Acne Studios is a brand of many, many names. Originally founded as ‘Associated Computer Nerd Enterprises’, which then changed to ‘Ambition to Create Novel Expressions’, and now is often referred to as simply just, ‘Acne’. The brand was created in 1996 by Jonny Johansson as a tribute to the designer’s passion for photography, art, architecture, and current culture. It was established as an alternative road to design with investigations not just in fashion, but also in print and furniture.
Best known for their technical innovation, playful collaborations, juxtaposing silhouettes, and crazy cool graphics – read on as we take a look at four pieces that are essential parts of the Acne Studios story.
THE FACE LOGO
Using just two dots and a singular dash, the Face Logo is perhaps one of the most easily identifiable Acne Studios markers. Inspired by the Swedish notion of “lagom” which stands for perfect balance, neutrality, and functionality, the Face Logo was created as a uniting emblem for what Johannson calls the “Acne family” – drawing back to the roots of the brand which was originally created as a collective. In 2017, the Face Logo received its own collection, the Face Collection, which was focused on elevated essentials. This line quickly became one of the brand’s biggest sellers, capturing both its simplicity and its intellectual vibrancy.
IN THE MOOD FOR MUSUBI
Available in four style and size variations and a repeat product each season, the Musubi bag is an Acne cult classic. The bag is crafted out of velvety leather and is adorned with twisted knots inspired by traditional Japanese obi sashes. Juxtaposing harsh and soft curves in a classic Acne-esque approach, this accessory screams Acne Studios without really having it written anywhere.
MOHAIR EVERYWHERE
The mohair checked scarf has taken this season (and the last), by storm and inspired bootleg and copycat versions available almost everywhere. Oversized with blocks of mismatched colours that harmoniously transition into one another and completed with a large ‘Acne Studios’ logo on the hem of the scarf, this truly is a statement piece that elevates an outfit almost instantly.
DENIM ON DENIM
You can’t talk about Acne Studios without bringing up their classic denims. When Johansson originally founded the company, he manufactured 100 pairs of straight-legged denim jeans, sewed them together with their now famed red yarn, and hand delivered them across Stockholm. Now, denim seems to be almost synonymous with the brand. Acne jeans are available in classic styles such as the 1997 as well as more experimental varieties like the 2021F, and always have the trademark pink tag at the waistline.
