2021 WAS THE YEAR WHERE STYLE TRULY MET SUBSTANCE – High Snobiety
Fri 17 Dec
In the throes of uncertainty across the globe, the role fashion plays is constantly in flux. This year, it became evident that it is no longer enough to just make good clothes; today’s designers must push boundaries by weaving social and cultural resonance into the fabric of their clothes. In the case of brands like Ahluwalia, Telfar, and A-COLD-WALL*, the designers’ engagement with a wider social dialogue enriches the medium and propels the industry into the cultural sphere. Increasingly, consumers are paying attention.
Devotion to community and the environment is felt deeply at A-COLD-WALL*. Samuel Ross, the British designer, Virgil Abloh protege, and interdisciplinary creative behind the brand needs no introduction as one of the most vaunted players in the luxury streetwear space..
Ross’ architecturally-inclined outerwear, which draws on his upbringing in a working class neighbourhood in London, straddles history, modernity, and futurism in its design. Holding a mirror to class and race relations, Ross’ clothing adopts the principles of armor between double-layered fabrics which withstand wear and recycled fabrics that reflect environmental concerns.
Moreover, Ross launched an annual grant program which awards 10 £2,500 grants to recipients in various fields across the arts, including fashion, sculpture, and literature, a testament to his desire to connect with and foster like-minded emerging talents in the artistic community.
Stefano Martinetto, CEO of creative agency Tomorrow Ltd, said that Ross “has built a wonderful cultural and social dialogue with his community – the messaging is solid because it’s real, trustworthy, and truthful.”
Continuing, he attributes the success of brands like A-COLD-WALL*, Telfar, and Ahluwalia, to their social messaging to the Gen Z consumer, who is “extremely attentive to the 360° messaging of modern brands, and the trustful voices of cultural creators, they choose to invest in. Generation Z expects diverse and inclusive marketing and will spot cultural appropriation and greenwashing from afar.”