Acne Studios is a contemporary luxury label founded in Stockholm in 1996 by Jonny Johansson.

Acne Studios is a contemporary luxury fashion brand founded in 1996 by Jonny Johansson in Stockholm, Sweden. Johansson’s diverse interests in photography, art, architecture, culture, and fashion have shaped Acne Studios into one of the most distinctive and influential brands in the industry.

Originally part of a creative collective called ACNE, the name stood for "Associated Computer Nerd Enterprises", before being redefined as "Ambition to Create Novel Expressions." While the collective was involved in multiple creative fields such as graphic design, film production, and advertising, Acne Studios emerged as its independent fashion entity.

The brand first gained attention in 1997, when Johansson designed 100 pairs of denim jeans with red stitching, which he distributed among friends and family. These unique jeans quickly generated buzz, paving the way for Acne Studios to expand beyond denim and develop a full-scale ready-to-wear collection. Today, the label offers menswear, womenswear, footwear, accessories, and even children's fashion.

Acne Studios is known for its tailored silhouettes, minimalist yet experimental designs, and use of innovative materials. Johansson places a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, frequently experimenting with textures, proportions, and fabric manipulations to create unique, modern aesthetics.

In 2006, Acne Studios became an independent brand, separating from the larger Acne creative group. As the brand's success grew, so did its presence, with flagship stores opening worldwide. Acne Studios operates stores in Berlin, Tokyo, Antwerp, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Dubai, Seoul, Beijing, and London, among other cities. The Stockholm flagship store remains a standout location, reflecting the brand’s sleek and modern design philosophy.

In contrast to traditional marketing strategies, Acne Studios initially promoted itself through Acne Paper, a biannual magazine launched in 2005. Covering a range of topics including art, fashion, photography, design, architecture, science, and culture, each issue focused on a specific theme. Although Acne Paper ceased publication in 2014, the brand continued exploring creative ventures, collaborating with artists and designers across various disciplines.

Johansson has initiated numerous artistic projects, including the 2012 book "Snowdon Blue", a collaboration with photographer Lord Snowdon, featuring portraits of famous personalities wearing blue shirts. Other ventures included a capsule collection honoring artist Peter Schlesinger, featuring silk unisex pajamas.

Acne Studios has also engaged in multiple high-profile collaborations, working with brands and artists such as Grant Levy-Lucero, Jack Pierson, and Mulberry. The 2021 partnership with Mulberry resulted in luxury leather bags that fused Swedish minimalism with British craftsmanship.

With its artistic approach, focus on quality, and commitment to innovation, Acne Studios remains a leading force in contemporary fashion, continuously redefining the intersection between art and clothing.