BRAND PROFILE: ACNE STUDIOS
2 November 2023We’ll be breaking down Acne’s history and looking into where it all began for the Scandinavian brand, as well as shining a spotlight on the pieces that are essential to Acne Studios’ with insightful Acne sizing and styling insight!
We’re here to showcase Acne Studios, the multidisciplinary fashion house which started as a limited run of jeans to become a brand which is celebrated and followed from all ends of the fashion spectrum. Read on to learn more about its immaculately cut denim and cult-followed accessories to its ever surprising experimental and eclectic ready-to-wear, if you know you know.
We’ll be breaking down Acne’s history and looking into where it all began for the Scandinavian brand, as well as shining a spotlight on the pieces that are essential to Acne Studios’ story and its unique aesthetic, where essential meets eccentric. Read on as we explore the creative world of Jonny Johansson and dive deep into the origins of the Acne straight-faced logo, the minimalist mascot that has seamlessly integrated itself into the Acne family.
Any newcomers to the world of Acne Studios? We’ve tapped our Acne fans across END. to find out exactly how Acne Studios clothing fits along with how we’re wearing pieces. Expect to see useful size guides and inspiration on styling.
SHINING A LIGHT ON ACNE STUDIOS ORIGINS
Where is Acne Studios from?
Acne Studios was founded in Stockholm, the capital of cool and street style and is designed in the hub of the city under the creative eye of Jonny Johansson (the well respected creative who doesn't design on a whim). The multi disciplinary fashion house was founded as a culmination of Johansson’s interests in photography, art, architecture and contemporary culture. A true leader since inception, it continues to appeal to innovators who are searching for a refined and curated wardrobe.
Like most minimalist brands out there, Acne Studios was born under the realm of Scandinavian style. More than just clothing, Jonny Johansson and his three friends started Acne Studios in 1996 as a collective producing furniture, music, exhibitions, film and publications – including the cult bi-annual magazine Acne Paper. It entered the fashion sphere after its denim quickly caught the attention of the world and the brand went on to become a subsidiary in 2006, making it more accessible to the public.
What is Acne Studios known for?
To sum up Acne Studios’ aesthetic in just one word is pretty much impossible. In four words? Effortless, innovative, tailored and playful. Its thoughtful contrast of materials, textures and eclectic colour palettes (including “millennial pink”) create a design language which founder and prolific designer Johansson dubs as “maximalist minimalism”.
Acne Studios’ nordic design codes span across ready-to-wear. Whether you’re wearing Acne womenswear, menswear, denim, footwear or one of those cult scarves or shearling jackets, chances are you’ll look unapologetically cool. Acne Studios is everything that we love about Swedish style, but completely new - or should we say novel.
What does Acne Studios mean?
You’ll have heard the brand being referred to as Acne Studios or more simply, Acne - so what’s the difference between the two? The short answer is - nothing!
Behind every name is a meaning and the creative collective ACNE was initially an acronym for Associated Computer Nerd Enterprises, which then changed to Ambition to Creative Novel Expressions as Jonny Johansson (Creative Director and founder) said he liked the idea of "appropriating a difficult word and making it cool”. Johannson has made the word ‘acne’ become less about spots and more about high fashion.
Who designed the Acne Studios logo?
So what’s so great about two simple dots and a line? Well, it’s probably the most recognisable brand motif around and it’s adorned everything from hoodies, baseball caps and sneakers to even our furry four-legged friend’s collars since 2017.
Jonny Johansson designed the logo which began as a scribble on a piece of paper at a fashion show fitting and now the straight faced mascot is a fully fledged member of the Acne family. You find it always looking a little emotionless or should we say - ‘Lagom’ (Swedish for not too happy and not too sad, just the right amount).
ICONIC ACNE STUDIOS PRODUCTS AND SIGNATURES
ACNE STUDIOS JEANS
We can’t delve into the world of Acne Studios without talking about denim, it’s in its DNA and is the fabric which the brand was built on. Johansson launched Acne in 1997 with a pair of raw denim jeans, 100 pairs to be precise, complete with distinct red stitching which he gave away to family, friends and cool kids of Sweden. Acne Studios introduced straight jeans into a world that was full of bootcut and they soon found their way onto the pages of Vogue Paris and Wallpaper with the category driving the brand’s rise.
ACNE STUDIOS BlA KONST
These days Acne explores the endless potential of denim in its denim-centric subline Blå Konst (Swedish for Blue Art) which heads back to its roots. A relaunch of its denim line, this was a natural step for the label and came as no surprise for any longtime standing Acne aficionado. A place for pure experimentation, this permanent seasonal collection is constantly surprising us, Acne founder and Creative Director explains “our denim will be like a study, always evolving and moving forward”.
The Acne Studios Blå Konst collection is made up of key cuts and jean styles, with variations of classics in three different fits - introducing the River (tapered fit) the North (slim fit) and the Land (loose fit).
ACNE STUDIOS AND ITS TRADEMARK PINK
When we say Acne Studios a number of things spring to mind - one of them being pink.
You could say that Acne Studios pretty much started the craze which is coined as ‘millennial pink’ or ‘Scandi pink’. The rose-tinged love affair started in the early 2000’s when Johansson took the candy tone out of context like no one had ever done, using it as part of Acne Studios’ identity.
The label’s beige toned pink dubbed as ‘Acne Studios pink’ has cult-like status. You’ll find it splashed across retail store designs and on the brand’s coveted shopping bags. Basically pink is its thing, so much so that in 2022 Acne Studios hosted an all-pink wedding party in Paris to celebrate ten years of showing in the city of love.
ACNE STUDIOS LEATHER
As well as Acne Studios’ signature fabric, denim, comes leather and its impressive biker jackets - the brand’s stalwarts. Buttery soft leather spans across its range of aviator jackets, shearling outerwear and accessories including bags and of course the It bag, you know the one, the Musubi bag, which despite being around for a while, just keeps on giving.
ACNE STUDIOS MUSUBI BAG
The minimalist Musubi bag may be free of loud branding yet it remains instantly recognisable by its twisted knots, inspired by traditional Obi sashes, which combined with a crossbody strap cements it as being a popular unisex bag for versatility and of course for being undeniably cool.
Constantly reinventing itself, with four style and size variations and new seasonal colourways and fabrics, it has ultimate staying power. The hard part? Picking just one.
ACNE STUDIOS SCARFS
The scarf that everyone on the internet has been talking about since 2019. There’s a good reason why this cult accessory remains at the top of everyone’s holiday wishlist, it’s a gift we’ll happily unwrap every year.
What is Acne Studios scarf made from?
It may have inspired bootleg versions but it remains completely inimitable. Acne Studios’ blanket-like oversized scarves are made from soft Italian crafted wool-mohair, with chunky fringing and hard-to-miss colourful checks, a combination that’ll brighten up any dreary forecast.
Does the Acne scarf shed?
Look after your Acne Studios scarf with a piling comb and spot clean with cold water then it’ll look good season after season.
Where is Acne Studios clothing made?
The Scandinavians have a history of designing and making things to the highest of standards. Acne Studios is no exception, with clothing and accessories designed in Stockholm and crafted across the globe.
Never one to follow trends, Acne Studios designs with longevity in mind, with pieces to be enjoyed for life. Sustainability is firmly on its agenda and Acne continues to work towards becoming ‘fashion without the footprint’. Since 2008 Acne Studios has been a part of the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF), which supports the brand in monitoring and improving labour conditions at the factories that products are made in.
SIZING & STYLING ACNE STUDIOS
ACNE STUDIOS SIZING
Is Acne Studios true to size?
Figuring out the right size can often feel like you're playing a game of chance. So, we've simplified everything there is to know about getting the perfect fit.
Acne Studios clothing is based on European / German sizing, so before you go ahead and invest in your next piece, we’d suggest using the below size chart to find your fit, especially if you’re shopping from across the pond.
How to style Acne Studios
Acne Studios’ designs take on all sorts of forms. Experimental fabrics and oversized cuts means that it can be difficult to work out exactly how a garment will fit. We’d rather you not guess. With more than a handful of Acne Studios enthusiasts at END. we’ve tapped them for some advice on how Acne Studios clothing is sized and most importantly, exactly how to wear it. Read on for sizing advice on products Acne is well known for and how to incorporate them into your own experimental lineup.
ACNE STUDIOS DENIM SIZING AND STYLING
How does Acne Studios denim fit?
‘Do Acne Studios jeans run big?’ has got to be the most asked question when it comes to denim. The answer is - not necessarily. From loose to slim and skinny, it all comes down to the cut and the denim composition.
Before picking a size we’d recommend checking the fabric in the product bullet points to see if the jeans are made from rigid or stretch denim. The 991 and 2003 are cut from rigid denim and styles like the Max, North and the River are made from comfort stretch denim so have a little give. If they’re designed with stretch, you may get away with going one size down as they could relax over time.
If European sizing is new to you then consider using the size conversion chart as your ultimate guide.
What do you love about Acne Studios denim?
“Acne Studio jeans are having quite a moment currently, especially in the denim offering. I love how the brand blends vintage washes with their modern-day minimalism. I find them very comfortable and love how they sit with different styles of footwear which makes them super versatile for my wardrobe”. - Dean, Senior Personal Shopper
How do you style Acne Studios denim?
“When I put an outfit together, I love to play with textures. Elevated-casual is what I like to call it. I style my Acne denim with Homme Plissé Issey Miyake top and footwear from Maison MIHARA YASUHIRO, as I love the way they sit with a chunky sneaker”. - Dean, Senior Personal Shopper
ACNE STUDIOS SWEATSHIRT SIZING AND STYLING
How do Acne Studios sweatshirts fit?
Like a lot of the Acne Studios pieces, Acne sweatshirts and hoodies come in all shapes, sizes. With varied weights of jersey, some are true to size and others are oversized. Generally speaking across the Acne Studios sweatshirts collection, most sweatshirts are cut to a relaxed unisex fit that is true to size and with a regular length.
Although you can always expect dropped shoulders and slouchy sleeves, if you prefer more of an oversized look we’d suggest sizing up.
What do you love about Acne Studios sweatshirts?
“The fit, the colours they drop each season and of course the smiley, if you know, you know it's Acne! I like quality basics – unassumingly cool, and seasonless”. - Katie, Copywriter
How do you style Acne Studios sweatshirts?
“Pretty much with everything – over black pants for the office but they work equally well with jeans, it’s all about playing with proportions”. - Katie, Copywriter
ACNE STUDIOS FOOTWEAR SIZING AND STYLING
How do Acne Studios shoes fit?
So what’s the deal with footwear? Just like clothing, Acne Studios shoes also follow European sizing. In general most sneakers run true to size so we’d suggest taking your normal size. Instead of guessing on the conversion use the size charts for womens and mens acne footwear before adding to your bag.
In-between sizes? Acne footwear is only available in full sizes, if you take a half size go up to the nearest whole size. We do offer free returns if the fit isn’t quite right.
How does Acne Studios footwear fit for women?
How does Acne Studios footwear fit for men?
What do you love about Acne Studios footwear?
“The chunky acne sneakers are a favourite of mine, I have friends who have worn them as a staple through the seasons and rave about their comfort. You’ll have no issues wearing them all-day everyday”. - Ellen, Performance Marketing Manager
How do you style Acne Studios footwear?
“Okay so Acne Studios sneakers obviously aren’t for running your 5k in, but more for making a statement. I’m wearing mine mainly with long dresses or black trousers”. - Ellen, Performance Marketing Manager
ACNE STUDIOS TROUSERS SIZING AND STYLING
How do Acne Studios trousers fit?
Not all brands fit the same and when it comes to trousers it can be tricky choosing your correct size. Acne trousers also follow European sizing, so, before you make your purchase, we’d recommend looking at the size conversion chart to ensure you don’t get lost in translation. Still not sure? You’re best getting the measuring tape out and comparing your waist and hip measurement to the cm / inches sizing chart.
On the product pages you’ll also find the specific fit of the style, just look at the bullet points between the product description to see if they’re regular or more relaxed in fit.
What do you love about Acne Studios trousers?
“Such an investment! Realistically - they’re not going out of style if it’s Acne Studios’ trousers. If anything, after a few seasons in the wardrobe they become part of the archive. To have a pair of Acne trousers in the wardrobe in 10 years time – only increases the demand – like a one-off relic”. - Laura, Content Manager
How do you style Acne Studios trousers?
“I’d work them into my office rotation – something easy and effortless that I could rely on to feel confident and professional, but still effortless at the same time – it comes down to a great fit and cut! I’d still make it a casual moment and pair with tees most days, unless I had an important meeting -- then I might reach for a shirt!”. - Laura, Content Manager
ACNE STUDIOS SCARF SIZING AND STYLING
How are Acne Studios scarves sized?
In all sorts of sizes. The OG checked wool-mohair scarf is designed with exaggerated proportions and the stripy version is more slimline. Check the sizing tab on the product page for measurements.
What do you love about Acne Studios scarves?
“I own two Acne scarves – a massive blanket scarf and also the colourful mohair one everyone has at the moment. The best thing about both these scarves is the material and colour range - the blanket scarf is a gorgeous wool in shades of pink while the multicolour check one is 100% mohair”. - Ellen, Performance Marketing Manager
How do you style an Acne Studios scarf?
“The blanket scarf is a really bright shade of pink and essentially can double up as a blanket over winter when sitting in the office or chilling at home – so I’ll usually style it with full black or just over jeans so I can wrap up in it. The multicolour check scarf is my everyday that makes a plain winter jacket look much more elevated.” - Ellen, Performance Marketing Manager
SIMILAR BRANDS TO ACNE STUDIOS
If you’re looking to explore similar brands that are on the same wavelength as Acne Studios then we’ve done the hard work for you. They’re right here, rounded up in one place. You can thank us later.
MENS
If you’re an avid fan of Acne Studios then chances are you’ll have a soft spot for Our Legacy. A fellow Stockholm native, the labels’ conceptual design and custom fabrications have earned itself a place at the top spot of contemporary Scandinavian design. Explore the range at END. for a masterclass in minimalism and quiet sophistication, with a playful twist.
A.P.C. aka Atelier de Production et de Création may have roots in the city of love rather than the Swedish capital yet it still embodies a stripped back aesthetic. Less normcore and more Parisian nonchalance, you won’t find any loud logos here either but instead meticulously cut jackets, sweaters, leather accessories and of course raw selvedge jeans, as the brand for a true denim aficionado, you can expect unwavering quality and longevity.
With roots in Copenhagen, Nordic neighbours Norse Projects offer a similar aesthetic, with clean cuts and design that is driven by simplicity, quality and everyday functionality. Think peak minimalism that is part streetwear, part utility and never overcomplicated.
WOMENS
Acne Studios may reign supreme when it comes to a Scandi cool girl look, but there’s also a bunch of labels across END. that serve up that ‘I just stepped off the streets of Copenhagen’ aesthetic exceptionally well. Explore Samsøe Samsøe for utilitarian Danish style. Chunky textural knits, playful accessories and logo tote bags meet contemporary pops of colour that pull out all the fashion stops.
Another need-to-know brand with a tendency to shrug off trends is Jil Sander. Simple but never basic, husband and wife duo Lucie and Luke Meier now take the lead and stay true to the original designer’s minimalist design codes and ‘Queen of Less’ status. Less is always more. Expect refined essentials like slouchy cashmere knits, clean cut tailoring, understated jewellery and pared back leather accessories, oh and that slogan tee, the one that everyone wants to get their hands on. Don’t hang around.
Like Acne Studios, Danish brand Stine Goya is fun and refreshingly cool thanks to its mastery of prints and joyful colours, an antidote to stereotypical Scandinavian design and lackluster palettes, you won’t find any beige tones here! Expect to see an abundance of patterns, experimental textures and matching co-ord sets that don’t seem to stick around for long. Step into the brand’s world for dopamine dressing, where fashion is always fun.
