In a striking blend of mod style and biker attitude, British fashion brand Ben Sherman has joined forces with the legendary Ace Cafe to unveil an exclusive capsule collection that embodies the essence of two iconic British subcultures. This collaboration, inspired by the cultural evolution of the late ’50s to the present day, reimagines classic styles in a sleek black-and-white palette, drawing directly from Ace Cafe’s signature chequerboard pattern.
The seven-piece collection is a testament to the meticulous design ethos of both brands, reflecting their rich heritage and distinctive aesthetics. Key pieces include the Ace Cafe Bowling Shirt, a standout that reinterprets the sharp lines of mod fashion with an edgy, rock ‘n’ roll twist. Equally notable are the long and short sleeve polos, each featuring Ace Cafe’s iconic chequerboard pattern — a fresh, modern take on timeless wardrobe staples. The Ace Cafe Mods vs Rockers Tee also commands attention, paying homage to the pivotal Mod era in British youth culture while embracing the rebellious spirit synonymous with the biker world.
Mark Williams, Ben Sherman’s Creative Director, elaborates on the inspiration behind the collaboration: “Both brands have played pivotal roles in shaping British fashion and music since the late ’50s. Collaborating felt like a natural progression, allowing us to create something that not only honours our roots but also blends the sartorial elegance of the mod scene with the raw energy of biker culture.”
The design process for this capsule collection was, according to Williams, a delicate balancing act. “We wanted to stay true to the iconic styles of both Ben Sherman and Ace Cafe without compromising the unique identity of either brand. The chequerboard pattern from Ace Cafe and the classic silhouettes from Ben Sherman were key elements that guided our design. The result is a collection that feels like a seamless fusion — each piece telling a story of cultural convergence while standing strong on its own.”
The Ben Sherman x Ace Cafe collection is now available online at BenSherman.co.uk, BenSherman.de, and BenSherman.com, as well as in select Ben Sherman stores in Brighton and London. The collection is also available at AceCafeShop.com and Ace Cafe London.
photography. Ben Sherman
creative director. Mark Williams
words. Gennaro Costanzo
