Explore the vibrant interiors of Acne Studios' Tokyo headquarter, where an explosion of pink tones reigns, advocating the principle that 'fashion should be enjoyable'.
The Swedish fashion label Acne Studios has unveiled its new Japanese flagship store in Tokyo's Aoyama district, located on a prime corner spot next to Prada's bubble facade, designed by Herzog & de Meuron.
The three-level store spans a vast basement level space with original lift shaft features and Japanese plaster walls, all wrapped in a pink granite stone that flows seamlessly across floors, walls, and staircases. This core material lends the space a distinctive pink hue, creating a soft yet structured atmosphere that aligns with Acne Studios' signature style.
The interior design also includes creative touches by longstanding Acne Studios collaborators. British designer Max Lamb contributed angular mirrors, while artist Daniel Silver added surrealist mannequins, both elements that play with perception and dimensionality within the store.
The pink granite stone becomes more pink when it is flame-treated, adding a pop of colour rather than a feminine tone. The pink color is seen as a strategic choice to evoke a sense of pink that is not 'banal' or 'naïve'.
The new Aoyama store replaces Acne Studios' former shop on a nearby backstreet. The store's conceptualization includes a playful scattering of these creative touches, resulting in a flagship that is monolithic yet inviting, modern yet infused with subtle whimsy—embodied by the striking pink granite, angular mirrored surfaces, and distinct creative input from Lamb and Silver.
Acne Studios' founder, Jonny Johansson, has a long-standing love affair with Japan, having visited numerous times since he was 18. His father sailed from Sweden to Japan in the 1960s, making Japan a family myth. This connection to Japan is reflected in the store's design, which finds inspiration in Japan's quality level and craftsmanship.
The store's conceptual starting point was a structurally open space with a technical edge, reminiscent of a garage. This minimalist design is complemented by custom strip-lighting designed by Benoit Lalloz, adding a dynamic touch to the clean-lined, monolithic design and flooded-with-light ambiance of the store.
An accompanying series of inventive products designed in collaboration with artist Takuro Kuwata includes rainbow reimaginings of the brand's 'Camero' bag and trompe l'œil denim jeans. These pieces add a creative layer to the store's offerings, further emphasizing the brand's philosophy of combining functionality with unexpected design details that engage visitors.
According to Halleroed, Japan is a huge inspiration for Acne Studios, and this is evident in the careful consideration given to every detail of the store's design. The new Aoyama store is a testament to Acne Studios' commitment to creating unique and captivating spaces that reflect the brand's identity and values.
The new Acne Studios flagship store, situated in Tokyo's Aoyama district, showcases a blend of interior-design and lifestyle elements, with its three-level layout showcasing fashion-and-beauty products amidst home-and-garden inspired aesthetics. The space, designed with a careful consideration to detail, reflects Acne Studios' long-standing inspiration from Japan, offering a captivating lifestyle experience that aligns with the brand's ethos.
