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Interview: Alexander Johansson

Who: Alexander Johansson

What: Model / Visual Merchandiser at J.Lindeberg Oslo

Where:  Oslo -  After spending 6 years in New York.

Soon ready for Men’s Fashion Week in Milan / Paris / London

Armani, Calvin Klein, Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, Hermes and Givenchy. From Gothenburg, via New York and Oslo. We met up with the male model Alexander Johansson. 

Envelope by Celine Aagaard

Where did your fascination for fashion start?

I come from a family that have always worked with men’s tailoring. In my younger years, I watched my grandfather and mother work with different fabrics and designs and I think it started there. Ever since I was around nine or ten years old, I always knew that I wanted to be in the same industry as them.

How did you get into the business?

I was discovered in Gothenburg during a concert when I was 17 years old. At first I thought it was a joke, but luckily I signed with them and soon after that I was in Milano and did my first fashion show for Gucci.

Do you remember your first job you got casted for?

My mother agency encouraged me to get signed with agencies around the world. Luckily for me Gucci discovered me and that was a big step into my modeling carrier. Right after that show my carrier just took off and I could not ask for a better way to start it. The season after I did 16 shows, and the next season after that I did 22 out of 25 shows. It was crazy for me because I was just an 18 years old guy from a small town in Sweden.

Tell us a normal day during Men’s fashion week:

I wake up early because the calltimes are usually at around six in the morning. When I get to the location of the show, we do hair and makeup. It is often a lot of waiting on set because all the models have to get ready before rehearsals. After the rehearsal we often meet the press and take pictures before the show. When the first show is over I get to the next location and do the same thing again. Continuing doing that all day until late night.

How did you get casted for the Gucci campaign?

I got casted for the campaign because I had worked with them before at the shows. It is often easier to get the bigger modeling jobs like campaigns if you have worked with them on previously occasions.

What shows have you done so far?

I have done most of the shows; Armani, Calvin Klein, Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Yves Saint Laurent, Hermes and Givenchy are some of them.

Have you met any designers backstage?

Yes, I have worked with the designers backstage at the shows and it is great to see them in action. One of my favorite designers was to work with Kim Jones for Louis Vuitton. He is so inspiring and down to earth, a cool guy to hang out with.

Tell us how you met Johan Lindeberg and how you got your job in Oslo:

I met him a few years ago. When I moved to Oslo I wanted to try something different so I applied for the job and got it. It is fun to have something to do between modeling jobs. I want to inspire our costumers at J.Lindeberg how you can dress up in a modern way.

Has your hometown and background inspired you style wise?

Not really, I have to say, I get most inspired when I travel.

Did you have any style icons back then:

I really look up to the Swedish stylist Lalle Johnson. His style has inspired me since I started working with him 5 years ago for J.Lindeberg. His dapper modern look works great both for daytime and evening looks.

You travel a lot, what city do you like most?

My favorite city is definitely New York, I have spent six years of my life there and it is my dream city.

What is the first thing you do in the morning?

Trying to wake up my sleepy girlfriend, she is not a morning person like me. After that I make coffee and jump into the shower. We usually have a lot of time in the morning, so we watch The Ellen show and drink coffee together every morning before work. Your highlights of your carrier: Calvin Klein campaign with Lara Stone. We did the shoot in LA for 7 days and 14 h each day but the results were great.

What inspire you?

People who work hard and are great at what they do.

What is style for you

A good way to express yourself.

What is a keeper in your wardrobe?

Last year for my birthday, my best friend gave me a Belstaff leather jacket that David Beckham wore at a shoot. That is a special piece for me that I will never get rid off.

Where do you get your daily inspiration from?

From J.Lindeberg, their collections really match my style.

What key item do you go for this season?

A linen blazer is perfect for spring, it is light and it always looks classy and clean. What is the next big thing: I think we will see the color Burgundy a lot this fall. Not only for women, but for men as well.

Dress up or dress down

Dress up Skinny jeans or boyfriend: Skinny jeans How should women dress: Laidback with a feminine twist. A good pair of jeans, t-shirt and leather jacket can never go wrong. Pair it with high heels or sneakers, it always looks good and effortless.

What trends do you believe in: I am not a big fan of the crazy trends, I believe in classic pieces that never go out of style.

Any trend forecast for 2016: The sporty trend is big right now and I think that will continue throughout 2016. You can wear sneakers with a suit and I love that.

 
 
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