The Big Chill
Star hockey player Erik Karlsson takes on a new role: fashion model
As a two-time Norris-winning defenceman, Swedish-born Erik Karlsson has the whole cool-under-pressure thing down.
In his new position as the face of a performance suiting collection for Montreal-based line RW&CO., he’s carried that same breezy polish to the camera. Karlsson, the former Ottawa Senators captain who was traded last week to the San Jose Sharks, served up charm and professionalism when we chatted about the cool collaboration, Sweden’s trendsetting style and his first fashion inspiration. (Hint: he’s another major athlete.)
How did this partnership with RW&CO. come to be and why did it seem like a good fit for you?
“I think that I’ve always — well, I shouldn’t say always, but for the latter part of my life — been interested in fashion. When this opportunity presented itself, it was easy for me to say yes. RW&CO. is an important brand for Canada. I’ve been here for 10 years now and seen how it’s grown. To be able to get into fashion with a Canadian company means a lot to me, it’s something I take a lot of pride in. It’s also a brand that is suitable for everyone — it’s very affordable. It’s a store where everyone feels welcome. To be partnered with a company like that represents who I am and suits me very well.” Who was your first style inspiration? “It was, and still is, David Beckham.
He is someone who I appreciate a lot. No matter what he wears, he always looks good. He has a very outgoing personality and style — it feels like whatever it is that he does, he always has a full suit. If he is casually doing something, he always looks good. He always represents himself, and that is something that I strive to do, too.” What would you say is the biggest difference between North American and Swedish style?
“I think that it’s a lot closer now than it was when I moved here 10 years ago. Back then, European style used to be slim fit — almost too slim fit, sometimes! (laughs) I did get teased a little bit for the way that I dressed, but at the same time, I always thought that I dressed better than other people. I think now, European and North American styles have met somewhere in the middle.”
What does an ideal date night look like for you?
“I like when my wife and I go for nice dinners — we get dressed up even though it’s just the two of us going to our normal place in Ottawa. I think she appreciates a lot when I put a dress shirt on for her. There’s some excitement putting something a little bit special on, like a blazer. But I think being comfortable is important because if you’re not comfortable, you’re not going to focus on the moment.”