We caught up with the Swedish-born former model turned fashion-house founder to tell us about his label and what makes him tick. Jan Ahlgren is available now at Matches.
Jan Ahlgren
Tell us about how your career has evolved through fashion?
It was never my intention to become a model, I don’t think many men grow up dreaming about becoming a model, but I was very lucky to do campaigns for Chanel, Lanvin and lots of big brands. I always had a big interest in design, particularly interior design but then it moved into fashion design. From the experience and knowledge I had gained I wanted to create my label by bringing in an elite team.
You’re not the sole designer behind the project, so how does the design process work?
The chief designer is Amalie Bjarnhof – I know nothing technically about designing and patterning making so she really creates it. I feed into her with my vision and we don’t always agree but I think that tension creates something beautiful. Stine Bang [the labels backer and granddaughter of the Bang & Olufsen founder] is the graphic designer and Morten Bjarnhof is the photographer – they get involved in the visual material. These are people I admire and I was very lucky to get the people I wanted involved – I am reminded of that by them every day!
Red long silk dress from the S/S 12 collection
Black short wool dress from the S/S 12 collection
Does the label have a philosophy or ideology?
I have always liked the class and elegance of old movie stars like Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn and the politeness of that era. I wanted something very elegant that we can then put our twist into. I think the twist is the draping and the way we play with an open back rather than front – I think it’s much more attractive on a woman and gives a subtle sexiness.
What kind of woman do you see wearing Jan Ahlgren?
She’s definitely intelligent and classy. Women like Uma Thurman, Charlize Theron and Cate Blanchett – I would love to see them in our dresses and I think they’re always in the back of my mind.
Illustrations from the S/S 12 collection
What to you enjoy outside of fashion?
I like reading. Right now I’m reading Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand and before that I read Fountainhead, also by her, and it was amazing, I recommend everyone read it. She wrote Atlas Shrugged in the 50’s but it hasn’t aged and is still relevant today. Also I love playing golf and my handicap is 1…
We don’t believe you…
It’s true. I have been to St Andrews a few times. I hate the snobbiness attached to golf but I love the elegance of the sport, and also tennis – that you can dress in an old style way. Also if I have a hangover I enjoy watching Faulty Towers, it’s the funniest programme ever made.
Do you collect anything?
I collect stuff from Arne Jacobsen – I don’t even know how many chairs I have. Also old lamps, vintage furniture and old mannequins.