortless way that still calls attention to the elevated details of “PHASE III.”
Aroff explains that his approach to this collection starts by “taking traditional pieces and giving a different heart and altered body to translate as new.” Celebrating the release of “PHASE III,” HYPEBEAST has chatted with Aroff about how he balances designing his clothes with the eccentric aesthetics that fuel the online craze for ACE.
HYPEBEAST: From the tasteful color options of the Aerosuit to the dyed thermals, ACE has great color palettes. What informed your color choices for the latest drop?
Ace Aroff: Colour evokes emotion. I wanted to create a heat wave with reds, neutrals and my signature shades of blue. Colour is my everything and most exciting/fun part of creating, so thank you for noticing! I like the shades to be relatable but still unique. The thermals and dresses are hand dyed with pigment to create levels to the colour, even the black.
Where do you start when creating your collections?
I love naming my garments and colours. Colour palette is usually first, then bodies are inspired by the colours and last is usually naming when I’m uploading to my website.
Can you explain your fascination with Chloe Cherry as a muse for ACE?
She’s just fuckin rad. I messaged her a day after watching her first episode on Euphoria. I couldn’t shake the attraction I felt towards her vibe and had to reach out. From lips to eyes to attitude, I wanted to put my clothes on her ASAP. I knew right away how this “MALIBU SLEAZE” M.O. would hit so hard with her behind it.
Tell me about the locations for your shoot with Chloe.
MALIBU BABY. I grew up in LA and went to Malibu throughout my life. We shot at the infamous Country Mart and some hot house on the beach where the intro to Hannah Montana was filmed. And SunLife, a weird Malibu cult staple. Everyone who works there is pretty, young and participates in team bonding activities, like beach runs. Fuckin weird, I love it. It’s funny, you see these wealthy Malibu hotties wearing the sleaziest shit. It gives, “I HAVE MONEY, BUT REALLY DON’T CARE, BUT, LIKE, LOOK AT ME AND ACKNOWLEDGE I’M HOT.” It goes back to comfort, but smells like money. Chloe gave me that in this shoot. The best part is, it doesn’t matter who’s money it really is- it’s theirs now and that’s their lifestyle.
Apart from pursuing wild ideas, what are some advantages that come with being an independent brand?
Sometimes feel being an independent brand limits me, but I have to shake that feeling and do what I want. Being so small is intimidating and makes me feel very isolated. But, when a drop hits, and people get excited, I get excited and realize I should be stoked to be independent. In the future, I want to grow and involve people I closely trust, but for now, I am happy and lucky.
Thanks Ace.
The “PHASE III” Collection from ACE is now available for purchase on the brand’s website. To stay updated with hottest releases and visuals that push the boundaries of fashion, follow the brand on Instagram at @ace.sample.
