Two forward-thinking brands have joined forces to create a “magnetic and radical” scent.
Since the late nineties, Acne Studios has been known for its inimitable ability to capture current culture in its aesthetic. The Swedish label began with denim and has grown to encompass clothing, magazines, furniture, books and exhibitions. Now, Frédéric Malle – the legendary perfumer who sold his eponymous company to Estée Lauder in 2015 – has distilled the brand into 100 ml and “put Acne Studios in a bottle”.
The collaboration between Malle and Jonny Johansson – founder and creative director of Acne Studios – is based on both houses’ “ambition to create a radically new aesthetic,” and their shared inspiration of “photography, architecture, culture and design”. This has resulted in the production of an Eau de Parfum, ‘Acne Studios par Frederic Malle’, which incorporates both houses’ commitment to high quality, innovative products.
Though it is the first fragrance from Acne Studios, it is the last for Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle with its namesake at the helm – Malle announced in April that he would be leaving the company in late June after 24 years. Malle’s brand is known for utilizing the knowledge of expert perfumers from around the globe and allowing them to create scents with no limit on time or budget. This has led to classic scents such as ‘Portrait of a Lady’ and ‘Carnal Flower’, both by Dominique Ropion. The bottles of Frédéric Malle perfumes highlight this unique method of creation by including the names of the perfumer behind the specific scent.
So what does Acne Studios smell like? The fragrance, crafted by prodigal perfumer Suzy Le Helley, includes notes of white musk intended to bring a “softness” to the scent akin to “a comforting mohair sweater”. Malle’s signature use of aldehydes – which give perfume a zesty, fresh quality – is enhanced by floral ingredients. Rose, violet and orange blossom are joined by vanilla, sandalwood and peach skin;
Le Helley is inspired by everyday plants and flavors which she merges with synthetic materials in order to create a simple yet novel bouquet. Her preference for “short, precise, easy-to-read formulas” that are simultaneously on the cutting-edge of olfactory innovations reflects Acne Studios and Frédéric Malle’s aim to create a perfume “at the crossroads of the great classics of yesterday and tomorrow”.
Imagery courtesy of Acne Studios.
