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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