One of Acne Studios' latest releases has successfully, perhaps intentionally, made waves in short TikTok videos worldwide. The bizarre accessory has captured the attention of numerous fashion bloggers and enthusiasts, redefining an eccentric style that could rival even Balenciaga's most unusual creations, a brand known for leading the avant-garde in fashion.
The popcorn necklace, which hit the market just over a month ago as part of Acne Studios' fall collection, has now gone viral, appearing in countless social media videos. Although a simple look for a movie date isn’t usually a major fashion challenge, accessories based on a cheap and beloved snack certainly take things up a notch.
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Designed as a string of neatly aligned, "popped" corn kernels crafted primarily from polyester, the necklace features an adjustable silver chain and a small heart-shaped clasp. If you had to guess the price of such a piece, you might estimate no more than NIS 100. However, the reality is quite the opposite: this accessory comes with a price tag of around $580 (roughly NIS 2,200), or even more—depending on where you buy it.
In recent years, the fashion industry has seen a surge in bold trends that push the limits of conventional style. From oversized silhouettes and extreme cuts to bleached eyebrows and massive shoes, there’s no doubt that fashion is embracing the eccentric. Balenciaga, for instance, has long been a pioneer in the field, showcasing items like towel skirts and trash bag-inspired handbags. Now, other brands are adopting similar strategies to generate buzz, and if it reaches TikTok? Even better. Although the popcorn necklace may not be the most absurd accessory we've seen, it certainly fits within this unexpected category—especially at such an extravagant price.
Reactions on social media are divided, with some celebrating the necklace and the creativity behind it, while others offer less flattering feedback. "I'm already obsessed with it," one Instagram follower wrote, while others added, "This is the dumbest thing I've ever seen," and, "Sadly, Acne is the new Balenciaga. Too bad—I used to like them."