FR Style Inventory: Lars Andersson
Imagine the stress involved
in putting together a first
runway show. The dizzying array of details
that need to sync up during the
pressure cooker of New York's Fashion Week — models,
hair and makeup, venue, invitations and of course the clothes — are
enough for anyone to lose their cool.
But Lars Andersson, a Swedish knitwear designer, rises
above it all and keeps calm, thanks, in
part, to a quick beer and shot. His
first runway show has just wrapped
at the Soho Grand Hotel, and was
such a hit that his publicists have
decided to, get this, do it all over
again (apparently, there were press and fans who
couldn't squeeze in during the first
go-round).
The scene, as one would expect, is lively and loud.
Guests from the first show clamor around
the designer to offer their congrats,
while the publicists organize round two of
attendees. Despite all the buzz surrounding him,
Andersson graciously shares a few
minutes to chat, away from the fray between
shows.
Here, in an exclusive
interview with Food Republic, Andersson dishes on why he wears black, why he
considers himself a craftsman and his
obsession with Korean food.
Congratulations on your first runway show. How do you
feel?
Amazing! Especially because I just had a drink
and a shot.
I'm always interested in what designers wear on a
daily basis. What's your uniform?
Black T-shirt, black cotton pants, black
boots. It's easy. I don't like to have to
care too much about the clothes I
wear on an everyday basis.
Speaking of black, you're known for usually
working in a dark palette. But this season'
s collection was light and bright. Why the
switch?
I just felt the need to do something new,
different and fresh. But a bit ghostly.
All your pieces are hand-knit. They're
stunning, but incredibly labor-intensive. Why do you
prefer to work with your hands?
It's a way for me to work in-house. But more
importantly, knitting is a craft. And I
love that what I do is a craft. Even
though I call myself an urban hippie,
my clothes aren't hippie in
style. They're very urban, so the hippie
part comes from the craft. I like to
create something that isn't mass-
market.
Speaking of crafting, I understand that you prepare
lunches for your knitters every day.
What do you like to make?
I cook different things all the time, but
lately I'm doing a lot of lentil stews
and steamed vegetables. Namely because I
stopped eating pasta and rice.
Do you typically cook vegetarian?
Yes. I'll eat meat when I'm going out, but won't
cook it at home.
I've also heard that you host fantastic
Korean dinner parties, complete with
homemade kimchi. Why the love affair with Korean
food?
I love the spice, and how it's prepared and
treated. I don't eat a lot of meat, but
Korean barbecue is delicious. I love
how you can cook your own meat on a
grill in front of you; it just
feels healthier. And kimchi is so healthy, too.
One day I just decided to try
making it at home, and it turned out
great.
Now we know you like to eat healthy, for the
most part. What do you eat when
you decide to splurge?
(laughing) Sandwiches! If I go out to a restaurant, which I do rarely, I eat
whatever I want. Just going out is an
occasion. Since I cook lunch every day
for me and my knitters, I'll eat
leftovers for dinner. I juice a lot,
too. I just like feeling healthy.
You're originally from Sweden. Any comfort foods you
miss?
I crave meatballs and mashed potatoes all the
time! Seriously, one of my knitters and I
always talk about Swedish meatballs when
we get hungry. For some reason, I collect
knitters who like to eat.
Drink of choice?
Beer and a shot...of something.
Favorite neighborhood restaurants in New York?
Dokebi for Korean and Cafe Mogador for Middle
Eastern.
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