A brand of evolution, ACE is altering the traditions of fashion. Creative director Ace Aroff says he doesn’t believe in “seasons” and instead associates each collection with a “Phase” where he felt a certain way. For his latest “Phase,” Aroff seeks a melding of comfort and style, without straying from a signature high-fashion look. Featuring sweaters reading the brand’s name a sliced-open neckline, Aroff’s new designs reflect the brand’s signature rugged-yet-minimalist aesthetic.

“I love combining the idea of comfortability with still being sexy and rugged,” Aroff shared. These sweaters were upcycled and treated to feel like me. Each sweater was ideally the same, yet, a different color/texture/build.” Pairing each newly-designed sweater with archival designer undergarments and accessories in the campaign’s imagery, Aroff enlivens his vision for ACE as a statement-making streetwear brand that boasts the idea of bringing people together.

On his experiences growing his eponymous brand, he explains, “I have been shown nothing but the purest admiration and I couldn’t be more grateful. Coming from being born and raised in Los Angeles – home of glitz, glam, & plastic, New York has shown me that I can relate and confide in other people. My shift from west to east coast taught me what I want in a friend and that it actually exists in many forms. All of this has inspired me to create my brand—and to share a vision with others. We live in a world of technology and software—go out and make some friends. Fuck a DM, experience a moment in real life—share a hug or kiss. We’re getting more and more separated—now’s the time to make true friends.”

Below, get to know the faces fronting the brand’s latest Phase and indulge in the artistry of each image, shot by Arturo Alcalá.

 

 

Name:

Ruby Neu

Age:

19

Where are you from:

Asheville NC

What’s your favorite city in the world and why?

I’d have to say my favorite city is Mackinaw Island in Michigan. I remember going there as a kid and it felt so special. My favorite part was always riding bikes to an isolated area and swimming in the cold water. I think Lake Huron will forever be my favorite place to swim.

What are you wearing in this picture?

ACE Sweater

Prada Turtle Neck.

Who are your heroes?

Most definitely my mother… she continues to amaze me every day with her patience and love… but if I were to chose a celebrity it’d be Diane Von Furstenburg- She’s definitely the most inspiring women in the fashion industry to me: I find her story thrilling and I look up to her constant success.

What’s the last song you listened to?

“Oh! Frenchy” by Mosie. I could listen to that every day if I had to. For some reason, it reminds me of the cold and I think it’s my favorite winter song

 

 

Name:

Alexander Julius

Age:

23

Where are you from:

Brooklyn, NY

What’s your favorite city in the world and why?

I would say, New York. It’s a piece of me, the opportunities are endless. I personally love the movie theaters downtown (they’re pretty cozy) and the vegan cuisine is unmatched and always growing.

What are you wearing in this picture?

ACE Sweater

Dior Homme by Hedi Slimane A/W 2003 Waxed Reverse Terrycloth Hoodie from Artifact New York

Raf Simons S/S 2007 Blue Turtleneck from Artifact New York

Alexander Mcqueen Pants

Who are your heroes?

My parents, Elon Musk, J Cole, the people who own Oatly oat milk and any mother working hard trying to feed their kids.

What’s the last song you listened to?

“Jovian” – Timothee Chalamet

 

 

Name:

Sage Ceasar

Age:

20

Where are you from:

South Orange, NJ

What’s your favorite city in the world and why?

I really love NY… it’s just a giant melting pot of random people doing stuff. It’s such a fast-paced environment and a lot of the time you will see the weirdest things but it somehow just feels so normal.

What are you wearing in this picture?

ACE Sweater

Maison Martin Margiela SS 2000 Size 74 Oversized Shirt from Artifact New York

Raf Simons AW 2002 Mesh Pants from Artifact New York

Who are your heroes?

I don’t really look up to anyone else besides my close friends. These friends are my family and have been there for me through thick and thin. Not all “heroes” wear capes I guess.

What’s the last song you listened to?

Sugar Kane – Sonic Youth

 

 

Name:

Donta Waldron

Age:

23

Where are you from:

Linden, NJ

What’s your favorite city in the world and why?

NYC for sure! To be fair, I haven’t really traveled much. It’s just grungy, filthy and mystical. You witness the most bizarre things, yet it’s so casual… It’s unexplainable  honestly.

What are you wearing in this picture?

ACE Sweater

Balenciaga AW 2018 Yellow Hoodie Turtleneck from Artifact New York

GMBH Jeans

Who are your heroes?

Definitely my mom she a Queen. My Homies, love them! Also J.K Rowling

What’s the last song you listened to?

Bull in The Heather – Sonic Youth

 

 

Name:

Donovan Lally

Age:

21

Where are you from:

Western Massachusetts in the middle of nowhere.

What’s your favorite city in the world and why?

New York because of all the shops, dogs, people, and dance parties. Also that little door on the side of the Washington square arch that leads to a secret chill spot where apparently a city official used to throw back adult drinks during prohibition.

What are you wearing in this picture?

ACE Sweater

Dior Homme by Hedi Slimane AW 2003 PVC Car Coat and Trousers

Who are your heroes?

My bosses at work and my friend Zephyr. Also people who are good at the bottle flipping trick.

What’s the last song you listened to?

Sopranos theme song and chicane saltwater at the same time it was trippy

 

 

Name:

Flynn Lally

Age:

22

Where are you from:

Maplewood, NJ

What’s your favorite city in the world and why?

New York mainly because it’s where I’ve always felt most comfortable and nowhere else has ever felt like home in the same way the city does

What are you wearing in this picture?

ACE Sweater

Balenciaga AW 2018 Crushed Velvet Turtleneck Top with Gloves from Artifact New York

Who are your heroes?

My parents and my friends, they are my creative and all-around inspiration for everything I do.

What’s the last song you listened to?

“Roygbiv” – Boards of Canada

 

Name:

Abi Teixeira

Age:

22

Where are you from:

Maplewood, NJ

What’s your favorite city in the world and why?

NYC. It’s the diversity, creativity, and art that brings people together. In my opinion, no other city can match the beauty and the culture that we have here.

What are you wearing in this picture?

ACE Sweater

Maison Martin Margiela Vintage Artisanal Orange Workwear Vest from Artifact New York

Who are your heroes?

The people in my life that love me unconditionally and support everything that I do.

What’s the last song you listened to?

“Anybody” – Burna Boy

 

Name:

Luke Coburn McArdle

Age:

20

Where are you from:

Manhattan, NY

What’s your favorite city in the world and why?

New York City babyyy! The fact that I was raised in a place where so many cultures and people of different experiences can find common ground and love each other, is suc an incredible gift.

What are you wearing in this picture?

ACE Sweater

Raf Simons Fall 2002 Blistered Leather Trench from Artifact New York

Raf Simons Fall 2002 Blistered Leather Trousers from Artifact New York

Who are your heroes?

The other kids in this shoot are my hero’s. It is a beautiful thing when the people you choose to be your family are also the people you look to as guides for who you want to be in life. The laughter, love, dedication and talent that my friends possess are indescribable. Without them, I wouldn’t be here today. Literally…

What’s the last song you listened to?

Party ere – Octavian

 

Click on the image below for a gallery of the full look book.