Four Marketing, which acquired A Cold Wall from wholesaler Tomorrow in 2024, announced on Wednesday that Joshua A. Bullen has been appointed as the brand's first designer in residence. His initial collection under this new role is set to debut in Paris for the fall 2027 season.
The residency is structured as a long-term platform rather than a replacement for the brand's core identity or studio team. Under this arrangement, Bullen will interpret the established codes originally implemented by founder Samuel Ross within a renewed aesthetic framework. Samuel Ross is no longer involved with A Cold Wall and has since launched his own label, SR_A, while securing multiyear partnerships with Zara and Whoop.
Bullen brings extensive senior design experience from several major fashion houses to the position. He spent over a decade as head of design at Stone Island before serving as the menswear design director at Givenchy. Most recently, he held the role of design and studio director at Kenzo until 2025, where he oversaw ready-to-wear for men and women, as well as shoes, leather goods, and children's ranges. A 2011 graduate of Central Saint Martins in menswear, Bullen has since returned to the King's Cross-based institution as a guest tutor.
Upon his appointment, Bullen described the opportunity as a privilege, emphasizing that A Cold Wall represents community, culture, lifestyle, and good design. He expressed his intention to bring together friends and creativity to guide the brand into its next chapter. Ben Banks, CEO of Four Marketing Group, characterized the appointment as a natural partnership built on a professional relationship spanning many years.
Banks noted that a meaningful design and cultural philosophy relies on trust and patience, stating that this foundation already exists between the parties. He acknowledged that while the fashion industry is facing a difficult moment, such changes offer an opportunity to learn from the past and shape a new vision. Founded in 1997, Four Marketing has developed businesses for brands including Stone Island and C.P. Company, operating across retail, e-commerce, wholesale distribution, and licensing.
Sources: WWD.