Acne Studios

Founded in 1996 by Jonny Johansson, Acne Studios is a multidisciplinary fashion house known for its ready-to-wear lines, emphasizing Scandinavian-inspired designs, tailoring, and eclectic materials, with over 45 stores worldwide.

About Acne Studios 

Acne Studios, a renowned Swedish fashion brand, was founded in Stockholm in 1996 by Jonny Johansson and three partners. The brand's name, "ACNE," originally stood for "Ambition to Create Novel Expressions," reflecting its founders' desire to innovate in fashion and design.

Initially, Acne was part of a larger creative collective called ACNE, which focused on various ventures including graphic design, advertising, and film. The fashion aspect was just one part of the broader ACNE creative universe. However, it was the fashion arm that quickly gained significant attention.

The brand's breakthrough came in 1997 when Jonny Johansson designed 100 pairs of raw denim jeans with red stitching, which were distributed to friends, family, and select creatives. These jeans became an instant hit, garnering attention from fashion insiders and propelling Acne into the spotlight. This unexpected success led to the decision to focus on fashion more seriously, eventually evolving into Acne Studios.

Over the years, Acne Studios has expanded its offerings to include ready-to-wear collections for men and women, footwear, accessories, and even furniture. The brand is known for its minimalist aesthetic, innovative use of materials, and a distinct blend of Scandinavian simplicity with an avant-garde edge. Acne Studios’ collections often feature unconventional cuts, bold color schemes, and a mix of luxurious and utilitarian elements.

Acne Studios has maintained a strong global presence, with flagship stores in major cities like Paris, New York, and Tokyo. Despite its growth and international acclaim, the brand has stayed true to its roots, with a continued emphasis on creativity, independence, and the blending of fashion with other forms of art and design.

Today, Acne Studios is considered one of the leading fashion brands to emerge from Scandinavia, known for its cutting-edge designs and influential role in contemporary fashion.