November 07, 2006

November: Stylist Patrik Lernberger

November’s man of the month, style guru Patrik Lernberger, has one dream: to make the world a more beautiful place. And so far nobody could accuse him for not trying.
He has been a top hairdresser for 15 years and he’s the founder of one of Sweden’s most famous high end hair studios, Tempellounge in Gothenburg.
He’s also a much sought for producer of fashion shows all over the world and he regularly offers style advice on Swedish television - you may recognize his face from the TV show Go'kväll.

Although Patrik Lernberger recently sold Tempellounge to be able to work full time as a fashion consultant, he promises that he will open another beauty Mecca in due time.
Recipe for men had a chat with one of Sweden’s premium beauty connoisseurs about what really matters in life: style, style, style and style.

First the inevitable question: If you could choose one celeb to style, who would it be?
"Tom Ford of course. Not that he needs it, but it would be great for my big ego to meet a person that has such good taste that it makes me cry."

What’s the best memory from your carrier?
"The first show in Tokyo was an immense experience. They took pictures of both me and the models for almost an eternity. Another very special experience was when I was going to give a presentation on fashion and beauty in Stavanger in Norway. 500 people sat there waiting while I manage to lock myself out of my hotel room in just my underwear. The hotel room was in the same building as the auditorium. Of course some of the people from the audience managed to get a glimpse of me when I snuck down to the reception to get an extra key. The presentation was 20 minutes delayed, but it went well in the end."

If you were to offer one single styling tip, what would it be?
"Follow your gut feeling and most important: don’t over do it!"

How much do you charge for a regular haircut?
"Between 1 500 and 2 000 SEK (160-210 euro). But then I put a lot of time and effort into it."

What products should be in every men’s bathroom cabinet?
"Good shampoo and hair balm. Ask your hair dresser, not your partner or colleague! A cleanser and a moisturizer are also absolute necessities. And of course a good concealer to cover dark circles in the under eye area. The concealer is often my own life saver in the mornings."

Your favourite designers and brands?
"Hedi Slimane for Dior Homme, YSL, Lanvin, NDC, Tom Ford, Velour, Marc Jacobs, Lena Bergström for Orrefors, Bentley, Minotti, Krug."

Finally, how vain are you, on a scale from 1 to 5?
"Most people would say I’m a 5.0. I say I’m 3.8. To become a five I would have to work out more. But I know how important the exterior is, both when it comes to how you feel inside and how other people treat you. So surely I put a lot of effort into looking my best."

Recipe for men’s man of the month in November

Name: Patrik Lernberger.

Age: 39.

Occupation: Fashion Consultant.

Vanity level: His friends say 5.0. He says 3.8. We say 4.9.

On his spare time: Creates big abstract oil paintings.

Favourite building: Chrysler Building, New York.

Favourite city: Tokyo for partying and shopping. New York to make dreams come true.

Favourite store: Brand Design Center, Gothenburg, Sweden.

The world’s most beautiful man: Andreas Segura.