Yoon Ahn
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2024
A Korean-American based in Tokyo, YOON studied graphic design at Boston University. Moving to Tokyo, she worked as a stylist and designed album artwork for a number of artists. Prior to establishing her own brand, YOON took on roles as press & PR and womenswear designer at BBC Icecream and BAPE, under NIGO. In 2008, she co-founded AMBUSH@ with VERBAL as an experimental line of jewelry — innovative pop art-inspired designs capturing a distinct Tokyo aesthetic. The iconic trademarked POW!O motif received media coverage around the world. With apparel as a canvas to complete the aesthetic YOON envisioned, AMBUSHO evolved into designing unisex ready-to-wear collections. The brand made its Paris debut in 2015 with YOON being listed as two of Business of Fashion’s Top 500 people influencing the global fashion industry for 8 consecutive years from 2015, and HYPEBEAST 100 list for 10 consecutive years. In 2017 AMBUSH@ was selected as one of the top 8 finalists for the LVMH PRIZE. AMBUSH@’s uniquely crafted parts form an idiosyncratic style that led to commissions and collaborations with an illustrious list that includes Louis Vuitton (Kim Jones), Sacai, Undercover, Moët & Chandon, Bvlgari, Converse, Rimowa, and Gentle Monster. In 2018, AMBUSH@ debuted at Amazon Fashion Week Tokyo and began its long-standing collaboration with Nike. In the same year, Kim Jones named YOON as jewelry designer for Dior Men with the first creations for the house appearing in the S/S 2019 collection. AMBUSH@ opened its first flagship store in September 2016, then the second store in 2019, both in Tokyo. The new AMBUSHO stores in Shanghai and Hong Kong opened in 2022 and 2023, extending the AMBUSH Universe. These spaces encapsulate the brand’s ethos. YOON’s creative consultancy work has extended into the technology and beauty industries, among others. In 2022, AMBUSH@ presented the brand’s first runway at Milan Fashion Week and launched its proprietary metaverse SILVER FCTRY. As AMBUSH@ ventured into the digital universe in 2022, the brand celebrated its origins in the iconic POW!@ design by introducing a digital jewelry collection to build a new community on the blockchain and in real-life. In 2023, YOON became Nike Global Women’s Curator.
