This Blue Blooded Q&A series is a collaboration with Long John. The series is sponsored by Bluezone, the independent show for denim and sportswear by Munich Fabric Start. Register for the next show here!
Get to know Peter Rerskov, a face from the Blue Blooded Portfolio
Peter and I go way back. The first time we met was in 2008 or ’09. He was a sales manager at Wrangler, I was a raw denim novice. Today, I’m happy to call him my friend and colleague.
In this second Blue Blooded Q&A of our new series, Peter shares his story.
What’s your story?
Name:
Peter ‘Van’ Rerskov
Location:
Born in Skælskør, lives in Copenhagen
Profession:
Store Manager at Brund Jeans & Boots in Copenhagen (@brundcph)
Instagram:
Peter’s path into the denim business
Thomas: How did you get into (the world of) denim?
Peter: I got my first job in the clothing industry when I was 14. That was in a classic menswear store, so my way into the industry started with suits, blazers, ties, and iron-free shirts.
Years later, after graduation, I started managing the owner’s second store, which was a jeans store. I was there for a few years, then I moved to our capital, and things took off. It became clear to me that I wanted to work with denim, and I still do and want that today.
T: What was your first pair of jeans?
P: I have no idea. But I do recall that mom patched them up since I ripped them playing soccer all the time in school.
T: When did you know you were ‘hooked’ on raw denim?
P: Well, hooked and hooked … I like good quality and long-lasting products, but I guess around 2003 or so. I had worn unwashed denim before that, but I started to manage another denim store around that time. And that opened a bit more up to the “holy grails” of unwashed denim, started digging into history, the fabrication, the myths and so on.
Peter’s Iron Heart 634-XHS
T: What is your favourite thing about raw denim?
P: Putting on a pair of new jeans, wearing them, washing them, repairing them, I don’t really focus on the fades and wear days cause they will evolve eventually. I might have done that 12 years ago, but then I grew up, haha …
Wear, wash, repair, repeat.
Peter’s views on the denim business
T: What’s been the greatest challenge you’ve faced so far, and what did you learn from it?
P: You cannot have your cake and eat it too. Well, I can’t really say anything else than if you fall down, get back up the best way possible.
T: Which denim brands inspire you? And why?
P: ‘If you’re gonna do it, then do it right’ has always been a saying that I like and respect.
There are many good ones, and there are many not so good ones.
If I should highlight one brand that I adore both wearing but also working with, it must be Iron Heart. In all aspects, their level is always on top.
T: Which denim retailers inspire you? And why?
P: Many, and I’m proud to call them colleagues and some of them friends.
As I like genuine stuff, I also like and respect genuine people, doing honest work, preaching the same values that I have. In general, shallow people can go f*ck themselves ?
Peter defines his denim style
T: List 3 of your favourite garments or accessories and (try to) explain how they define your style
P: I don’t really use things or clothes to define “my style or myself” in any way.
I’ll wear a suit for that occasion, my jeans, boots and a shirt for daily business, and a pair of worn-out jogging pants and crocs in the cabin.
As long as you wear your clothes and the clothes are not wearing you. Then you can basically wear everything.
That said, I have a few things that I like a bit more than others:
1) My signet ring with my mom and dads initials. My sis has the same ring, we had them made to honour our parents ❤️
2) Bandanas. I almost always wear a bandana, not around the head or in the back pocket, but around the neck.
3) Blue jeans. I think I’ve only had like fives pairs of black jeans in my entire life. Its blue jeans or nothing!
T: What do you never leave home without? And why?
P: My iPhone, wallet and keys, ‘cuz I need to make a call, be online, pay for stuff, and lock and unlock stuff ?
On the Hunt For Raw Selvedge Jeans?
Want to learn more about Peter? This Blue Blooded Q&A is a collaboration with Long John. To read Peter’s answers to the 10 ‘what’s your favourite’ questions, visit long-john.nl.
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