WORDS BY STEPHEN YU
It’s not often you eagerly await the arrival of acne. Thankfully, we’re not revisiting awkward teenage years, or praying for closed comedones just before a big event, but celebrating the fact that Acne Studios is available on Farfetch. Founded in 1997 by Johnny Johansson - then a lone fashion designer (from Diesel no less) amongst a sea of graphic designers at creative collective ACNE Studios - the Swedish fashion house started as a limited run of denim jeans distributed exclusively amongst Stockholm’s creative kids. And the rest, is history.
Now, Acne is known for giving us the pistol boot, being THE brand for perfectly cut unisex denim and chino’s (Kim Jones is a fan), immaculately cut tailoring, and outerwear to die for. For the most part though, Acne’s ready-to-wear defies definition. A collection can range from simple silhouettes executed in the most luxurious fabrics, to what has been dubbed ‘maximal minimalism’ - the more eccentric yet always wearable pieces that people lust for each season. For a brand that’s founded upon the principle of ‘inclusivity, not exclusivity’ it’s no wonder Acne has developed a cult-like following worldwide from people at all ends of the fashion spectrum.
To this day, Johansson continues to steer Acne with the same interdisciplinary approach exemplified by the original ACNE collective (Acne Studios became its own entity in 2008). Influences from across photography, art, architecture and contemporary culture seep into the brand’s output, from clothing, to their biannual print magazine - Acne Paper, furniture and exhibitions. Acne is much more than just a fashion brand. Hidden in its name is a declaration to create something much bigger than just clothing - Acne is an acronym for ‘Ambition to Create Novel Expressions’. It’s a statement that encapsulates the brand’s approach and meticulous attention to detail in everything it does.
Here’s a breakdown of the best that Acne has to offer.
Mainline
Acne’s SS19 womenswear collection is inspired by the wardrobe of female dancers, and in homage to ballet is segmented into four acts: rehearsal, onstage, off-duty and evening. The menswear collection plays with the definition of garments, taking the archetypal constructions of one garment and applying them to another e.g. jean pockets and waistband on a blouson.
▼ For Her: Acne Studios Boxy Biker Jacket // Acne Studios Zora Jumper // Acne Studios Patent Ankle Boots // Acne Studios Musubi Mini Shoulder Bag
▼ For Him: Acne Studios Short Leather Jacket // Acne Studios Flogho Sweatshirt // Acne Studios Baker Transparent Shopper // Acne Studios Rockaway Leather Sneakers
The Face Motif
Acne’s cute little square face first reared its head years ago, but since 2017 has been given its own line - timeless classics elevated through Acne’s aesthetic designed for mum, dad, and the little ones. In case you hadn’t figured it out yet, our lovable friend the face patch is a reflection of the Swedish man, ‘not too happy, not too sad’ in Johnny’s words. You’re kicking yourself, aren’t you?
For Him & Her: Acne Studios Contrast Windbreaker // Acne Studios Anorak Jacket // Acne Studios Hooded Sweatshirt // Acne Studios Fairview Face Sweatshirt // Acne Studios Nalon Face Jumper // Acne Studios Nash Face T-Shirt // Acne Studios Contrast Stripe Track Pants
Blå Konst
It means ‘blue art’ for those of you who don’t speak Swedish, which is exactly how we’d describe Acne’s relaunched denim line. In a return to its roots, the brand has ‘reborn, refreshed and re-imagined’ its cult jeans collection. Gone are the non-stretch fabrics and some of the more trend-driven cuts and washes, in favor of something more timeless. Alongside loose, tapered and slim cuts, Blå Konst is also the home of Acne’s more ambitious and progressive denim designs.
For Her: Acne Studios Denim Shirt Jacket // Acne Studios Cropped Denim Jacket // Acne Studios Denim Trousers // Acne Studios Denim Pencil Skirt
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