Studio Nicholson founder Nick Wakeman on perfecting modern nostalgia at her London-based fashion label

Sculptural shirts, deep-pleated trousers and bags full of texture – it is not hard to see why you could be led into thinking Studio Nicholson sells minimalism

However, founder Nick Wakeman, who is obsessed with the fashion in 80s crime dramas, says it’s ‘about refining classic, nostalgic pieces’ and chasing perfection

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Nick Wakeman is the founder of Studio Nicholson, a London-based label that she says is perfecting modern nostalgia. Photo: Instagram/@nickwakeman

Published: 5:15pm, 18 May 2024

Having lived and shopped through fashion media’s very loud obsession with “quiet luxury”, it is not hard to see why some commentators are calling for the return of “more is more”. Yet minimalism – with its toned-down palettes and clean silhouettes – endures.

Just ask Nick Wakeman, the founder and creative director behind London-based Studio Nicholson.

Known for its deep-pleated trousers and relaxed yet sculptural cuts, the brand is drawing discerning shoppers from across the globe. It is an “if you know, you know” scenario: try on their signature Akerman jeans and you will spot the curved silhouette from a mile away.

Camera-shy yet forthright, and with a sharp sense of humour, Wakeman sat down with the Post to discuss the business’ coming foray into bags, its growth plans for the Asia market, and her perennial obsession with the fashion from 1980s crime dramas.

One of Studio Nicholson’s newly released bags. Photo: Studio Nicholson

Tell me about the new bag collection – have you always wanted to design them?

Personally, I’m not really a bag person; I don’t buy a lot of shoes or bags, but I don’t buy a lot of clothes either. I like my old stuff. However, I do find leather interesting, and it’s really nice to add suede to the textural landscape of a look.