Johan Lindeberg has a way of making ordinary pieces seem very rock 'n' roll. However, he does so in a way that comes off more thin white duke than nouveaux riche hipster. J. Lindeberg, the brand run by he and his wife Marcella is built around pieces like slim pants, high-end denim and gorgeously tailored jackets. In his runway shows, the models seem to bear an almost uncanny resemblance to Joy Division front man Ian Curtis - it's a line that is quietly rock 'n' roll but in a very legendary sense.
And if haute rock lends itself toward any aesthetic, it is usual one of effortless luxury. No wonder Lindeberg's newest collection was inspired by the refined grandeur of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Of his latest collection Lindeberg states, "I always dreamt about living in a Frank Lloyd Wright house. I wanted to dress the person living in that house - a person who likes understated luxury. I was inspired by the fact that his buildings employ a use of colors connected to nature and earth colors. I also took inspiration from architectural drawings of different sites and incorporated the shapes and details into the garments. I did belts inspired from the Greek Orthodox Church in Wisconsin, I had curves and shapes from the Guggenheim on back of the garments".
This sense of understated opulence not only comes off as rock 'n' roll but has attracted rock icons such as Depeche Mode's (always stunningly dressed) Dave Gahan, of whom Lindeberg notes, "I am very proud of our long term collaboration with Dave. Depeche Mode have their own expression, integrity and unique sound that has established them beyond trends. It is just a very complex and beautiful sound." On the other hand, he also gives a nod to the casual cool of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Anthony Kiedis. "I'm proud of having dressed Anthony as well. Both Depeche Mode and Red Hot Chili Peppers are big bands who are very influential and inspiring. I like that a lot. I am also very happy for our relationship with Carl Barat (Dirty Pretty Things/Libertines) and Juliette Lewis, both very talented and naturally cool musicians."
At the other end of spectrum, Lindeberg also has a sports line devoted to golf. When asked about the juxtaposition of a "sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll" aesthetic alongside a golf line, Lindeberg takes the direct approach, "We're [denim] and fashion people who love to ski and golf as much as we love music, art and architecture. There’s a new generation of consumers who think golf is freedom. I want to challenge the 80s establishment who claimed ownership on the game of golf and show that you don't need to be boring and dress poorly to appreciate golf. [J.Lindeberg] is a modern conscious lifestyle that embraces all these aspects of contemporary life - fashion, arts and sports."
Said simply, Lindeberg's calling card seems to be an obsession with the finer things in life, quiet elegance and brand cohesion. The look is distinct and the style utterly wearable, whether you’re playing music for the masses or golf in Scotland.
