For its Fall 2023 ad campaign, Acne Studios masterfully leans into an avant-garde aesthetic that feels both raw and rigorously polished. Under the visionary eye of creative director Jonny Johansson, the campaign channels a sense of surrealist luxury, placing its focus on the tactile interplay between distressed materials and stark, high-contrast environments. Photographer Carlijn Jacobs captures this tension through a blend of cinematic studio strobe lighting and moody, low-key chiaroscuro techniques, often grounding the subjects against pitch-black backgrounds or desolate volcanic landscapes. The visual narrative is defined by a meticulous attention to texture—from the mottled, weathered leather of handbags and footwear to the intricate, braided styling provided by Jawara and the striking, neon-accented makeup by Masaé Ito. Featuring the commanding presence of model Anok Yai, the imagery balances these rugged elements with ethereal, saturated pops of lilac and lime green. Through the artful fusion of editorial portraiture and sharp, commercial product photography, the campaign highlights the structural craftsmanship of the collection. The inclusion of subtle, liquid-inspired textures and graphic CGI renders adds a layer of modern, digital-forward sophistication, ensuring the brand’s identity remains at the forefront. With styling by Léopold Duchemin and set design by David White, the project represents a cohesive, high-fashion vision that challenges traditional luxury tropes while celebrating the sheer materiality of the Acne Studios brand.
