5 questions with Ambush’s Verbal and Yoon

Singapore — Music royalty such as hip-hop mogul Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and K-Pop’s G-Dragon have all worn the designs from Verbal and Yoon, the stylish duo behind streetwear and accessories cult brand Ambush.

“We got into (designing) jewellery because I’m a rapper and I wanted my own chain. Our whole concept is derived from customisation and that’s like a form of expression, like I’m screaming my name on a chain,” said Verbal. The duo was in town last Friday to launch the AMBUSH x G-Dragon collaboration at the opening of the new Salon By Surrender store at Marina Bay Sands. The collection is designed based on G-Dragon’s favourite number, 8 and is sold in limited quantities of one, eight or 88. VINCENT LEE

Q: What was it like collaborating with G-Dragon?

Verbal: I think what I’ve noticed (is that) G-Dragon knows that we’re really flexible. He likes our stuff and he’s been wearing it since day one, so he’s just like, “I wanna do this! I wanna do that!” Earn (founder of Surrender) knows, but it took forever for us to (agree on) one idea. He wanted to do a million things. We’re supposed to have one chain but now we have a leather basketball jersey, baseball jersey, hats and all. But he was fun to work with.

Q: Tell us about your personal style.

Yoon: I really like the masculine look, the kind of sharp and strong look. I guess I’m more tomboyish but I (also) like a little bit of sexiness to it.

Verbal: I grew up listening to hip-hop and dance music and I used to skateboard, so I’m really into sneakers, hats and sunglasses. (I start) with those basic items and pretty much evolve with whatever that’s going around me. That’s what moulds my fashion identity.

Q: As a married couple, do you guys influence the way each other dress?

Verbal: She influences me a lot because she’s from a rock background — she’s from Seattle — and I’m more hip-hop. My style when I first met her was really straightforward. I’d wear loose jeans with sneakers or something and she’d be like “No, you’re more about this and about that”. She’s definitely helped me evolved.

Yoon: Before these rappers started wearing it, I put him in a lot of Dior and Raf Simons from the early 2000s. I style for him but a lot of times I pick up stuff that I like as well. So I wear a lot of his tops and borrow his hats.

Q: You guys have such a bold and experimental sense of style. What’s your philosophy when it comes to dressing?

Verbal: Imperfection is always like the key because if it’s too perfect, you look like you’re straight off the (runway), it’s too styled. It’s kind of like you when you’re in a Thom Browne suit but your sneakers are different or something. There has to be something that shows my identity, otherwise I’d just look like anybody else.

Yoon: I’d say confidence. Don’t get stuff just because it’s in the media. Find what you really love and make it your own. You wear it and not the other way around.

Q: Any tips when it comes to accessorising?

Yoon: It depends on what you’re wearing but I guess one nice necklace really sets the tone.

Verbal: Having one piece that you can really relate to or you can just throw it over a white tee-shirt and feel fly about it. That’s what our jewellery is about. It’s about the enhancement for any type of style. You should get something that excites you, whether it’s a big earring or a ring. Something that makes you fun.

AMBUSH x G-Dragon is available at Salon By Surrender, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, #B2-232/ 233. www.surrenderous.com.