About the Brand
In 2014, Ace & Everett was founded by brothers, Cody & Sage Disch. Begun as a collegiate sock subscription service, the fledging brand grew membership to 300 and was picked up by a handful of local stockists over the next two years.
In 2016, Michael Huang joined the team.
Though originally hired as the product designer, Michael noticed that enrollment had stagnated and he petitioned the owners to embark on a major rebranding effort.
Beginning with the product, Michael worked closely with dye-houses and hosiery mills in North Carolina to create bright, intricate knits that more closely resembled Missoni sweaters than novelty socks. He also proposed a new wholesale strategy. Using elevated lifestyle and product photography, along with redesigned packaging and custom booth fixtures, he positioned Ace & Everett as a high-end hosiery brand.
In 2017, Bergdorf Goodman was the first premiere retailer to carry the brand. Today, Ace & Everett is also stocked at Neiman Marcus and Moda Operandi.
The Design Process
Each collection begins with a smorgasbord of mundane, esoteric, and pop culture references. Museum visits. Gallery openings. Midnight screenings of cult classics. A free association approach to inspiration research leads to unexpected connections and juxtapositions.
Due to the 2-color limitations of the double-cylinder jacquard knitting machine, color palettes are chosen based on how the different hues within the palette interact with the auxiliary yarns and each other.
The Patterns
Every Ace & Everett pattern is governed by the limitations of the double-cylinder jacquard knitting machines. The machines’ yarn feeds allow for 2 colors per pattern. The machines’ 4 stitch options also limit how these 2 colors appear. However, different combination of these stitches results in subtle 3D effects, allowing for experiments with the surface of the knit itself.
Each pattern explores the interaction of colors and the creation of textures.
Beginning as a collage of inspiration images and hand drawings, the illustrations are digitally manipulated and abstracted into geometric motifs, then stacked to create depth. These motifs are manually charted into the MATEC software.
Examples of the MATEC designs (in red and blue) followed by pictures of the actual knit swatches in black and white.
Art Direction
As part of his rebranding efforts, Michael worked to expand the brand’s visual vocabulary through the steady creation of thoughtful, striking imagery.
His team produces images that contrast a laid-back attitude with graphic compositions. Using analog effects, they manipulate perspective and perception to create images that demand a second glance.
Building Spaces
In late 2017, Ace & Everett secured the lease on an empty 1000sf. studio space in Little Italy.
Michael organized the spatial programming of the space, creating floorplans and sections for the contractors. Working in conjunction with Luke Morehouse, Ace & Everett’s logistics director, he oversaw the buildout of the space over the course of a month, designing and installing custom furniture and displays for the showroom and the work stations.
