BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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A new era of fashion documentation arrives with the book, AMBUSH, the first large-format monograph dedicated to the groundbreaking brand by Yoon Ahn, published by Rizzoli. Released on March 4, 2025, the 288-page hardcover book serves as both a visual archive and a deep narrative dive into the evolution of AMBUSH–a brand that has continually reshaped the landscape of global fashion since its inception. Now available at Dover Street Market and AMBUSH WORKSHOPS in Japan, this $65 collectible opens the doors to a universe built on bold expression, subversive design, and cross-cultural dialogue.
Founded in Tokyo in 2008 by Korean-American designer Yoon Ahn and her husband, Japanese rapper Verbal, AMBUSH began as an avant-garde jewelry experiment. Their “POW!” accessories–large, cartoonish rings and chains inspired by American pop art and manga–quickly gained cult status, particularly in hip-hop and streetwear circles. As the brand matured, so did its ambition. It seamlessly expanded into unisex ready-to-wear collections that reflected a fearless collision of art, counterculture, and Tokyo’s underground style. Through this evolution, AMBUSH® solidified its identity as more than a fashion label–it became a cultural force.
The book offers readers a behind-the-scenes journey through AMBUSH®’s archives, with never-before-seen photographs, concept sketches, and campaign visuals that chart the brand’s progression from subculture to high fashion. AMBUSH®’s ability to blur the lines between art, fashion, and commerce is exemplified in its roster of collaborations with industry heavyweights such as Louis Vuitton under Kim Jones, sacai, UNDERCOVER, Off-White, Moët & Chandon, Bvlgari, Rimowa, GENTLE MONSTER, CONVERSE, and Nike. The latter partnership was especially notable, with Yoon eventually becoming Nike’s Global Women’s Curator in 2023–a testament to her forward-thinking design approach and influence on athletic wear.
Beyond her work at AMBUSH, Yoon Ahn’s credibility in the fashion world is firmly cemented through her appointment as Dior Men’s jewelry designer in 2018, also under Kim Jones. That debut–part of Dior’s Spring/Summer 2019 collection in Paris–further positioned her as a singular talent capable of navigating both the high-fashion runway and the streetwear scene with equal prowess. This duality is at the heart of AMBUSH, the book, which juxtaposes raw creativity with polished execution.
Adding richness to the book’s storytelling are contributions and reflections from a curated list of cultural icons and AMBUSH® collaborators. Chitose Abe of sacai, Pharrell Williams, Kid Cudi, Kim Jones, Hiroshi Fujiwara, KAWS, G-Dragon, and Jun Takahashi share their personal connections and creative experiences with the brand. Through their voices, readers gain a multidimensional perspective on AMBUSH’s global impact and the magnetic force of Yoon Ahn’s design language.
A standout element of the publication is its perforated canvas cover–designed with circular cutouts representing planets. This design choice is not merely aesthetic; it symbolizes the vast, orbiting worlds of influence that AMBUSH has touched. Just like its cover, the brand defies categorization and remains in constant motion, redefining what contemporary fashion can be.
For anyone intrigued by the intersection of style, storytelling, and cultural innovation, AMBUSH by Yoon Ahn is more than just a coffee table book–it is a time capsule of rebellion, reinvention, and relevance. With its detailed retrospection and visually immersive presentation, this book stands as a vital document for fashion enthusiasts, design historians, and fans of Yoon Ahn’s ever-expanding universe.
