The sustainable denim collection you need to know about
Epitomizing chic, Swedish idiosyncrasy, ACNE STUDIOS has launched an eco-conscious capsule collection that nods to the house’s history while existing in fashion’s future…
Acne Studios has launched a sustainable capsule collection. The result? A line of raw-hemmed, cool-girl denim separates in soft pastel hues. The denim dominance in the Re-Crafted range is unsurprising, given that the brand launched with 100 pairs of raw-denim jeans back in 1996. At the time, co-founder and creative director Jonny Johansson gave them away to his friends and family, so the fabric is clearly close to both his heart and design practice.
“When you see this collection, it isn’t obvious that it’s sustainable, because it doesn’t subscribe to the stereotypes of ‘sustainable fashion’,” says Johansson. “For example, the bleached denim is made sustainably, yet is really classic.” The designer achieved this with reusable synthetic stones, eco-friendly low-impact dyes instead of harsh bleach, ozone washing (a technique that uses electricity and oxygen to replace many of the chemicals normally used for this style) or enzyme treatments to reduce energy and chemical and water use at every stage of the process. Johansson was fastidious about fabrics, too, and worked exclusively with in-house deadstock and organic cotton. “It was a reinvention process – taking old stock and putting it in a new context to create a new desirability.”
An easy, mix-and-match, seasonless sensibility further extends the life cycle of these built-to-last pieces. Tuck the brilliantly versatile beige button-down shirt into the high-waisted jeans or wear it over one of the frayed miniskirts. The oversized pink patchwork jacket adds a playful hit of color, and also comes in a light blue for those seeking something classic. Why not pair the collection with other environmentally conscious labels, too? Add some earrings from Alighieri and a pair of Veja sneakers for a look that is as virtuous as it is voguish.