Deep within the heart of the Observatoire de Paris, there’s an electrifying energy in the air. The ancient building, a witness to centuries of stellar discoveries, has been transformed, for one night, into the pulsing heart of fashion. Here, Jonny Johansson, the visionary creative director of Acne Studios, unveiled his latest offering: a Spring-Summer 2024 collection that echoes both the vastness of space and the earthy roots of the brand.
Denim, an iconic and versatile fabric, reigns supreme. But this isn’t denim as we know it: Johansson has reimagined, manipulated, and made it almost otherworldly. Each denim piece seemed to have captured the very essence of the cosmos, with shades and textures reminiscent of the vastness of outer space.
But it’s not just the skies inspiring this collection. There’s a palpable return to roots, an homage to the brand’s foundation. There’s an industrial essence, a sense of being under construction, as Johansson himself admitted. This essence permeates every creation, reminding everyone that fashion, like the universe, is in constant motion and change.
The partnership with British artist Katerina Jebb was enlightening. Her series “Physical Evidence of a Woman” provided Johansson with the perfect palette to reinterpret and challenge feminine stereotypes. Every piece seems to ask, “What does it mean to be a woman today?”
From the lightweight cotton voile printed in sheer tartan, adorned with ruffles and pom poms, to delicate tops adorned with eyelashes, there’s a challenge in every piece. A challenge to define one’s own femininity, to explore, and to redefine.
But the real magic lies in the accents, the subtle details that only a keen eye can capture. Like the half-shattered mirror ball that stood proudly, despite its imperfections, symbolizing resilience and unexpected beauty.
This Acne Studios collection is not just an exploration of fabric or female identity. It’s an invitation to look beyond, to challenge the ordinary, and to seek magic in every corner of our universe, be it star-studded or stitched in denim.
