Acne Studios has always been a purveyor of cool, whether that’s above or underground — and its latest special dispatch is no different. This is why despite the prevalence of collaborations in the fashion space, their 22-piece capsule link up with Italian sportswear brand Kappa for Spring Summer 2025 still rises up and stands out. Spanning denim, technical sportswear — think tracksuits, second-skin layers and football jerseys — to accessories like a reimagined Bowlina bag, the Acne Studios x Kappa capsule is the best of modern dressing; rebellious yet by all means tactical for a go-getter, hustler lifestyle.
“I have always loved Kappa. Rebels wear Kappa, which appeals to me – it’s sportswear for the cool kids. In a world where the lines between classic workwear, streetwear, ready-to-wear and sportswear are blurred, it feels totally natural for Acne Studios to collaborate with Kappa on a collection that represents a modern way of dressing,” says Jonny Johansson, Creative Director of Acne Studios.
It is in Acne Studios’ DNA to incorporate an element of athleticism in its make, football motifs often appearing throughout its history of collections. But with Kappa on board, the brand can take it one step further in its conviction of this theme, combining iconic Acne Studios silhouettes with traditional sportswear codes and retro football kits found in Kappa’s archives. Some key pieces include the flame-printed football jersey in the brand’s emblematic pink with the Kappa and Acne Studios logos; the pale-wash denim and tracksuit pants with Kappa logo taping running down the legs; and the second-skin T-shirts which recall football players’ moisture-wicking base layers; the Bowlina bag — debuted on the SS25 runway — now decorated with the flame motif and dual logos.
The campaign, starring British trip hop pioneer Tricky (formerly of Massive Attack), lensed by photographer Jordan Hemingway and styled by Léopold Duchemin, champions the ’90s allure of the collection. “Tricky’s music has had a real impact on my life. I’ve been a fan for a long time, and it just made sense to work with him for this project” says Jonny Johansson. “Great people – really fun day – I usually get nervous in a room full of people I don’t know – but they made it feel like family,” adds Tricky, reflecting on the creative process behind the campaign.
The Acne Studios x Kappa collection will be available on acnestudios.com from 27 March and in Acne Studios stores worldwide from 3 April.
Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our March 2025 issue.