The Edition

One thing you can count on in this ever-changing world is that Acne Studios will continue to put out high-minded and arty projects. The Swedish fashion label’s latest initiative has it collaborating with American multimedia artist Jack Pierson, whose work spans reappropriations of road sign lettering; dreamy photography; and intimate watercolors and graphite drawings. Together, Pierson and Acne Studios are issuing a limited-edition collection of leather pouches with words and phrases from the catalog of the artist’s 1994 exhibit at Regen Projects, “Caught in the Rain Broken in the Stardust.” One hundred lucky buyers will also receive second-edition copies of the exhibit’s catalog with a signed certificate.

“I think Acne is one of the most dynamic fashion brands operating,” Pierson told Vogue.com via email. “I like the elegance of their vision. They’ve also been very supportive of artists since their inception, in particular of me. So I’m very happy to participate when asked.” The artist is no stranger to the world of fashion. In the past, he’s shot ad campaigns for Bottega Veneta and photographed Channing Tatum for the cover of British GQ Style. “As far as getting involved with fashion in general, I like the accelerated ‘reach’ it has. I love ephemera and the idea that my ideas or poetry will go further into the culture than they might otherwise,” he continued.

The choice to bring back Pierson’s ’94 works was inspired by fashion’s current retro mood. “Well, from what I hear, the ’90s are very big with the kids right now, aren’t they?” the artist said. “In the ’80s, when I was coming of age, we were mad about anything ’50s. In the ’70s, it was the ’40s; it follows a pattern . . . . I’m a big fan of days gone by being made contemporary.”

The pouches come in optic white, red, cobalt, and jet black, with Pierson’s text debossed. The references are subtle—as with most Acne products—but the meaning is meant to go deep. “If someone buys something from this and feels anything more than ‘lucky/sexy me,’ I’d be thrilled,” said Pierson. “A real emotion? How great would that be?”