Tomorrow London Acquires A-COLD-WALL*
In the deal, Samuel Ross’ conceptual fashion brand will “take a collective approach” to creative direction, according to a new interview with ‘Vogue Business.’
Tomorrow London has purchased 100% of A-COLD-WALL*, the technical fashion brainchild of Virgil Abloh’s first-ever intern, Samuel Ross.
In 2018, Tomorrow acquired a “substantial minority stake” in Ross’ brand, becoming its “global exclusive licensee” as the company’s “first move into a trademark co-ownership.” The company did not disclose terms of the deal at that time, and they aren’t sharing details this time around either. However, A-COLD-WALL*’s total revenue before deductions reached £16 million EUR last year, and Ross told Vogue Business that the deal was “amicable and fair.” He added, “The terms of the sale reflect a strong future for A-COLD-WALL*.”
Tomorrow CEO Stefano Martinetto stated that the “full acquisition” was necessary because “the resources needed to launch and protect a brand are way more than in the past.” He continued, “And through doubling down with the winners, we see opportunities.”
Martinetto told the outlet that the company opted not to appoint a new creative director at A-COLD-WALL*, explaining that the brand will instead “take a collective approach.” Managing director Giovanni De Marchi, art director William Slocombe and brand director Liam Hassimi will lead the charge.
Departing from the brand, Ross said, “A-COLD-WALL* has 10 full-time employees, and most have been there for six or seven years. There’s this very intimate way of working because people actually can scale and grow a career and have control over what the brand produces. Which goes back to my original idea of being a young startup and finding a new way to grow in fashion.” Looking to the future, Ross confirmed plans to create new products under his namesake imprint.
