Lars Nilsson refers to the much-admired Swedish fashion designer. Nilsson was born in Stockholm, Sweden in 1966. He was the former Creative Director of Nina Ricci in Paris from 2003 to 2006 and Gianfranco Ferre in Milan, Italy from 2007 to 2008
Lars Nilsson has worked in fashion since leaving his native Sweden at age 18. He was a graduate of the Virginska Skolan in Sweden and of the Paris Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture and became an intern in the tailoring atelier at Chanel Haute Couture before going on to Christian Lacroix. He remained with Lacroix for nine (9) years, becoming senior Haute Couture Designer and working with Mr. Lacroix on numerous books and theatrical productions.
From 1997 to 1999 he worked with John Galliano at Dior as Coordinator of both the haute couture studio and the fur collections, before moving to New York where he was Design Director for the Polo Ralph Lauren women's wear collection.
From 2000 to 2003, Nilsson was Creative Director of Bill Blass Collection and during this tenure at Bill Blass, he was named 2001 Designer Of The Year by New York Magazine, and in the same year was elected to the International Best-Dressed List by Eleanor Lambert and Vanity Fair. While in charge at Bill Blass, he garnered a high profile and socially connected clientele.
In 2003 he returned to Paris to helm Nina Ricci where he was Creative Director and also creative collaborator for perfume and cosmetics until late 2006. At Nina Ricci, Nilsson generally won positive reviews. His easy feminine style and preference for refined and preppy looks seemed well suited to the Nina Ricci aesthetic. Nilsson's most recent collection was inspired by Ingmar Bergman's 1955 film "Smiles of a Summer Night" and the designer had been busy of late showing it personally internationally.
In September 2007, Nilsson was appointed to the post of Creative Director at the Milan house of Gianfranco Ferre where he was in charge of women and men's clothing and accessories for main and associated lines and licenses. However, after brief five-month tenure, Nilsson also left Gianfranco Ferre.
Over the past year he has also been heavily involved in bringing his long-held ambition of a furniture and textiles collection to fruition. Nilsson is a one of the members of the Council of Fashion Designers of America and a regular event committee participant.
List of books: Lars,Nilsson