Asher Levine is a designer with a wild side; he's a maverick and an inventor. Levine makes amazing garments built upon his ability to challenge conventional ideas of tailoring. Classically trained, Levine is hands-on with his pieces during their production. Larger ideas of sexuality, industry, and government are conveyed through his clothes. Despite his youth, Levine has garnered some major attention, including stunning editorials, and designing for the likes of Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.
Read our conversation with the designer below and check out the shop for selections of Asher Levine SS12 for Men and Women.
Sarah: Your work is very rooted in the organic and also oriented towards the future. How do time and nature influence your style?
Asher: Time’s influence on physical variation fascinates me. Why does variation occur? I try to manifest the answer through clothing where the collections illustrate directed variation.
S: You have serious training as a tailor and really know how to deal with garments. Is the construction process a very meticulous one for you?
A: Process is the most important aspect to me, it’s where the true design of the garment or accessory really shows. It’s the process that inspires.S: We love the looks you designed for Lady Gaga. Can you tell us about that?
A: I’m so glad that our paths crossed when they did. We’ve continued our relationship and are always thinking of ways to make crazy cool outfits for the future.
S: The pieces in your FW12 collection were really rugged and masculine, like a future militia of some kind. What were your inspirations for that work?
A: 1920’s Russian Military to the Atomic Age of the 30’s and the 40’s. Then inject it with the Z and Beta Chromosome.
S: Black and other dark tones have always been the default color for feeling cool. Why do you think that is?
A: Contrast. When dressing is how much contrast does what you are wearing have with your face/body? It doesn’t matter what race you are, just think of the contrast, it will make your best features stand out.
S: What would you never wear?
A: Anything that doesn’t represent me at that given time.
S: Do you have any personal style icons?
A: Dr. Lisa Airan.
S: If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
A: Australopithecus Sediba.