Cart
A-COLD-WALL* takes an ergonomic approach to design, combining a social consciousness with material innovation in order to optimise human performance - the material study for social architecture. Launched in 2015 by Samuel Ross as a response to the British social climate and its sartorial relationship, ACW* incites a cultural conversation that celebrates the energy of youth. Designs erupt from a complex of circumstances reflecting and dictating final creations. Deeply considered material study compound the ACW* philosophy. Ross’ multidisciplinary and semantic approach to the design process births collections of graphic garments and technically engineered pieces that explore the nuances and disparities of modern systems.
Reductive and functional clothing is engineered to serve social modernity through high-tech fabrications, precise executions and elevated finishes. Meticulously constructed, silhouettes are concisely manipulated whilst fabrics receive hand-dyed treatments and are detailed with graphic applications. The ACW* process philosophy is rooted in socio-concept design; relating both to its physicality and how properties of the material fit into the brand narrative, and secondly to the emotional discourse of material. A-COLD-WALL* is a framework that identifies how material integration impacts social architecture through fabric experimentation and experiential runway. Collections are commentaries; bridging social and political statements with sartorial reflections.
Collaborations play an important role in continuing ACW*'s evolving narrative; allowing space to expand upon its brand story and shift the lens on how that is communicated. An on-going partnership with sportswear colossi, Nike combines Ross' holistic and humanistic vision with Nike's innovative technical design. Another layer of collaboration took place later in 2018 for the Nike x ACW* installation with the Architectural Association School of Architecture to create an immersive and meditative experience that engaged with subjects and product. In 2017, A-COLD-WALL* and Hiroshi Fujiwara's fragment design came together to create a wearable collection of lab coats, jackets, and T-shirts that merged Fujiwara's graphic sensibilities with ACW*'s distinctive DIY aesthetic. In 2018, a dimensional concept was realized with New York-based artist Daniel Arsham which yielded utilitarian uniforms with signature 3D-embossed A-COLD-WALL* and Arsham Studio logos.
