My Style: Alexander Norheim
Portrait: YoungJun Koo — Courtesy of Alexander Norheim
Which city has the best-dressed men?
Copenhagen. A twist of street wear with that everlasting masculinity and wonderful attention to detail has made Copenhagen a clear winner within men's style.
Please describe your style in three words.
Minimal, urban, and uncomplicated.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Trying to be a different person than who you are within.
Do you believe in role models?
Absolutely. As humans, we are bound to look up to other individuals for inspiration, advice and a way of life.
What are your favourite fabrics?
I don't think I have just one. I like the surprise factor, so I tend to stay open for exciting combinations of them all. It sounds cliché, but I don't like limitations. Although, I do have a secret thing for neoprene, for the time being...
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
I try to be open to new ideas, but I guess that I would object to anything that doesn't "feel" like me.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I like to think I'm bold? But I guess it's quite objective within the industry.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
I don't like rules either, but I do tend to like uniformed colours. In other words, I tend to be a little matchy-matchy. A bit cheesy, perhaps.
Celebrities and style...
Are quite often my favourite source of gossip.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
White shirts. I can't stress this enough. Women have the little black dress. Every man should have a cool white shirt. I have like thirty [laughs]!
A man should always look like…
However he wants to? I don't know. I'd rather see a man with his own sense of style that brings out the attitude within.
Who taught you what you know about style?
I'm not quite sure. I wanted to say, "some people are born with it", but then I recalled some of my fashion faux pas. I tend to look at my environment and my surroundings, so I guess it was a joint effort.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
If I have the time, I change about two-three times. The night before. Always be somewhat prepared before hand.
What is your biggest regret?
I don't believe in regrets. I don't wanna say YOLO, but yeah... I'd rather think that I've lived as much as I could so far.
The three essential things a man should know about style are…
Be open-minded, be confident, and be yourself.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
No. I actually dislike shopping. When I shop, it's often by impulse. I very often don't try things on, if I really like them. People tend to laugh at that, but I know that if I start trying things on, then I will find a flaw. If you have already bought something, then you sort of have to make it work.
We will never see you wearing...
There's a lot of stuff I'd love to write here, but the older I've gotten, I've learned to never say never. But maybe heels. It's okay on editorials, but not my kind of cookie for everyday style.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
I enjoy different people's aesthetic for style. I love how Simone Marchetti combines his love of colour and pattern into masculinity. I love Terence Koh and his love for white. And I absolutely love T-Michael's perfect balance of cool and timeless.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
His eyes. I like confidence. If you're there within the eyes, it doesn't matter what you wear. I am inspired by very different kinds of people.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
It's kind of ironic because the picture is practically nude, but I remember being a teenager and seeing Jeanloup Sieff's nude portrait of Yves Saint Laurent. It made such an impact on me because of its uncomplicated nature. It's clean, it's elegant, and it’s provocative. I try to incorporate all these ideas into my different approaches when it comes to style.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
T-Michael and Norwegian Rain caught my eye some time ago with their impeccable ascend into an international market. Their close connection between classic and innovative always keeps things exciting within menswear. I also have Jone Nielsen on my radar. Providing a wider identity to menswear, combining history with textures and drapings, and overall establishing his name and brand, Jone has something special. One to watch, for sure.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is…
Only is very restrictive. I'd rather share attention within accessories, basic underwear and general ready to wear. But as mentioned earlier, a crispy, fresh pressed white shirt can always get you far.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
That's a tricky question, but I guess I do have three completely different favourites. First, a Dior tucked inward shirt. I love how the buttons and seams seem to be invisible. Second, a lime green Acne Studios knitted sweater. It's a perfect combo between colour and a conservative nature. Lastly, and it's more of an accessory, a vintage gold ring from the 60’s that I inherited from my grandfather. He was my role model. Plus, I have to admit the ring makes me feel a bit tougher.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Not really. It's all how you choose your style. Parisians are often a perfect example. Simple, chic and effortless.
Which fashion house never fails to impress you?
For menswear, Dior Homme. For womenswear, Calvin Klein.
Who would you like to recommend for “My Style?
Robert Mishchenko, Marianne Theodorsen of the StyleDevil, Hedvig Opshaug of The NorthernLight and Polina Sova, a fashion model.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
"The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places". — Ernest Hemingway.
