Swedish fashion brand Acne Studios is merging haute couture and low-brow culture with its new Emoji line. The sweaters, shoes and hats in the series feature pop images like bananas, donuts, microphones and smiling poops, as well as other emoji-inspired designs.
Though the designs might seem ostensibly gauche for luxury apparel, the craftsmanship on the emoji insignia is actually quite impressive. The banana, for example, is stitched with fine thread and consists of several layers and varied golden hues, giving it a textured and supple feel that far outmatches a plastic iron-on logo.
Acne Studios' Emoji line of menswear shows that, for young Internet dwellers immersed in the digital space, supposedly low culture icons like emojis are simply part of the communicative space, like language. And if language isn't part of haute couture, then haute couture has problems of its own.
Couture Emoji Clothing
Acne Studios' 'Emoji' Line is Inspired by the Internet Symbols
Trend Themes
1. Emoji Fashion - There is a trend of incorporating emoji-inspired designs into fashion, creating a playful and expressive style.
2. Craftsmanship in Pop Culture - The merging of high-end fashion with low-brow symbols like emojis showcases the potential for bringing fine craftsmanship to unexpected cultural references.
3. Digital Expression in Apparel - The rise of digital communication has led to the emergence of wearable designs that incorporate emojis, providing a new form of self-expression.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - The fashion industry can explore the integration of emoji-inspired designs, creating unique garments for today's digitally connected consumers.
2. Art and Design - Artists and designers can explore the concept of merging high-end craftsmanship with popular symbols like emojis, creating disruptive and visually engaging experiences.
3. Technology - The technology industry can further develop wearable devices that allow individuals to express themselves through emoji-inspired fashion, blurring the lines between digital and physical self-expression.