I include Q+A with creative director Jonny Johannsson courtesy of Refinery29…
How long has this store been in the works?
Forever, I think. It’s more or less one of the first or second things that you think of [as a designer].
When you imagined the “perfect New York store,” what came to mind?
For me personally, it has a lot to do with having a really great relationship with Opening Ceremony, that’s why it’s here in this space right now. And also, I’ve always been drawn to this area of New York. When I used to come here when I was young, I’d always go to Canal Street to pick up ugly things!
Is this shop similar to your others?
Every store is different. They’re all kind of individual, but they’re also united by this feeling of being unfinished, a little bit of a work in progress, portraying an art-photo studio kind of feel. But for all our stores, our colors are light and powdery, and Andreas and I do the furniture design together. Our brand is a platform for doing lots of different things.
Any chance you’ll eventually be selling your own furnishings and objects in the shop?
Yes, it’s a great possibility.
Can you point out a few details you’re particularly pleased with?
These knobs [on the wall], are based on typical Swedish doorknobs, oversized on purpose and made by a well-known Swedish glass designer who is also a friend of mine, Ingere Rädmam. When we sit down and have coffee, she’s always saying things like, ‘Jonny why do you always decorate the front of the woman and not the back?’ She’s just a really interesting person, and to me that’s inspiring.
Acne Studio can be found at 10 Greene Street, NYC.
Images from Refinery29[by Piera Gelardi] and Men’s Style
I really cannot wait to visit it! There seemed to have been a ‘sweedish’ moment of sorts last year or the year before last. wonder if that is on the wane – you know, because Opening Ceremony had their whole ‘Sweden’ theme for incoming designers…
sounds cool
I love the effortlessness of Swedish design. My feeling is that things haven’t began to hot up for Scandi cousins.
Scandinavians… we think Bjork is normal. We’re born for creativity.
Awesome, I’m going to New York in April so I’ll be sure to check it out. Thanks!
I am very fond of the way they build their boutiques like a creative space. I love their store in Berlin to – designed y Gonzales – Haase, and of course their headquarters in Stockholm which holds residence in a old bank building.
I heard this was in the old cloak space….