Multibrand concept store Machine-A has split from Tomorrow, the London-based brand accelerator that bought a majority stake in the business in November 2020.

The retailer, which is known for promoting emerging designers, is now owned by an unnamed group of private investors.

Steven Ma, “a long-time friend and collaborator” of Machine-A founder Stavros Karelis” has become a director and said he hopes the latest development will help to generate “the commercial growth it deserves, building upon what Karelis, the team and past investors have worked so hard to achieve commercially and artistically”.

Not that Karelis is stepping back. He remains actively involved with the business in relation to its daily operations. 

Ma, an MBA and Parsons graduate, has a track record with the business. He’s already worked on the brand’s Chinese launch two years ago as well as on key developments for other brands. They include a Mugler event in Shanghai and a recent Reebok collab with Kai-Isaiah Jamal and Alibae. Splitting his time between Shanghai and London, he also launched an eponymous accessories brand.

Machine-A is based in London Soho and was founded 11 years ago. Its gender neutral and curated approach has made it something of a magnet for anyone seeking new and interesting labels.

Its aim is to identify the design talents of tomorrow and and showcase their work alongside other influential and directional high-end brands. The latter group includes Raf Simons, Maison Margiela, Rick Owens, Comme des Garcons, Marni and others. 

The news comes less than a month after Four Marketing announced the acquisition of A-Cold-Wall, taking full ownership of the brand from longstanding partner Tomorrow, which remains closely connected to the label.

The new and former owners said the deal “strengthens Four Marketing’s and Tomorrow’s shared vision for the future and commitment to A-Cold-Wall’s growth on a global scale, ensuring the brand’s continued innovation and influence in the fashion industry”.

Tomorrow’s original investment in the label was 2017, and it took complete control in 2023.