A-Cold-Wall* stands for expressionist industrial design and utility wear.

A-Cold-Wall* is a futuristic fashion label founded in 2015 by Samuel Ross in London. The roots and inspirations of the brand lie in architecture and industrial design. Samuel Ross uses fashion to highlight social and economic tensions between different social classes in the UK. He combines businesswear with workwear, creating a new language in men's fashion.

Ross grew up in an economically disadvantaged neighborhood and has an unconventional career path. He studied graphic design and initially worked as a product designer. During this time, he compiled an online portfolio of his work, which eventually caught the attention of Virgil Abloh – a future exceptional designer who would have a lasting impact on Ross' career. Abloh hired him as an intern and allowed him to demonstrate his communication skills in sound design, film production, and, of course, fashion design. He later returned to London, collaborated with notable figures in the industry, and finally founded A-Cold-Wall* in 2015.

In addition to its headquarters in London, A-Cold-Wall* operates a second design studio in Milan. This expansion highlights the brand's international presence and demonstrates its creative influence within the European fashion scene.

The brand's mission is described on its website: "A-COLD-WALL* advances a distinctive lens on modern Britain through the medium of garments inspired by an interplay of architecture, industrial design, domestic subcultures and material innovation." A-Cold-Wall* follows minimalist principles and creates a tribute to technology, craftsmanship, materials, and design art with each collection.

The pieces from A-Cold-Wall* are striking and innovative. Reflective elements of work and utility wear are often present. Jackets and pants feature numerous pockets, while shirts display graphic prints reminiscent of technical blueprints or industrial structures. The designs have a futuristic and minimalist aesthetic, at times reminiscent of collections from Off-White or Vetements. The brand sells shoes, pants, outerwear, accessories, bags, hats, and some lifestyle items. Their designs are expressionist, artistic, and exude exclusivity.

The collections are available in select online stores – the brand does not yet have its own flagship store.

The British brand has collaborated with several companies, producing sneakers that look like they came straight from the future. One example is the collaboration with Converse, which resulted in the A-COLD-WALL* x Converse Sponge Crater in June 2022. The latest style in "Dark Grey/Tangerine Tango" features dark foam overlays reminiscent of flowing magma. The rest of the shoe consists of breathable orange knit with a Spandex collar. Gray pull tabs and the A-COLD-WALL* branding on the forefoot complete the futuristic design.

In May, the two brands released a similar model: the A-COLD-WALL* x Converse Aeon Active CX in the "Black/Apple Green" colorway. The sneaker combines black panels made of ripstop nylon, suede, and smooth leather with striking details. In contrast, the outlines of the ankle collar, parts of the toebox, and the outsole appear in Apple Green. A standout heel element and the combination of CX and Crater foam enhance the futuristic aesthetic of the sneaker. A subtle Converse and ACW branding on the canvas and laces complete the design. The same model was already released in a different colorway in March.

Another collaboration followed in April 2022 with the Italian footwear brand ROA. The models were based on the brand's well-known Andreas and Minaar silhouettes and were given an industrial aesthetic by Ross. Reflective materials and a color palette of orange, green, yellow, black, and gray were used for the five variations. Originally designed for trail running and trekking, these shoes were reinterpreted by both brands for urban wear. This functional approach is exactly what A-Cold-Wall* represents.

A-Cold-Wall* has also collaborated multiple times with Dr. Martens, most recently in February 2022 with the Rikard 8-Eye Boot and the Rikard 3-Eye Shoe. Both models are made of black leather and feature a classic Dr. Martens sole. The boot was reimagined with reflective side panels and subtle A-COLD-WALL* branding. Here, classic men's shoe aesthetics meet technical design.

Further collaborations include partnerships with Beats, Eastpak, RETROSUPERFUTURE, and Nike. For the latter, Ross designed the avant-garde Nike ISPA Road Warrior in a futuristic colorway in 2020.

A-Cold-Wall* is a brand that is not easily forgotten. In a market flooded with streetwear, Ross makes a bold statement and brings new perspectives to the fashion industry.