Acne Studios Showcases a Twisted Wedding Party for SS23 Collection

Acne Studios celebrated its 10-year anniversary with Jonny Johansson’s Spring/Summer 2023 showcase at Paris Fashion Week. Taking this season to new heights, the Swedish brand hosted a romantic affair at the city's Palais de Tokyo. The contemporary art space was adorned with beds draped in pink silk sheets, handmade shell-encrusted candelabras and an entirely pink runway to welcome the collection.

“I wanted to do a show that celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Acne Studios in Paris, and the most iconic event I could come up with was a wedding. I find weddings fascinating because they are always a melting pot, and they kickstart a lot of aesthetic choices,” Johansson shared in a press release. “There’s something cute, kitschy, sweet about weddings – but also something serious, tense, and vulnerable. I wanted to put a spin on the classic, kitschy wedding, referencing everything from the tablecloth to the chandelier, the wedding-night bedsheets, the bride’s shoe, the bows, and the cute flowers. And I wanted to counterbalance the archetypes of formalwear with playful touches -- opening up a blazer to show what’s underneath, or adding a small flower to a dress because it’s poetic.”

Inspired by Johansson’s nuptial memories, the collection featured the brand's most dressed-up collection. Elongated evening wear silhouettes were elevated with unconventional details to embody a sense of undone glamor. Materials like silk, tulle, bows and crochet knit were seen on ruffled tops, asymmetrical skirts and dramatic maxi dresses. Meanwhile, romantic details like lace, georgette, and satin-crepe were juxtaposed with utilitarian fabrics such as hand-painted leather trimmed with studs and garment-dyed cotton organza.

Gingham also made a resurgence on the runway, with the print translated into a black and cherry-red pantsuit. Another notable mention is the season’s interpretation of a bride’s gown that is reimagined in a white embroidered tulle in the shape of an elongated pillowcase. Elsewhere, crocheted tops, slashed knits and asymmetrical skirts were lauded as some of the show's main stars.

The lineup was also accompanied by this season’s accessories. Standout pieces like heavy metal-inspired spike chokers, cuffs and belts balanced out cartoonish bows and romantic antique chain necklaces. The collection also featured an exclusive collaboration with Ivorian designer Lafalaise Dion, comprised of earpieces and necklaces composed of cowrie shells.

Silky sweet pastels like pink, blue and cream dominated the collection while deep shades of cardinal red, chocolate brown and inky black were additionally seen on the runway. The presentation welcomed notable guests like Kylie Jenner who donned a caped white gown at the show.

Take a look at Acne Studios’ SS23 collection in the gallery above and watch the show down below.