26 Questions for Designer Christian Juul Nielsen

Photography by Marc Tousignant

We met Mr. Christian Juul Nielsen this past December while in lockdown in the United States. Mr. Nielsen has cut his teeth at Dior, Lacroix, Nina Ricci (just saying). He currently holds the creative helm at Hervé Léger and his first independent line AKNVAS [pronounced ah-can-vas] which means “canvas”. For Mr. Nielsen this represents a bright, new base to start again. A cheeky man, Mr. Nielsen answers some of our most pressing questions, as you know we get personal.

MR. CHRISTIAN JUUL NIELSEN

What are your first thoughts on awakening in the morning?  

That I should go to bed early tonight.

Do you sleep a lot?

Yes, min 8 hrs – but easily 10 nonstop - if I have time.

Do you sing in the shower?

A lot and loud.

How did you get interested in fashion?

I’ve been sketching since I was a child – and was always obsessed with how the ladies dressed for Church back home.

Who do you think are the most exciting people in the world today?

The Germans - The ones who created the vaccine.

What do you think about the way American men dress? And In Europe?

I think a lot of American dress to fit into a box rather than see what looks good on them vs European men dressing to show a style. Difficult to generalize all Americans, but I am always blown away by the audacity of certain Americans daring to go for dinner in a tanktop (smiling).

Do you think it’s important for a man to be sexy?

Totally, everyone should wear bikinis – just kidding, I actually find unsexy sexy.

What made you start Aknvas?

I wanted to create the clothes I’m constantly looking for. Oversized but flattering, comfortable but not lazy.

What inspired the first menswear collection?

The need for freedom. I felt trapped in lockdown New York, constantly listening to the news of uncertainty. I felt a need to dream about freedom and holidays – which eventually became the base of inspiration for the collection. Scandinavian meets Caribbean.

You have a refreshing modern take on the striped shirt for men, why stripes?

They are loud but masculine. It’s also a pajamas reference – the thought of being chic and comfortable. 

Who is the Aknvas Man?

A man that understands whats going on in the world, who wants to be part of it. A man who spend lockdown thinking rather than complaining.

What did you like about model Daan Van Der Deen as your campaign man?

I love how he looks into the camera – He is beaming confidence. He also looks like he is thinking rather than posing – which is a true talent.

What women do you think are most exciting and interesting?

I love excentric older women. I love listening to their stories and how they see the world, history and style. I love to hear about their favorite clothes and why. We focus so much on youth – I find wisdom is fascinating.

What are some of your favorite contemporary artists?

Olafur Eliasson is major – walking into one of his spaces is like when you are dreaming – just before you wake up. James Turrell is also fantastic for color.

Do you have lifestyle brand ambitions for the future of Aknvas?

I do actually, I have always wanted to do beddings and table decor.

Any other categories in the future of Aknvas?

Accessories… I like really crafty handmade looking accessories.

What do you think about makeup for men?

I’m always impressed by those who dare, and I’m surprised not more guys do it – but I don’t find it attractive.

An article of clothing every man should own?

A nice white t-shirt.

What’s a fragrance you think every man should own?

Ideally none, I don’t like fragrance on men.

What do you do if you feel you’re stagnating?

Eat Danish candy – an instant shot of energy.

A quote that speaks to you?

It’s never too late for coffee, and never too early for wine.

If life had a soundtrack what would it be?

“Papirsklip” by Kim Larsen – a Danish song about paper cut-out silhouettes of the ones you love in life.

Do you get bored easily?

Nope, I have 2 fulltime jobs and constantly adding random things to do, like baking, reading or even playing solitaire… 

What’s your idea of a perfect evening?

I love watching a film I’ve seen a million times like “The witches of Eastwick” or “Serial Mum,” drink wine and sketch random things with markers.

2020 inspired activism, is there a social issue you most passionate about?

There have been several. Living in the US has taught me so much about the split of social classes in this country. These racial injustices must stop. I think the BLM movement has been inspiring and powerful.

What makes a perfect man in 2021?

Someone that is ready to take chances. We all had a long 2020 to think about who we are and what we can do. The perfect man will act on this in 2021.

SEVERINE KEIMIG and JAKE PARKER LENTZ wear AKNVAS

Photography by MARC TOUSIGNANT, Models SEVERINE KEIMIG at ELITE MODELS and JAKE PARKER LENTZ at THE SOCIETY MODEL MANAGEMENT