When looking back on the last ten years in  fashion, there has been one brand in particular that has been consistently performing at the highest level -  successfully claiming the position of pushing the envelope, both through their collections as in their communication. A role which seemed rather unlikely when Jonny Johansson and his friends Tomas Skoging, Jesper Kouthoofd and Mats Johansson founded ACNE in 1996 to create a line of jeans for friends and family. The Stockholm-based company produced its first full collection in 1998, and became a separate entity - as Acne Studios - in 2006. Always making bold choices both in their creations as in the new leading endeavors which were started, with the 'Acne Paper' project having a major influence on ourselves. Last week, 19 years after its foundation Acne Studios continues to expand its collections by introducing its first complete eyewear collection, with a focus on color and shape for both frames and lenses - in signature Acne style. Seven styles have just debuted in the 29 Acne Studios stores worldwide, making it another constructive move for the brand to stay on top in the next decade. [ Continue reading ]

Acne just released their 13th issue of the Acne Paper, themed ‘The Body’. A beautiful associative document ‘from the manifestations of our esteem for physical beauty to philosophical metaphors for corporal complexity and spiritual ideas; from the mythological and the divine to the disturbing and the macabre…Instead of… [ Continue reading ]

Our friend Paul Barbara shot this lovely series of pictures at Acne HQ in Stockholm for his Where They Create series. No further introduction needed & more images here >… [ Continue reading ]

The ninth issue of Acne Paper addresses the dual themes of Art and Spirituality, and explores the relationship between these two inextricably linked areas of study. The cover story sees a unique collaboration between Tilda Swinton and Paolo Roversi. Other collaborators include David Lynch, Marina Abramovic and Maureen Paley,… [ Continue reading ]

The new seasonal collections are one by one being released these days, and last week our good friend Olaf Hussein also presented his new set of creations. After opening his first flagship store named 'The Fitting Room' in Amsterdam last year, he continues to push the momentum he has created since the inception of the label forward. The new collection, which clearly shows the familiar minimal design elements in its overall aesthetic, allows its wearer to react and adapt to fast-paced modern life through its use of lightweight nylons, wrinkle resistant suiting fabrics, velcro straps and reversible styles. Turning novelty into a tool to express its themes, Hussein also introduces a range of bolder colors in addition to its signature grayscale palette and adapts the new moniker of “OH!” as branding, in line with current streetwear trends and possibly Acne Studios in particular as a great example of elegant implementation of this form of communication. The most striking new item of the collection is The Fundament Sneaker, the brand’s very first foray into footwear - perfectly complementing the apparel - which is available in black and white.
As has been the case for three seasons now, the majority of the just presented collection is available right away. Online, in the physical store at the Prinsengracht 491 and at the select retailers across the globe who carry the brand.

We love how Olaf relentlessly keeps building his brand and collections. To find out where he stands today, we asked him some questions what the new Spring/Summer 2016 collection means to him and how he sees the future for OLAF HUSSEIN. [ Continue reading ]

For the just released 12th issue of Journal de Nîmes we travelled to Antwerp to speak with retail pioneer and well-respected figure within the fashion industry: Geert Bruloot. The curator of the current shoe exhibition in the ever-inspiring MoMu has played a pinnacle role in the road to stardom of the infamous Antwerp Six, which he sold before any one else at the avant-garde designer store Louis and exclusive footwear boutique Coccodrillo. On that rainy wednesdayafternoon we sat down with him and talked about the main theme of the issue 'new vintage', the importance of the experience in a fashion store and the need for rebellion in these times of homogeneity.

— As published in Journal de Nîmes No 12 — [ Continue reading ]

Last week marked the proud release of  Tenue de Nîmes' 12th printed Journal de Nîmes, with the new issue centered around the theme ’New Vintage’. In the 92 pages we share the brands or products which we feel our kids will be collecting as the ’New Vintage' one day. Starting with fashion visionary Ralph Lauren who founded his beloved ‘Double RL’ brand 1993, after being the first rebel to sell vintage next to his ‘new’ clothing in New York City making him something of an icon for this particular issue. We take you to Mr. Lauren’s most personal archive, which he continues to use to spread his deep love for the rugged spirit of the American West in his full diversity. Furthermore Journal Nº 12 highlights some of the most inspiring brands that successfully used their inspiration of the past into a contemporary collection, which inspire us in everything we do ourselves. [ Continue reading ]

Graphics is not restricted to 2D surface anymore in today’s print. While traditional manual techniques like screen printing and letterpress still captivate designers with its handmade characteristics and color choices, new technology encourages them to deliver more visual impact by being inventive with conventional materials. The result is a spectrum of interactive prints and playful life like depictions, which tickle viewers’ fancy. In an attempt to examine the cutting edge of printmaking, 'Print Matters' by inspirational Hong Kong-based publisher viction:ary brings together an amalgam of print designs that have gone beyond pure digital printing. Through more than 110 samples of recent graphic identities, packaging, communications and book designs, this book offers a professional look into the use of varnish, foil-stamping, die-cut, thermal prints, technical folds, and many more, with design specifications. We love this inspirational overview of cutting edge work. [ Continue reading ]

Today Acne Studios has launched another incredible project. After 'Snowdown Blue' in 2012 they now present 'Peter Schlesinger Sculpture', a monograph about the work of renowned artist Peter Schlesinger, accompanied by a capsule collection of silk pyjamas that has evolved directly from the work. Through his numerous collaborations with Acne Paper, a friendship has grown between Schlesinger and Acne Studios Creative Director Jonny Johansson and together they developed the idea of doing a book, with photographs by Eric Boman, Schlesinger’s partner of 40 years. The limited edition book contains a pictorial history of more than 150 of Schlesinger’s work, dating from the late 1980s to present day. It is lavishly produced in Sweden on Japanese paper and bound in rustic cloth. Alongside the book, an exclusive collection of pyjamas, a favorite garment of Schlesinger’s, has been designed by Jonny Johansson based on prints drawn by the artist. The collection is produced in the finest silk printed in colours inspired by his ceramic glazes. [ Continue reading ]

Last week marked the first great release of 2015: Journal de Nîmes Nº 11 was officially launched at Tenue de Nîmes, with many more releases and projects laying ahead in this exciting year. The all-yellow issue resolves around The Future and although this seems the case with every new Journal, feels like another step towards the next level. To tell the story on how we see the future, a narrative was created which examines both past and future, based on the idea that if you want to look ahead, you can not do so without finding the roots from where progression will grow. In Nº 11 the brands are presented, which capture everything that we feel is required to be successful in the 21st century. On the one hand this resulted in a story on one of the biggest brands of the last ten years, Acne, but also Porsche is featured through a story on Ron Dickinson, founder at Singer Vehicle Design shot by Thomas Tukker. Our favorite Hancock is to be found as a prime example of a brand translating traditional techniques to the 21st century and also the first introduction of the Tenue de Nîmes Private Label is here, searching for timeless appeal and quality in all its designs. Our upcoming adventure into the world of optics named Mottainai is also presented for the very first time ever, implementing elements from the past into a futuristic concept. We will dwell on those thrilling projects in the near future, when the time has come, until then enjoy Tenue's exclusive vision for the future. [ Continue reading ]

This year was a very special one for us as we finally opened Our Current Obsessions, with the exhibition named NOIR as the debut edition. To celebrate NOIR one last time, we decided that everything turns black in our annual Another Gift Guide once more. Like last year, we’ve selected a number of our favorites from the Guide which are exclusively previewed by our friends at Nuji. In this year's Gift Guide one will find some names which we proudly introduced in the course of NOIR and some additions, forming the definite final chapter of our obsession with the color black. For those who followed the first OCO one will find familiar names like GERTRUD & GEORGE, AcneJR, Floris Hovers, Sort of Coal, the beautiful 'Tom Ford' book, the Kaweco Sport, and our favorite hand wash by Aesop. But also this year's extraordinary discovery: ISAORA's one-of-a-kind nylon Mac coat,  Killspencer's mini indoor basketball and Globetrotter's 33" black suitcase are included, amongst others. Enjoy this preview and stay tuned for the whole Gift Guide which we'll present from today until the 25th of December in high speed. [ Continue reading ]

Last Friday was a very special day. After a lot of hard work over the course of the last couple of months we were finally able to open a next chapter in the AS&Co universe: a tactile space that will be open for the public named Our Current Obsessions. The new space, which also houses the studio, can in many ways be seen as a direct result of what has been created online since the eruption of Another Something in 2009, but with more focus in its purpose. Our Current Obsessions will hybridize the traditional concept of an art gallery with a retail-space, always based around one particular theme in which we will take a deep-dive both off- and online. Located right at the mouth of one of Amsterdam's main canals, it is a little dream come true that finally our love for the ‘beauty of cultures’ can be touched and shared in the analogue world. [ Continue reading ]

Superfront is a new swedish furniture company that designs fronts, side panels, tops, legs and handles for IKEA cabinets; the Bestå sideboards and cupboards, Faktum and Metod kitchen cabinets and Pax wardrobes. The company started online and as a pop-up-store in Stockholm Mood Gallery and has moved to a permanent showroom in central Stockholm on the 5th of October. For a fraction of the prices found on the High Street, Superfront offers customers  to combine quality furniture with etched patterns and details in robust classic materials such as brass, copper, marble, birch wood and leather. [ Continue reading ]

Today Acne will release its latest collaboration, an ode to the blue shirt, a book with sixty portraits by London born photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones, better known as Lord Snowdon. It will be a beautiful collection of blue shirts inspired by those worn by the famous people in Snowdon’s portraits, including Ralph Fiennes, Jeremy Irons, Emma Thompson, Graham Greene, Sidney Nolan, Manolo Blahnik, Agatha Christie, Tony Blair, David Bowie, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, to mention a few. [ Continue reading ]

Over the past 20 years our friend Paul Barbera photographed all the studios of people whose work he loves and whose space he likes. Over the past years he published the stories on his blog Where They Create and now, finaly, he’ll release his first book, published by… [ Continue reading ]

Today Acne launched its 12th issue of Acne Paper, The Youth Issue. ‘While being young is one thing that most people are pretty good at, it is more unusual to be exceptionally good at something when you are very young. This issue focus on the young people who… [ Continue reading ]

Another new magazine hits the newsstands: William Magazine. A semi-annual magazine featuring the works of two select artists. The magazine provides an unrestricted creative outlet, giving each artist complete freedom to shape their half of the issue. The first release features Sincerely Yours, a swedish… [ Continue reading ]

Being super busy putting the final hand on getting the Spring-Summer collection online at Tenue de Nîmes (which will be available later this week) here’s a little preview to get you in the right mood. Stay tuned for some crazy stuff from Nigel Cabourn,… [ Continue reading ]

Bas, my former partner in crime at Anothercompany, started this little recurrent feature called ‘On The Shelf’ on his own Uniform Studio Blog. I love the idea of featuring a few favorites in one piece and we decided to make it a shared feature. We start… [ Continue reading ]

Today we were fortunate enough to be invited to Stockholm for the official launch of the Gant Rugger collection for winter 2011. After a very early flight we wandered around the snowy city during the morning and visited some of our favorite shops in… [ Continue reading ]

Philip Stolte, the graphic designer who opened the lovely store Harvest in Munich, Germany, did a very nice collaboration with local bikeshop Geheimrad to make a single speed racing bike. The shop stocks brands such as Folk, Shofolk, Our Legacy, Acne, Indnat,… [ Continue reading ]

Being a huge fan of Soulland I’m really feeling sad I’d to miss the presentation in Paris yesterday. The show was hosted at Galerie Charlotte Norber during the fashion week where they joins the likes of Henrik Vibskov and Acne as the third Scandinavian… [ Continue reading ]

After setting a world record (visiting stores in one day) on Thursday we went to three fairs yesterday to get more Winter 2010 inspiration. The day started at the Capsule fair where Rene did not get the chance to recover from his hangover caused by to many Grey Goose at Le Baron with Acne's Charlie Hedin and Kanye West. The reason for that were the brothers from Naked and Famous denim, or actually Brandon the older of the two, that started shooting words and sentences at us about his great new products with 500 miles an hour before we had the chance to look at a single one of them. After asking him politely to slow down just a little bit we fell in love with their unusual interpretation of Japanese denim. And to give you a little preview on what will arrive soon, we hereby announce that Tenue de Nimes will soon carry the heaviest denim ever made in the world. [ Continue reading ]

Swedish designer Daniel Carlsten recently launched his own business after five years as an art director, graphic designer and illustrator at the creative collective Acne. He shows us a really nice portfolio. Personal favorites are the ‘Acne Paper Invite’ and his – very well executed – paper… [ Continue reading ]