A Conversation with : Andreas Schmidl and Josef Lazo (Lazoschmidl)

Founded in 2014 by Andreas Schmidl and Josef Lazo, Lazoschmidl proposes non-binary fashion, challenges various social norms, and aims to stir unexpected feelings. The German-Swedish label often references literature as the starting point for each collection, which comprises extroverted garments highlighting the body and enhanced with hand-crafted details. 

What would you like us to know about this collection?
The collection is an exploration of loneliness and the longing to be together with someone. It quotes chat and internet culture from its early days and reflects on the happiness one feels when receiving a new message or answer from your lover. 

Had you dreamed of becoming a designer?
Josef was staging fashion shows at home as a child and repurposing shoeboxes covered with fabric as cut-out shoes to impress family and friends. For him, the current reality is destiny come true.

Have you ever translated a dream into an actual design?
Most collections are based on fiction, imaginary movies, love songs, and are based on stories that come to us in our dreams.  

When was the last time a dream came true for you?
Being in Paris is always a dream coming true.

What is your wildest dream for the state of the world?
The most important dream is freedom and acceptance. If you aim for happiness, everyone should have it. 

What is one dream you would like to achieve this coming year?
Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears, Pete Davidson.

This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.