A-COLD-WALL*, or ACW, is the codified brainchild of Samuel Ross. The Virgil Abloh protégé first launched the brand in late 2015, subsequently impacting the fashion community with his modern, luxury menswear.
The Brixton-born creative was inspired by Britain’s working class. After years of creating an ethos that was powered through lenses of community, globalization and modernity, ACW would have their first fashion show in S/S 2018. Ross’ brand can be found at a brick-and-mortar in London which has a hyper-focus on an immersive and instructive experience. As well, ACW is partnered with stockists Ssense and Barneys New York.
With the brand’s relatively new story, it’s hard to nail down single garments as influential. However, continue down to learn about the four categories of garms that you need to experience at some point in your life.
BASIC, YET STAPLE T-SHIRTS
ACW is well known for releasing thick, durable and minimalistic T-shirts every single season. This is one of those reoccurrences that we will never get tired of. The brand creates T-shirts that can be looked at as long-term investments. Unlike other brands where their tops seem to be suitable for one season and out the next.
Currently out this season is an array of tops that exude the ACW personality. Both the Plaster and Relaxed Studio T’s are a bit more on the graphic side, but play beautifully into any wardrobe. On the other side of the spectrum, both Essential shirts are the textbook definition of minimal. However, the timeless design paired with unheard-of quality will allow you to keep the piece for years.
TECHNICAL VESTS
Most technical brands have that staple vest. C.P. has the P.Ri.S.M. vests that feature life vest-style straps and sea-ready pockets. Moncler has its Gilet, which has become a staple in the colder fall months. Now combine the two, and you have ACW’s 3D Down Pocket Vest from FW19.
This garm is a terrific representation of Ross’ desire to combine the UK’s community feel with technical facets. Gilets are a fashion must and have trickled down from the highest of high fashion, avant-garde type brands all the way down to the street level. Kids incorporate them into their wardrobe, students rock them, pub crawlers wear them, road men love them, and they’re just universally loved.
Now pair the beloved down gilet with four pockets. The front three are offset and individually branded. They each offer a different service ranging from phone-sized needs to iPad-sized needs. The most intriguing pocket runs across the back and was designed like a side bag. This pocket is perfect for a poncho or any other long item you need to bring with you from day to day.
NIKE X ACW CREPS
Nike X ACW was a terrific collaboration for a multitude of reasons. However, the highlight of their link-ups has been the creps for sure. In 2018, the brands concocted two pairs of Air force 1’s, which sent social media users into a frenzy! These were the shoes you chose to spend a whole paycheque on, enduring week-long, self-induced ramen muckbangs.
Both the black and white pairs featured a grey heel which connected to the tongue and eyestay. The lacing pattern formed an “X” on the forefoot in a manner that made us feel like we’d found buried treasure. ACW’s branding was subtle all over the sneaker, which helped give the shoe a sleek look.
The same subtle branding was found on their next silhouette, although the design was far from it. When the pair set their sights on working on a Vomero 5, we knew the end result was going to be pleasing. The dad shoe had what appeared to be a massive ice block lodged onto the heel, which was a hit or miss when they first released. However, the sneaker has turned into a bit of a slept-on heater for those getting into technical wear.
OUTRAGEOUS ACCESSORIES
We’ve seen a good amount of outrageous accessories from Ross and ACW. But the best come in the form of wallets and bags. They tend to be heavily branded, and it seems like Ross has released just about every bag under the sun. you have laptop bags, messenger bags, small pouches and massive bags for travel. Their wallets are also pretty cool too, as they tend to match that season’s detail of choice.
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