For a few seasons now, Acne has managed to amuse and entertain with an eclectic display of absolutely modern, wearable sober items in combination with absurdly, ill-fitting, larger-than-life items. This formula for success was present in the pre-autumn collection. For Jonny Johansson, co-founder and creative director of Swedish label Acne, it is an effort well worth repeating with originality.

August Strindberg, controversial Swedish author and multitalented artist was named one of the inspirations behind this collection. Consequently, the multi-facetted persona, reflected in a poetic aura that surrounded the floral prints and it may as well have been his conflicted vita that gave an impulse for the standout pieces of the collection.

The strongest points of the Acne pre-fall collection were as usual the signature utilitarian pieces, practical parkas, sober trousers, blouses and leather jackets that were complemented with Acne’s wide culottes and extravagant cocoon and A-shaped coats. Other outerwear pieces distort the sober shapes and turn some looks into interesting caricatures.

Faux-fur accessories like caps and bags with over-length straps playfully alleviate some of the otherwise controlled looks.

The core competence of Acne truly remains in the layering of interesting garments and playing with proportions.