Transported into a fantasy world, New York-based, South Sudanese, model Anok Yai is the face of the Acne Studios FW23 campaign.
The images were shot by Paris-based photographer and close collaborator of the house Carlijn Jacobs, whose lens uncovers a mystical side of an enchanted landscape. Created by David White, the set design takes direct inspiration from the fantasy forest of Acne Studios FW23 show. “With this collection I was thinking about the dark winters we have in Sweden, where there are only few hours of daylight. I wanted to capture the beauty of the darkness in both the collection and set. Sweden is the kind of place where the city end abruptly and then the pine forest begins” says Jonny Johansson, creative director of Acne Studios.
Yai embodies the powerful protagonist of the season – a striking vision in a selection of key looks styled by Léopold Duchemin, with hair by Jawara and bold make-up from Masaé Ito. Elevated versions of DIY techniques are seen through the crinkled and distressed leather pieces, which Anok Yai wears as a sleek matching set with a delicate cut-out top in a leaf print underneath. A total look in neon pink made out of a sheer, gauze-like fabric, takes this narrative even further, with layers of fabric draped across Yai’s frame.
The campaign also features the new Multipocket bag – a distressed, collapsed satchel with ruched details, inspired by vintage camera cases.
