‘THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR WITH A STRICT HONOUR CODE.’
He built a brand from the ground up through defiance, collaboration, and centering community as its blueprint. Oh, and by breaking every rule established before him. This creative director is guided by his instinct to build something that changes the way we understand storytelling, design and culture. Nonconformity is the energy, integrity is the method. You can catch him in the departure lounge heading to DXB or rearranging his vintage archive. For him, style is comfort – not the other way around.
Our latest editorial campaign in collaboration with ASICS SportStyle is a celebration of the pulsating energy that emanates throughout city living. It’s often unpredictable and requires resilience and a relentless drive to make the most of one’s time immersed in it. At the center of this narrative, we are highlighting a series of creatives over the next 5 weeks, who through their innate expression, contribute to the vitality of their cities as sites of creative and cultural evolution.
First up — the creative director; the archetype that bridges vision and execution, transforming abstract ideas into tangible cultural moments. They are the tastemakers, the ones who set the tone and pace, ensuring the city’s rhythm stays fresh and forward-thinking.
‘CITY LIVING IS A SPORT’ Produced by CEC for ASICS SportStyle with Creative Direction by Candice Erasmus,Talent: Andile ‘Ace’ Dlamini, Photographer: Keegan Foreman
‘CITY LIVING IS A SPORT’ Produced by CEC for ASICS SportStyle with Creative Direction by Candice Erasmus,Talent: Andile ‘Ace’ Dlamini, Photographer: Keegan Foreman
Few embody this essence as emphatically as Andile ‘Ace’ Dlamini, founder of Broke – a fashion brand with many, many offshoots across music, experiences, community and design. Ace is the rule-breaking creative director who has built a brand on defiance and collaboration, and his story embodies the spirit of adapting to the demands of city living with creativity and integrity. For this visionary, nonconformity is a method for innovation— and as Ace aptly notes, “nonconformity has allowed me to express myself authentically and challenge the fashion industry by defying social norms,” and “it paves the way for future generations to express themselves without fear and follow their own will.”
This approach aligns with Ace’s perspective on design— intrinsic to the Broke movement, grounded by a balance of courage and aesthetic sensibility that resonates with those navigating the complexities of city living: moving through it, figuring it out and making dreams actually, truly, happen.
When asked about advice for emerging creatives, Ace emphasises the art of intentionality. “Be very intentional about your every move. Don’t just do things for the sake of doing them or to be perceived as a rule breaker.” This principle has guided him through years of building a brand from scratch and centering community as its central purpose—a journey marked by a clarity and commitment for learning and collaboration.
“I’m inspired by my friends,” Ace explains. “All my friends come from different walks of life, and although we’re in the same ecosystem, we experience life differently. Those experiences serve as my source of inspiration.” Collaboration, much like city living itself, is about bringing different elements together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Broke, and Ace’s role as a creative director, captures this energy from the ether and roots it right down into the concrete of the city.
Reflecting on the campaign tagline, Ace says, “City living is a sport indeed. I’ve lived in the township, which is a sport of its own, and now in Woodstock. City living can be challenging and demanding; it requires a unique combination of physical, mental, and strategic skills to navigate its hurdles.” City living demands adaptability, resilience, and resourcefulness. From navigating ever-changing landscapes to optimising daily routines, the city dweller embodies the spirit of an athlete—always poised to pivot and thrive in dynamic environments.
This ethos comes alive with Ace’s fit— a juxtaposition of ASICS’ SportStyle intermixed with a piece from their athletic collection. With many iconic silhouettes under the GEL series, ASICS SportStyle redefines casual wear, embracing both heritage-inspired and futuristic elements. Whether on the streets or in motion, ASICS SportStyle champions individuality and self-expression through fashion and performance.
‘CITY LIVING IS A SPORT’ Produced by CEC for ASICS SportStyle with Creative Direction by Candice Erasmus,Talent: Andile ‘Ace’ Dlamini, Photographer: Keegan Foreman
‘CITY LIVING IS A SPORT’ Produced by CEC for ASICS SportStyle with Creative Direction by Candice Erasmus, Talent: Andile ‘Ace’ Dlamini, Photographer: Keegan Foreman
Ace is wearing ASICS’ the GEL-QUANTUM™ KINETIC in Sand and Black, demonstrating the advanced aesthetics and experimental engineering that draw inspiration from iconic ASICS running franchises. Styled with a vintage suit and paired with ASICS Performance Running long sleeve top in the (divine) shade ‘Pink Rave’, this look encapsulates the dance between performance and style as two intrinsic needs for tastemakers in the 21st century. Designed for everyday running, the running long-sleeve is lightweight, quick-drying knit fabric enhances moisture management, ensuring all-day comfort whether you’re logging kms with your running club or grabbing a drink at Broke Klubhouse— remember, there are no rules.
For this creative director, the synthesis of culture, design, and storytelling is where the magic happens. Ace’s hunger to redefine these fields are palpable, as is his dedication to integrity. “Always allow yourself to learn. Asking for help has played a big role in building my brand. I understand that I don’t know everything, so I’m always open to learning from people of all ages,” Ace shares.
In a world that is so demanding of innovation and resilience, City Living Is A Sport celebrates those who navigate the challenges and joys of the city with grace and grit. It’s a tribute to the everyday athletes who find creativity and strength in the rhythm of the city— and how our cultural lexicon, references and lives are so much more enriched for it.
Ace’s look: Ace sports the GEL-QUANTUM™ KINETIC in Sand and Black, demonstrating an advanced aesthetic style that draws inspiration from iconic ASICS franchises. Paired with ASICS’ essential running long-sleeve in ‘Pink Rave,’ these pieces showcase the dynamism of ASICS across its varying offerings. Lightweight, breathable, and built to move with you.
Credits:
Produced by CEC for ASICS SportStyle
Creative Direction by Candice Erasmus
Talent: Andile ‘Ace’ Dlamini
Production assistant: Grace Crooks
Photographer: Keegan Foreman
HMU: Xola Makoba
Stylist: Holly Beaton
Art Direction and Campaign Design: Briony Blevin
Written by: Holly Beaton
For more news, visit the Connect Everything Collective homepage www.ceconline.co.za
