Redefining Office Attire: A Playground for Imagination

The Inspiration Behind the Collection: Unspoken Hierarchies

Jonny Johansson embarked on a creative journey this season, seeking to unravel the subtle yet profound impact of clothing on workplace hierarchies. His vision for the Spring 2027 menswear collection for Acne Studios was to explore the “unspoken hierarchies” that manifest through an individual’s choice of office attire. He perceived the office environment not as a rigid space, but as a “playground for imagination,” a canvas upon which he could re-envision and “subvert the codes of a wardrobe.” This conceptual starting point guided the development of each piece, aiming to reflect various personalities and roles within a corporate setting.

Characters of the Imaginary Office: A Sartorial Story

From Johansson’s vivid imagination emerged a cast of characters inhabiting a fictional office, each represented by their distinctive style. There was the impeccably dressed but emotionally distant leader, whose authority was undeniable yet unapproachable. The creative second-in-command, burdened with responsibility but lacking formal power, expressed his internal frustration through his thoughtful yet understated ensemble. The vibrant and outgoing receptionist, surprisingly, possessed the most avant-garde style, demonstrating that true flair can emerge from any position. The collection also included designs for transient figures, perhaps temporary hires, adding further layers to this sartorial narrative.

Key Pieces Defining Workplace Roles: From Chinos to Executive Wear

The collection showcased a diverse array of garments designed to represent these archetypal office figures. Standout items included various iterations of chinos — classic, cut-off, and denim — offering versatility and a relaxed professionalism. The iconic Acne biker jacket made an appearance, alongside a distinctive white “Canadian tuxedo” featuring a cropped Type III-style jacket and slim-fit jeans, paired with sleek black winklepickers. A particularly ingenious item was a three-layered argyle knit set, creating numerous styling possibilities, perfectly suited for a colleague who is both annoyingly efficient and slightly eccentric. Practical yet stylish outerwear, such as a glossy berry nylon satin coach jacket and a reversible matte off-blue dad-blouson, were presented as essential “alpha-commuter” pieces. The ultimate symbol of authority was a photographer’s jacket, complete with a drawstring waist, substantial epaulets, and generous action shoulders — an executive-level garment signifying deserved status and reserved parking.

Expressive Statements and Distinctive Details: The Unhinged Distinction

Adding a touch of playful rebellion, the collection featured “Stockholm: Center Of The Universe” and “Creative Being” T-shirts, designed to mimic motivational props from a corporate team-building event, infused with an undeniable charm. Other notable pieces included an ice-wash trucker jacket reminiscent of a Type II design and sophisticated pleated microcheck golf shorts, embodying a blend of “dad” aesthetic and modern coolness. For those embracing a more laid-back approach, there were comfortable slacks, while ambitious interns could sport T-shirts adorned with scribbled ties and shirt pockets. This rich storytelling culminated in a highly individualized collection that embodied Acne Studios’ signature “positively unhinged distinction,” proving that workwear can be anything but conventional.