In the vibrant heart of our city, a new wave of celebrities graces our screens and magazine covers, their allure more captivating than ever. We find ourselves enchanted by their glamour, scarcely pausing to catch our breath and observe the burgeoning magic behind the scenes.

Yet, Downtown 500 Magazine remains resolute, ever committed to unveiling this enchantment in person. It is unfolding before our eyes, and we are relishing every moment. Are we not enthralled?

The denizens of our town now exude a newfound sophistication and individual strength. But who is this enigmatic force revolutionising our fashion landscape? Is it a sovereign of style, a clandestine designer transforming our casual figures into paragons of passion? One wonders, is such a metamorphosis even permissible?

The #downtown500crew directs its gaze towards a charismatic figure with a mellifluous Swedish accent, residing in a Lower G. Village atelier. This artisan unveiled a striking collection at Østbanehallen in Oslo back in August ’16. We are privileged to witness his work firsthand, absorbing the creative brilliance in his exclusive showroom.

Esteemed personalities such as Triana Iglesias and Sandra Lyng don his creations, whilst Norway’s fashion maestro, Jan Thomas, bestows upon him an enviable six out of six points. Indeed, just six?

Downtown 500 Magazine cordially invites you to deliberate with us on the #dt500redsofa. Let us converse with this enchanting and effortlessly poised artist, James Lazar Braathen.

 JAMES LAZAR BRAATHEN

DT 500 MAG: – James, our readers are eager to delve into the heart of your journey. Could you share some of the most compelling and memorable stories from your illustrious career, straight from your own perspective?

JAMES LAZAR: –  I find myself at the beginning of a long and exciting trip; looking at the red carpet, I find passionate silhouettes wearing gala dresses á la James Lazar!

” I do not want to lock myself down to anything -identity is something that I would like to daydream about.”

DT 500 MAG: – James, when we talk about the woman who epitomises the spirit of James Lazar, could you describe her? What characteristics and qualities does she possess that resonate with your designs and artistic vision?

JAMES LAZAR: – Victoria Beckham is my muse.

DT 500 MAG: – Tell us more about the silhouette and identity?

JAMES LAZAR: – I am very obsessed with the female body, the shapes, and the lines!

” The silhouette is tight and ambient, very playful and erotic. The identity enjoys the class with a rare aesthetic sense. She is free and owns her power.”

DT 500 MAG: -James, our readers are keen to know more about the man behind the magic. Could you share with us some deeper insights into your background, inspirations, and the journey that has shaped you as a designer?

JAMES LAZAR: –  I find myself at the beginning of a long and exciting trip; looking at the red carpet, I find passionate silhouettes wearing gala dresses á la James Lazar!

” I do not want to lock myself down to anything -identity is something that I would like to daydream about.”

DT 500 MAG: -ames, congratulations on your new collection; the unique design truly comes to life! Can you tell us about the inspiration and the elements that went into creating it?

JAMES LAZAR: – There are many things I look through while working on my collection.

” There are always three main things that I focus on: elegance, feminism, and passion.” 

DT 500 MAG: – Who is the girl of James Lazar? 

JAMES LAZAR: – Victoria Beckham is my muse.

DT 500 MAG: – Please tell us more about the silhouette and identity?

JAMES LAZAR: – I am very obsessed with the female body, the shapes, and the lines!

” The silhouette is tight and ambient, very playful and erotic. The identity enjoys the class with a rare aesthetic sense. She is free and owns her power.”

DT 500 MAG: –  James, what message do you hope to convey to women through your designs?

JAMES LAZAR: – My message is to match the feminine nature with an exclusive touch of fabric design. Every woman should dare to look deep into her soul and find her own unique passion with the help of my plans, which are handmade for every unique landscape!

 “I want to provoke the female universe so everyone hears her emotions and feelings and believes in her own impressions. I would like to guide the female physique with silk or lace.”

DT 500 MAG: – James, you’ve spent considerable time living here. Can you share with us what Oslo means to you on a personal and professional level? How has the city influenced your work and your creative vision?

JAMES LAZAR: – I have little time to realise that I am living in Oslo; I think I live more in my own head. I see everything on a large scale – beyond national borders.

DT 500 MAG: – any influences?

JAMES LAZAR: – I like to take a walk and gather inspiration in some details of local architecture, colours, exterior, and interior. Like at Frogner, where I find many treasures!

DT 500 MAG: – James, your artistry is notably delicate and refined; we’re not simply taking chances here. Could you provide our readers with more insight into the key elements and inspirations that define your collection?

JAMES LAZAR smiling: – I love freedom and mystery! When I start making a dress, I become totally obsessed. The inspiration entirely takes control! I can work for ages. You need to be creative to understand it.

“Sometimes, I can be easily inspired by a wonderful lady beside me, naturally elegant, regal, dramatic, with brocades and luxurious fabrics. I am fond of fashion from the 20s to 30s or Russian czarinas who walk through their royal palaces with embroidered silk walls and crystal chandeliers…” 

DT 500 MAG: – Many young people today are exploring the vast possibilities of the future. In your opinion, what role will fashion play in shaping this future?

LAMES LAZAR: – Haute Couture will always be Haute Couture. Human demand goes up and down, but the need will remain.

 ” Quality of a handmade masterpiece is a gift a few can refuse.”

DT 500 MAG: – James, how do you foresee technological advancements impacting our lives shortly, particularly in the context of fashion? Will it be a case of robots versus humans?

JAMES LAZAR: – I make my own prints; recently, I was inspired by an old frame and printed it on silk with different colours, and I will use it in my new collection. Technology can be fun, too. But I don’t believe that technology will take over. Fashion has many possibilities. I’m not afraid that something will disappear, slightly that it will adapt.

” Technology is a tool everybody is excited to play with, but I’ve chosen a slightly different niche.” 

DT 500 MAG: – Clothing has always been an expression of time. Do you think we are on the verge of a global confrontation, and how would that change our fashion perspective?

JAMES LAZAR: – One cannot think everything has to be productive and fast like everyone else. Those who are non-commercial open more opportunities for the commercial kind. Being artsy and going to the business side can be possible, but going from the retail side to the artsy team is almost impossible. It’s about more than money …

“Will all the designers be commercialised? Surely not. More individualism is to come. “

DT 500 MAG: – What are the keywords for your designs?

JAMES LAZAR: – Style. Passion. Womanliness.

DT 500 MAG: – Womanliness sounds essential, especially in the local context… Do you think that Function will ever entirely replace Fantasy?

JAMES LAZAR: – I believe in the balance! You can create an expensive dress, but it must also be functional. Everything I make can be used in both contexts!

DT 500 MAG: – You should have some superpowers, James? 

JAMES LAZAR: -” Berocca” (soda vitamins tabs) give me superpowers, haha! I get superpowers when I dance. The best kick! Good music is essential for me. Everything except hard rock!

DT 500 MAG: – James, we are eager to delve into the drama and passion that fuels your work. What is the inspiration behind your upcoming collection?

JAMES LAZAR: – It’s a big secret!

DT 500 MAG: – No doubt, but apparently, the confident audience out there wants to know everything…

JAMES LAZAR: – I can only say once the show is public. I can give you a few words: it’s a movie! ’20-’30s is also on the theme; I’m always right about that period in history!

DT 500 MAG: – James, please elaborate further on this exciting topic!

#RAPTURE!

About Downtown 500 Magazine:
Downtown 500 Magazine is a premier publication dedicated to uncovering the vibrant and sophisticated world of fashion and celebrity culture. We bring you the latest trends, exclusive interviews, and in-depth features that keep you connected to the pulse of the fashion world.

Interview by: Arhtur Sopin and Andreas Rød

Photo by: Andreas Roed