MEET ASGER JUEL LARSEN

He’s known for reinventing modern menswear, for pushing the boundaries and for making clothes that exude aggressiveness with a fun twist. The 30-year-old Copenhagen based designer Asger Juel Larsen has come a long way since he graduated 'top of the class' at the London College of Fashion in 2009 with a BA Menswear Degree. He is now the most praised designer on the Danish fashion scene and designs two lines; one in his own name and the diffusion line A.J.L. Madhouse, which is partly themed around defying seasons.

Goth Legion is the name of his collection for spring/summer 2013. Here he illustrates the relaxed boundaries of style, stripping down gothic dramatics to reveal a tailored sport vein. Asger Juel Larsen's ghetto grunge collection makes a mixtape of these two worlds, exploring the similar aesthetics of a relaxed aura and a polished Goth.

We caught up with the designer for a chat about his favorite spots in Copenhagen, secret talents and the future for Asger Juel Larsen.

Shop Asger Juel Larsen SS13 here.

Inspiration for SS13 collection?
The collection is called ‘Goth Legion’ and I think it summarizes the idea well. It’s a mix tape of ghetto grunge and a more relaxed Goth combined with the French Legion uniform in detailing.

Specific dream client? 
John Malkovich.

Biggest designer misconception? 
Wouldn’t be able to say.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you do?
Not sure. I’m pretty much ridiculous doing anything else than what I do.

How would your friends describe you in 5 words?
Well I might be completely wrong but somewhat like liberal, outgoing, workaholic, happy and silly.

Current guilty pleasures? 
Coffee and cigarettes.

Song currently stuck in your head?
My friends from Birmingham just came out with their debut album Peace - In Love. We’ve been listening to it quite a lot in the studio.

Last buy?
An Aztec silver bracelet I bought in Mexico a few months ago. I collect jewelry and try and buy new ones wherever I travel.

Top 3 favorite spots in Copenhagen?
The lakes, Christiania and my studio.

Secret talents?
One of my favorite things do to when I travel is going to markets and do a good bargain. Even if I get ripped off, just the idea of getting the price down a notch is a satisfying feeling.

Plans for Asger Juel Larsen in 2013? 
Next month we’re invited to show the AW13 collection in Athens and in June we’ll be taking part in a fashion exhibition at MOBA in Arnhem. For fashion weeks we’ll be showing during Copenhagen Fashion Week and in Berlin. We also have some exciting collaborations coming up.

How are you spending this saturday?
The deadline for SS14 is in a few weeks, so I’ll be in the studio working late hours.