Photograph by Alexander Habesland

The first time I heard about the Norwegian art and fashion photographer, Alexander Habesland, was through an LA-based gallery owner I met at the Hôtel Costes, in Paris. He said, “You live in Milan–do you know Alex? He lives there at the moment, and his work is terrific. Trust me.”

Sure enough, three months later, everyone in Milan is talking about Alexander Habesland’s pictures.

Photograph by Alexander Habesland

I met this charming, well-mannered artist at Milan’s Plastic Club. We talked for an hour or so, and he was kind enough to grant an interview. Our conversation ranged over many subjects, from music to film, travel and the history of fashion. It turns out that, after studying literature and receiving a degree from Oslo’s Bilder Nordic School of Photography, Alexander set off on a journey around the world, finding inspiration in everything he saw.

I first asked him: “What made you choose to express yourself through photography?”

Alexander replied: “I studied drawing, as well as graphic design, but photography proved to be my real love because it connects you to people. You have to look at the person in front of you and create the best image you can of that person, the best representation.”

He chose to be a fashion photographer because he sees beauty in anything from a landscape to a piece of antique jewelery.

Photograph by Alexander Habesland

When I asked him what, or who, inspires him, he answered:

“My inspiration comes from music, travel, books and fashion blogs–but first, there’s my imagination, and a desire to create. As for other photographers, I love the work of Steven Meisel but my mind holds lots of images that inspire me."

Photograph by Alexander Habesland

“I love to discover new places around the world," he continued. “When I don’t have to travel for work, I travel for pleasure. I love Milan, where I’m currently living: it’s full of positive people and hidden treasures. Oslo is another important place–I love Norway, the country where I was born. And I’m definitely a Paris enthusiast. It’s a stunning city with a special atmosphere, like another world.”

Photograph by Alexander Habesland

“I think fashion should be a creative, playful experience. My idea of a “fashion icon” is a fashion expert who doesn’t follow prevailing trends–someone who can change without compromising a specific aesthetic.”

“Art and fashion are two different subjects that are connected to each other these days. This is a good thing. It’s all about having vision and imagination–you can say a lot about yourself through the way you dress.”

“We live an interesting period. Lots of young people are venturing into the art world–I’m thinking about Dasha Zhukova, Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld, and PC Valmorbida in the gallery world and artists like Dash Snow (R.I.P.), Dan Colen, Ryan McGinley, and Nate Lowman. These are young, curious people who travel the world with their eyes wide open.”

Photograph by Alexander Habesland

“What I try to obtain with my work is the sublime. That’s the reason I love creating images of people–it’s not just about the body, it’s about elegance and charisma. Beauty for me is nature, people…but what I really like is the kind of beauty that comes from within.”

Alexander Habesland himself

When I remarked on his success (he’s already well-known in important circles), he replied:

“To be honest, I’m not snobbish about the success. It’s cool, of course, but what I really like is when someone shows sincere interest in my work. My vision, if you want to call it that, is to show beauty and elegance in a way that brings people together."

Alexander Habesland will be in Paris for January’s fashion weeks. I certainly hope he’ll find time to share another coffee with me.

––Gabriele Cabras for Susan Tabak