Converse and A-COLD-WALL* Present an Evolved Modernism
by Adriano Batista
Samuel Ross, founder of A-COLD-WALL*, entered his work with Converse with a probing question: How does a collaboration relay intent?
Within the output, which shares two unique articulations of Converse footwear — Chuck Taylor All Star Lugged and an ERX — matched with two uniquely devised track suits, Ross confronts his evolving story.
“We see that this collection is indicative of a shift in where Samuel wants to go and his approach to objects,” says Converse Global Design Director for Footwear and Special Projects, Matt Sleep.
The designs follow hallmarks of ACW*: Asymmetry, material exploration and subdued color. And, in honoring Converse’s heritage, Ross ties a thread through from childhood to the maturation of his brand.
With the Chuck Taylor All Star Lugged, Ross translates his personal Black British Caribbean experience, Converse’s history and his design sensibilities to find a new, rugged form for the shoe.
“One of my earliest memories of Converse is owning a pair of navy blue All Stars at age 14. I was traveling to the Caribbean a lot and took those shoes on numerous hikes and across mountain trails,” says Ross. “So, the experience of my childhood effected this idea of changing the All Star into something that is more hard-wearing. You have a mix of cultural experience overlaid with A-COLD-WALL*’s opinion on how footwear should operate.”
Cast elements are an A-COLD-WALL* signature, however, the nuances of the upper, seam taping and overlocking all reflect a shift to functionality. Its bootie construction, gusseted tongue, reflective nuances and premium materials reflect the craftsmanship seen in the Chuck 70, with intent to provide additional durability and protection for the wearer.
Balance of line, material, personal history and use also defines the collection’s apparel.
“The apparel Samuel presents plays into the democratic nature of our brand,” says Sleep. “In collaboration, Converse’s archive of icons allows for a creative filtering for our partners to put unique stamps on our heritage. What transpires is a healthy clash of ideas resulting in fresh perspective for both parties.”
The Converse x A-COLD-WALL* collection releases September 14 at a-cold-wall.com, and September 17 at converse.com and select retailers.
Introducing the OJW range
Freddie
actual
Converse and A-COLD-WALL* Present an Evolved Modernism
previous
Introducing the OJW range
next
Freddie
A confirmation that many of us have been waiting for.
Dominic Albano started with luxury underwear—simple, sexy, and well-made. Now, he’s bringing that same vibe to swimwear.
Balenciaga unveiled its new High Summer campaign, shot by Roe Ethridge.
Prada’s Days of Summer campaign feels like a pause, a deep breath of salt air.
In the haze of golden hour and the soft chaos that is Coachella’s opening weekend, GUESS JEANS made its triumphant return to the desert — and let’s just say, it didn’t come quietly. For the fourth year… »
The Limit Does Not Exist was a collision of clothes, music, and performance, all vibrating at the same frequency.
For the first time, Converse and Kenzo are joining forces, mixing classic American cool with Kenzo’s vibrant energy.
This season marks a shift toward sharper structure and technical precision, but without losing the experimental edge that defines the label.
Lick the Star is a film, a feeling, a love letter to the way pop culture lingers—half memory, half dream. And like Room 79 itself, it lingers long after you’ve left.
Indelicato revisits shapes and styles that matter to him, turning them into something almost ritualistic.
Paris has long been the backdrop for romance, and now two brands are bringing that intimacy from the city’s streets straight to the bedroom.
Designed by Johnny Lu and printed on Munken paper, the book is a deep dive into what makes Aries stand out.
Dutch designer Duran Lantink becomes the new Creative Director of French fashion house Jean Paul Gaultier.
MM6 Maison Margiela and Salomon are back with another collaboration, this time for SS25.
Unlike traditional grants or one-off prizes, this is a comprehensive two-year accelerator that provides runway production, mentorship, retail access, and a high-profile collaboration to set designers up for long-term success.
Dominik Dorner captured by the lens of Santiago Neyra, in exclusive for Fucking Young! Online.
With a year full of surprises, the renowned French streetwear brand Bensimon is celebrating its 45th Anniversary.
In an era of disposable fashion, JAK sneakers offer something different: understated quality that lasts.
Cities change, and so do the people who live in them. wetheknot’s new seasonal capsule, Goodbye Lisbon, is built on that tension—between the city we know and the one we hope to see.
Real magic happens with Primavera a la Ciutat, the week-long spillover of concerts taking over the city’s best venues—and the schedule just dropped.
Lejs Ibrahimovic styled himself for this exclusive Fucking Young! story captured by the lens of Julian Freyberg.
Summer isn’t just a season—it’s a feeling. That’s the idea behind LOEWE’s Paula’s Ibiza 2025 collection.
Curated by F. Delétrain, the project blurred the line between joke and critique.
“UNDERSEX” is a photo project of the non-existent association “FAUX”. It is dedicated to artists in emigration from different countries and is designed to resemble a provincial Siberian newspaper, contrasting with erotic visuals, as this theme is still taboo in Russia and Eastern countries.
British fashion house Burberry, creatively directed by Daniel Lee, presents its Summer 2025 campaign called “Wish you were here”.
Using materials like Harris Tweed, denim, faux fur, and printed patterns, the collection combines whimsical refinement with an industrial edge.
Illustrator Nicasio Torres and Makeo.Top, a secondhand clothing project led by Eme Rock, began a collaboration that turns discarded clothes into wearable art.
Corentin Marchandet photographed by Martina Bertacchi and styled by Rebecca Sclavo, in exclusive for Fucking Young! Online.
CULTUREEDIT is launching its inaugural online art auction, featuring 100 works by 70 LGBTQ+ artists from around the world.
At Milan Design Week 2025, CUPRA unveiled its latest venture—the CUPRA Design House—marking a deliberate step beyond automotive design into broader creative territory.
