Ambush’s New Campaign Embraces the Volcanic Beauty of Lanzarote

The idyllic Canarian island of Lanzarote – a place famed for its gusty winds, volcanic landscapes and spectacular lava-induced cave (Cueva de los Verdes) – forms the backdrop for Ambush’s new Spring/Summer 2022 campaign. Shot by Harley Weir and styled by Carlos Nazario (the duo collaborated on Ambush’s previous, equally elemental Autumn/Winter 2022 campaign), the shoot features clothing designed for the city, but worn in the wild. 

Korean-American designer Yoon Ahn is the brains behind Ambush – and there is no one better than Ahn herself as brand ambassador, with her coiffed hair, sharply tailored looks and heavy chains. The brand first launched back in 2008, and is known for its enviable chunky, metallic jewellery. Eight years later, Ambush delved into clothing design, and was subsequently nominated for the LVMH Prize in 2017. Having collaborated with the likes of A Bathing Ape, Louis Vuitton and Off-White under her own label, in 2018 Ahn was appointed jewellery designer of Kim Jones’ Dior Homme. After finally being inducted into the canon of luxury fashion, she created poppy, highly covetable psychedelic pieces that transformed the often dull landscape of jewellery design. Celebrity fans have included Rihanna, Kanye, Pharrell and Skepta.

It is only natural then, that the new campaign features equally exciting statement jewellery. Korean model Sora Choi dons gold, bulbous earrings that look more like a gleaming Jeff Koons balloon sculpture than they do jewellery. Elsewhere, thick bangles appear, as do childlike rings and a kaleidoscopic pair of beaded drop earrings sprouted from what appears to be a molten piece of silver. 

The campaign begins in a spectacular piece of 1970s architecture tucked away in one of the island’s rocky peaks – Mirador del Río, an otherworldly, futuristic tourist spot designed by Spanish artist and architect César Manrique. Choi and fellow Korean model Taemin Park are then captured on black-sanded, volcanic beaches during golden hour – the vibrant purples and blues of bags and coats blocking against the rugged, natural backdrop of the island. British artist William Farr adds a twist of the surreal to the landscape, with vibrant, tropical flowers magically sprouting from sand and rocks. Standout pieces from the collection include a pair of colourful snakeskin mules, a pastel purple crossbody handbag and a black suit jacket with a knitted blue collar peeking out the edges. 

“At Ambush, we are not afraid to look outside our comfort zone,” Ahn told Dazed last year. “We have always embraced new visions.” And with this environmental, wondrous campaign, the brand has indeed pushed a new iteration of their vision – a style which Ahn refers to simply as “retro-future romance”.