Samuel Ross’s label A-COLD-WALL* has rapidly gained both commercial and critical acclaim since its inception in 2016. Following an SS19 show slash immersive performance held last month, the designer is now looking back over his archive for a new book. 

Entitled Phase One – Archive Book, it documents the ACW* design journey from its beginnings in 2016 to the present day. “In our digital age, the work process, development and evolution of a narrative is often lost,” Ross tells us. Working as a way to counteract that, the designer wants to bring back “a tangible aspect to the crafting of A-COLD-WALL*”.

The catalogue for fans of the atypical contemporary design, citified cultural influence and stark urbanity that A-COLD-WALL* has become synonymous with spans 250 large-format pages. Abstract images taken from campaign posters, shots of the studio and its goings-on, and artistically-arranged details from past collections also feature. 

It’s at an important time in A-COLD-WALL*’s development that Ross has chosen to weave a ‘visual journey’ through the label’s entire evolution. “The book documents the last three years of A-COLD-WALL*’s inception, growth, hard work and endurance, while detailing how the key aesthetic was created,” he explains. Having recently received a sizeable investment the brand has been able to improve its manufacturing process: its clothes are now crafted in Italian factories. Ross himself has developed as well: “I’m learning to follow my instincts when it comes to brand development and creative pursuits,” he says.

Judging from the title of Phase One – Archive Book, Ross isn’t planning on slowing down any time soon, either. “Phase One is the reality of advancing from niche idea to a developed, stable brand,” the designer concludes. Could Phase Two be in the works? Watch this space.

Phase One – Archive Book is available here.