MR PORTER: My Space – Mr. Jonny Johansson of ACNE

In a recent “My Space” feature, MR PORTER looks to ACNE founder Jonny Johnasson for insight into his creative workspace. A humble start to ACNE began in 1996 as the designer began the now-cult brand without any formal fashion experience.

Tell us about the location of your office.
It’s in an old bank. We’ve been here for quite a while although we nearly didn’t get the lease because we were competing with the Swedish priest organisation here in Stockholm. Luckily they gave it to us as somebody on our board knew the person that owned the building.

Tell us why you have your office this way.
My office is particularly crowded at the moment. Don’t get me wrong, I like a white space with clean lines and a clean table to start working but some of these things I just need to have around me. I don’t even know why.

You don’t have a computer?
No I don’t. I love not having a big computer on my desk. It makes the space much more personal. I used to draw on a computer but I don’t anymore. It’s just easier to do it by hand or in the fitting room. I have an iPad instead. I love it. It’s almost like a magazine – clean and simple. The format is a bit more fashionable.

Why did you get into designing clothes?
It never bores me. I’m always really excited about what I do. It feels like when you start a new collection you think you want to change the world, but then in the end there’s just the product, so it’s kind of a disappointment in some ways. But fashion, like music, has to have a feeling to it. If it doesn’t then why bother? I look for those things that make me feel something.

Why did you start Acne?
Some friends of mine, creative people I respect, were starting something and basically I just wanted to be a part of it. I was just happy to have something new to do. It’s been quite a journey. My schedule is pretty crazy these days.

What five items of clothing do you think every man should own?
A white T-shirt, a pair of worn black jeans, a white shirt and a pair of expensive black leather shoes (preferably English ones). I also think you should own something very feminine, like a piece of jewellery or something from your mother’s wardrobe. That’s how I dress.