A True Revolution

It has been no surprise to anyone that comes in to contact with Adrian Olabuenaga and his wife, Lesley Bailey, of their love and devotion to ACME Studios Inc. Founded in Los Angeles by Adrian and Lesley, the company made its debut in 1985 with a stunning jewelry collection. The collection was a limited edition series, by Peter Shire, a member of the famous Memphis Group. Soon after, with the help of writer Barbara Radice and architect/designer/photographer Ettore Sottsass, ACME’s new collection (MEMPHIS DESIGNERS for ACME), was a huge collection of jewelry with over a hundred works, with 14 designers and architects involved, including Andrea Branzi, Aldo Cibic, Michele De Lucchi, Ettore Sottsass, Matteo Thun, etc. This collection debuted at the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum in 1986, along with the last stop for the MEMPHIS touring show, before returning to Italy. Many of these pieces are now in the permanent collections of many museums around the world, such as the Denver Art Museum, Brooklyn Museum of Art, Frankfurt Museum of Decorative Arts and others, and the entire series is in the collection of the Groninger Museum in Holland.

This was followed by many collections; such as “Architects for ACME” (curated by Phillip Johnson), “Artists for ACME” (curated by Billy Al Bengston), “Alchimia for ACME” (curated by Alessandro Mendini), “ACME Collection” (curated by Rod Dyer), “Hispanic Artists for ACME” (curated by Carlos Almaraz), working with many designers from different backgrounds, mediums and specializations, achieving success and gaining new status in the design industry.

After relocating to Maui, Hawaii in 1988, ACME developed different products like wrist watches, personal accessories, leather goods, etc. ACME also completed an architectural work; Ettore Sottsass designed CASA MAUI for Adrian and Lesley in Maui, Hawaii. More recently ACME’s warehouse was completed, also a design by Mr. Sottsass. Soon, two more structures by Mr. Sottsass will begin construction: An addition to the house and the renovation of the ACME offices.

ACME has continued their revolutionary efforts to partner with renowned highly talented designers, who are on the cutting edge of the design industry. ACME was recognized for their innovative development of new technologies, leading with a new design philosophy to produce writing tools. ACME was the first company to start printing on writing tools. This has fundamentally changed the company and created international branding for ACME, thus sparking a new revolution.

ACME has once again proven to the design industry its tremendous efforts of creative partnerships in the design world. ACME was nominated in 2009 for a National Design Award in corporate achievement by the Cooper-Hewitt.

With continued prestige and commitment to technology and innovation, ACME rolled out its first “green offering”. The 100% biodegradable EcoPen has brought much attention and appeal with extra zeal, to all the savvy “earth conscious” collectors.

On April 27, 2007 the first ACME Flagship Store opened in Tokyo, Japan which will always show the entire current production. The space, which was designed by Adrian, and whose construction would not have been possible without the involvement of ACME’s esteemed colleague and friend Yasunori Yamaguchi. The Flagship Store will also be used as a “test lab” to experiment with new ideas and concepts before offering them to the rest of the world. The store is located in the brand new Shin-Marunouchi Building, 4th Floor, in Tokyo, Japan. The design of a store for the Fukuoka Airport in Japan was completed in February 2009.

We are bursting in to 2010 with excitement, announcing our 25 years in business.

We are pleased to announce the opening of a new shop-in-shop at Paradise Pens in Las Vegas, Nevada. Paradise Pens is located inside the Fashion Show Mall.

Our scheduled releases will include a new EcoPen, designed by Rod Dyer. Continuing on in our new collections, we will be featuring the first Etched Pens, which is a completely new direction for ACME. The first creation will be a Frank Lloyd Wright design. We also could not be more honored to have the pleasure of developing a Limited Edition pen done with and approved by “Buzz” Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Moon landing!

It is with much gratitude to many, that ACME will continue its revolutionary efforts. ACME is worldwide and now available in 63 countries. ACME will continue to grow with clout and prestige. Requiring the best in innovative, creative design.

"ACME is now the Swatch® of the pen business."

-Ruth Shapiro, Merchandise Director, Museum of Modern Art, N.Y.

"They are total experts in Pop Culture."

-Ettore Sottsass, Architect/Designer

"It is always a pleasure to hear from you, about a new project that you want me involved in."

-Cesar Pelli, Architect

-Boyd Willat, owner and designer of Sensa Pen

"You have no idea how getting a new ACME pen uplifts my spirit - I suppose it is ridiculous to put so much stock in a pen, but ACME is more than just a pen, and a thing of beauty is a joy forever."

-Terry Mercer, ACME's most devoted collector

-Peter F. Bertrand, designer of the "Enduring Freedom" pen