Timeless since the 1970s
Our Story
How it all started
The journey of ACQUO began in the late 1970s, in the hands of visionary Swedish entrepreneur Bengt Sjöstrand. Already a name in the rubber and plastics industry, Bengt imagined a boot that fused luxury and functionality—a fashion rubber boot like no other. With a deep appreciation for aesthetics and a determination to craft something entirely new, ACQUO was born.
His journey intertwined with that of Katja of Sweden—a true icon of Scandinavian design. Known internationally for her modernist approach and transatlantic success, Katja (born Karin Ingegerd Hallberg) had already made waves with her bold designs at Tretorn in the 1960s. Her collaboration with Bengt brought a visionary aesthetic to the early ACQUO collections, and her insistence on gender-fluid fashion led to one of the first unisex boot campaigns in the industry.
Crafted at Tretorn’s prestigious rubber factory in Helsingborg, the first ACQUO boots shared the same premium materials Katja once used—lightweight, flexible, and fashion-forward. The debut model “Katinka”—with its sleek silhouette, offered in black, red and antique brown—ushered in a new era of rubber fashion.
Soon followed “Karenina”, “Candida”, and the now-iconic “Budapest” boot—each pushing the boundaries of what a rubber boot could be. Whether with bold crocodile embossing, structured stretch lining, or elevated heels, these designs redefined practicality as something undeniably chic.
From Stockholm to London, from boutique showrooms to the glossy pages of editorial spreads, ACQUO boots were embraced by fashionistas worldwide. Sold in luxury retailers like Russell & Bromley in the UK, the boots quickly became cult favourites, adored for their elegance and wearable allure.
In an era increasingly obsessed with fast fashion, ACQUO always stood apart. Our 1980s brochures proudly declared our ethos: quality over quantity. While others leaned into cheap synthetics, we committed to natural rubber—sourced from the Hevea Brasiliensis tree—offering unmatched softness and durability. Hand-cut, hand-painted, and vulcanised to perfection, each boot was a masterclass in craftsmanship, often likened to a calfskin coat in both texture and grace.
This was not just footwear—it was an investment. A timeless piece to be worn again and again, season after season.
A Timeless Icon, Reimagined for Today
Decades later, the legend of ACQUO lived on—through vintage collectors, passed-down stories, and boots that remained stunningly supple after more than 30 years. It was in 2010 that Swedish entrepreneur Jessica Lingonstierna met Bengt Sjöstrand, sparking the idea of bringing this iconic boot back to life.
With Bengt’s blessing and guidance, and a steadfast commitment to honouring the original spirit of ACQUO, the journey started againand ACQUO of Sweden was reborn.
A New Era: Fashion for All Seasons
Since the launch of our online boutique in 2016, ACQUO has once again captured the hearts (and soles) of women across the globe. Our black, glowing boots—available in multiple shaft heights and heel styles—are designed to be worn effortlessly across all moments of life: rainy commutes, summer soirées, snowy strolls, and everything in between.
ACQUO isn’t just back. It’s bolder, sleeker, and more luxurious than ever. It’s not just about weathering the elements—it’s about owning them, in style.
From Sweden, With Love
At ACQUO, we believe that true fashion doesn't follow trends—it creates them. With every step in an ACQUO boot, you’re walking in the legacy of pioneers like Bengt and Katja. You're embracing sustainability, exclusivity, and timeless design. You’re not just wearing a boot. You're wearing a piece of fashion history.
ACQUO of Sweden. For those who dare to stride with style.
