Studio Nicholson: Reassuringly sturdy

Armed with two decades of industry experience as a successful designer, Nick Wakeman launched the first Studio Nicholson women’s collection in 2010. Functionality, modernity and playfulness are the inherent elements in the brand and they therefore ignite the foundations of each collection. Wakeman has woven a sensual ease into every element of the Studio Nicholson ‘Modular Wardrobe’.

Through 10 question for the designer we aim to understand her journey as a fashion designer and world citizen, as well as to understand the role of Studio Nicholson in today's fashion scene.

What was your childhood (or earliest) ambition? 
To be a spy believe it or not. I’m a terrible voyeur which has been extremely useful as a designer over time.
 

When did you land your first internship and what is the most important lesson to take form that experience? 
My very first internship was for Katie Grand at Dazed & Confused Magazine in 1993. I remember my first day shooting with Liz Collins on a housing estate in south London. It was a baptism of fire into the magazine world.

What are you passionate about ­– apart from fashion? 
People, I’m insanely curious about what makes folk tick, Japanese food (I’d make it every day if I had more time) and architecture.
 

What are the work ethics that you believe in while working with fashion?
Simple, be nice to everyone - & never accept less that 100% from yourself or the people you work with.

What role do you think Social Media plays in fashion today?
I don’t believe in influencers, we use social media to tell Brand written authentic stories so people understand our product.

Could you please introduce us to your latest collection?
The magazines I loved, such as i-D and The Face were raw and gritty. They never felt forced or fanciful – they were just documenting the realism of the lifestyles we were leading. Everything felt authentic, never constructed. Models in editorials looked effortless; as though they were wearing their own clothes and bringing their own sense of character to the photo shoots.

Beauty was redefined as something simpler; it was fresh-faced, clean, and accessible. Without the pressure of social media, we had the freedom to be ourselves without fear of every move being recorded. The liberty of unfenced existence felt, at the time, euphoric.

Amid the economic chaos, creativity triumphed. Self-shrunken tops, sloppy jumpers, long-length pants, knitted tube dresses and skinny-fit jersey were the uniform staples of the elongated 90s silhouette. The awkward volume of a borrowed jacket, the genderless glory of a faded band t-shirt or the nostalgic unisex warmth of a chunky cardigan. Everything was up for grabs – literally. Clothing was borrowed, torn, loved and worn. (About AW20 The Go See – Authentic Autonomy.

How would you define your personal style?
Modular, masculine and playful.

What is the greatest challenge of our time?
To make the world a better place for our children.

The seams and structures Nick is careful to include in every garment are the supporting beams that allow for playful movement and act as a framework for fluidity. Without these deliberately planned anchors, the modular wardrobe would ultimately fail.

With the right plans in place, the cloth, cut and clever construction come together harmoniously to generate separates engineered for modern living.

Working closely with experienced manufacturers in Italy, Portugal, Japan and the UK. Yarns and fabrications are chosen for their provenance, durability and flawless quality – which has, and always will be, the central focus for every Studio Nicholson garment.

You'll find Studio Nicholson Mens Wear on the 1st floor and Womens Wear on the 2nd floor.