Challenging beauty norms with surprising combinations of materials and specialty fabrics is the hallmark of Acne Studios eclectic collections. Its innovative designs and attention to detail have earned them a significant following since its launch in 1996. Over the past quarter-century, the brand has been upping its fashion game, constantly evolving to adapt to the times. In this way, the exclusive label keep on churning out eye-catching creation that keeps on captivating the fashion world over and over again.
Acne Studios offers ready-to-wear menswear, womenwear and unisex collections, along with its signature denim, footwear and accessories. Based in Stockholm, the brand has an inclusive fashion approach and multidisciplinary methods. Jonny Johansson presides as the label’s founder and creative director, and his keen sense of design is not limited to fashion – art, architecture, photography and culture are also sources of inspiration for him, as well as surfing. He creates modern collections that bring cutting-edge styles to the runways, while still balancing his vision with practicality and function. Jonny Johansson’s unique take on contemporary apparel has attracted a considerable following over the years, who not only love wearing the exclusive garments, but also enjoy the brand’s other productions, including exhibitions, books, catalogues and furniture.
Acne Studios – The man behind the name
With a larger-than-life inspiration and fashion vision, many of Acne Studios’ followers consider Jonny Johansson to be much more than simply a fashion designer. He has a down-to-earth and innovative take on contemporary style, creating novel looks that really pack a punch. You could definitely say that his collections really have that “wow-factor.” Jonny Johansson’s creative approach has exerted a strong influence over the fashion world, as other brands have adopted some of his signature materials, cuts and styles.
The first word of the brand’s name is an acronym that stands for “ambition to Create Novel Expression. Together with three partners, at the age of 26 Jonny Johansson started the label nearly thirty years ago. The designer was inspired by his father’s individuality as he always kept true to his own unique style. As a child, Jonny Johansson even felt embarrassed by his father’s eccentric way of dressing, since it didn’t conform to the norms at the time. As the designer grew up, he learned to appreciate that individuality was something to be proud of. He realized that even if everyone around him did things in a certain way, it did not mean that he had to practice the same things himself. Applying this concept to clothing, Jonny Johansson felt free to experiment with unique styles and was encouraged to let his creativity take flight.
Minimalistic, classy, and extroverted style
Acne Studios collections are simple, classic and dynamic. The clothing line-up features edgy essentials that highlight the use of innovative fabrics and contrasting textures. The designer’s creative use of detail is the finishing touch that elevates many basic items to a whole new level. For example, the label’s first collection featured jeans that were sewn together with vibrant red thread. These unusual jeans gained notoriety in the fashion world when they got the attention from some big-name fashion magazines, namely Elle Sweden and Vogue Paris. While some people raved over the exciting design, others were more hesitant to accept that the style was so different from a more traditional look. When the designer gifted these unique pieces to his friends, many of them refused to wear them since they wanted to have a more classic look. This situation is similar to how the designer was once embarrassed by his father’s eccentric way of dressing until he learned to appreciate the power of individuality and nonconformity.
One of the many motifs that Acne Studio uses is a rainbow. For example, the brand has created traditional Fair Isle woolen sweaters using all the colours of the rainbow. Other sweaters present variations of the same motif – one with a large rainbow across the front, and another woven entirely of wide horizontal stripes in muted pastel hues. While many people are attracted to these dynamic and playful designs, others feel they are too bold and opt for subtler, more traditional styles.
Iconic Pieces and Signature Styles
A “maximalist minimalism” is a fitting description for Acne Studios’ fashion vision. Since the brand’s featured the red-stitched jeans in its pioneering collection, it has continued with the same eccentric and provocative trends. Despite the mix of positive and negative reviews, the designer has kept on going strong with what he believes in, without changing his vision based on what other’s think. In this way, self-expression is the label’s guiding star, and its followers are fashion-enthusiasts who live life according to the beat of their own drum. This focus on individuality and personal expression imparts an edginess, strength and confidence to the collections. A unifying characteristic of Ace Studios line-ups is that they have a unique twist and dynamic contrasts. The designer takes great liberty in combining custom-made materials in surprising ways so that each and every collection is distinctive and fresh.
One of Acne Studios’ iconic items is a large pink bag. Similar to the mixed reception of the red-stitched jeans, many people thought that the bag was rather unattractive. At the time when it came out, pink was not a trendy colour. Those fashion-enthusiasts who were able to see beyond the norm fell in love with the unique design, and the bag became a big hit in select circles. The pink bag is a symbol of Jonny Johansson’s fashion vision and the inspiration he received from his father’s unusual way of dressing. The designer does not go for the easy way out, nor does he try to produce items that are easily likeable. Instead, he makes waves with his staunch belief in himself and what he believes to be attractive – even though it is an aesthetic that is not always equivalent to beauty. The designer was well aware that the pink bag would not be everyone’s favourite accessory, or even well-liked by most, yet he consciously chose to make his fashion vision a reality. He takes pride in challenging norms and subverting mainstream trends and beauty ideals.