AS Colour apparel

AS Colour is a global designer and manufacturer of premium blank apparel, founded in 2005 by Lawrence Railton in Auckland, New Zealand. Originally established to fill a gap in the market for high-quality, printable garments for the music and skate industries, the brand has since evolved into a major international player in both the wholesale and retail fashion sectors.

The company's manufacturing footprint is strategically spread across Asia to leverage specialized expertise in different garment types. Approximately 55% of its production is based in Bangladesh, particularly for its core t-shirt ranges, while 40% is handled in China for more detailed and technical garments. A smaller portion (around 5%) is produced in Vietnam. The brand emphasizes social responsibility and transparency, maintaining membership in initiatives like amfori BSCI and the Better Cotton Initiative.

Ownership of the brand has seen significant investment in recent years to fuel global expansion. While founder Lawrence Railton remains a key figure and long-term owner, the New Zealand private equity firm Direct Capital took a minority stake in 2017. In late 2025, it was reported that the company reached a valuation exceeding $1 billion and is now under the umbrella of Quadrant Private Equity, a prominent Sydney-based investment firm, signaling a new chapter of growth for the 'Apparel Studio' (AS) brand.