March 27, 2025 |
A Swedish fashion titan, a sportswear legend and a trip-hop pioneer walk into a bar…
To launch a new collaboration with Kappa, Acne Studios has turned to Bristol’s finest, musician and producer Tricky, to front the collection’s Jordan Hemingway-lensed campaign.
Against a black industrial backdrop, Tricky wears highlights from the 22-piece co-branded capsule which includes striped jerseys inspired by vintage footy kits, tees and long-sleeves in rave-ready neons and flared tracksuits prepped and primed for a night on the tiles. A rising flame motif appears throughout the collection, blazing across both the brand’s Bowlina bag and trainers equipped with a flap-over tongue.
“I have always loved Kappa,” says Jonny Johansson, creative director of Acne Studios. “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.”
On having Tricky featured in the campaign, for Johansson it was a no-brainer. “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”. First emerging as part of Massive Attack, helping to define the trip-hop sound of the brand’s seminal debut Blue Lines, Tricky has gone on to release over a dozen solo records; his acclaimed first album, Maxinquaye, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
“I usually get nervous in a room full of people I don’t know – but they made it feel like family,” says Tricky on shooting the campaign, which makes for one of this year’s most interesting fashion-music crossovers so far. Talk about a powerhouse trio!
Photography courtesy of Jordan Hemingway.
