My Style: Alexander Erwik
Photo: Hans Erik Nygren — Courtesy of Alexander Erwik
Which city has the best-dressed men?
I love Berlin. A fascinating mix between trash and class. I love both looks, if it looks genuine on the person who wears it.
Please describe your style in three words.
Colourful, masculine, surprising.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Listening to the advice of others instead of going for whatever makes you feel comfortable.
Do you believe in role models?
Let role models inspire you, don't copy them.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Leather and denim.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Not really. I love when people mix the 'wrong' colours or go bananas with accessories. More is more. I love when people dare to break the rules. I hope one day that I will get braver too. I'm still playing safely.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Something in between. At work I'm more conservative, but in my private life I tend to care less and less about my approach.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
I don't believe in rules. I think it's the wrong way to go. Fashion should be fun and impulsive.
Celebrities and style...
Is not a match made in heaven — in Sweden. I think I can name about five, maybe six, people who bring some fun to the red carpet. That's kind of sad.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Watches. I think I have ten so far. I purchase at least one new watch every year.
A man should always look like...
He owns the room he enters.
Who taught you what you know about style?
No one really. But travelling has given me a lot of inspiration. I also have the opportunity to work with very inspiring people.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
It depends on whether I have a meeting and with whom. Sometimes a suit is required, sometimes something more relaxed. Either way, I usually have about ten minutes to decide.
What is your biggest regret?
That it took me so long to find an interest in fashion. I was pretty much a disaster until the age of 26.
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
Cherish your beard, clean your shoes, and wear clean underwear.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
No, I'm pretty impulsive. I do a lot of shopping online.
We will never see you wearing...
Birkenstocks.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
Rebecca Stella Simonsson.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
His smile and his teeth. I'm a teeth person.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Gant Rugger, Tommy Hilfiger, Moods of Norway, Acne, Savvy Citizen — not really new but some of my favourites. I think that we haven't seen the last of Naim Josefi, he is a genius.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is...
His shoes. That's where most men fail.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe
A fur jacket.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
When it comes to Crocs, it is.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
I don't believe in absolute success all the time. I think making mistakes is what makes the really good designers become better. But Acne has had a pretty straight course through the years.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
A fashion blogger named Viktor Frisk who even wears a skirt sometimes. He is really brave.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
If you feel sad, dress happy.
