STUDIO NICHOLSON

in 2024. The brand is inspired by Japanese minimalism, architecture, and a love of textures and materials such as stone, marble, and concrete. It is celebrated for its stripped-back, luxurious, and casual aesthetic that prioritizes clever layering and practical simplicity. Studio Nicholson is positioned between high-end minimalist brands like Celine and accessible high street minimalism, with a strong emphasis on fit and fabric quality.

Philosophy

Studio Nicholson's philosophy centers on purposeful clothing that avoids fuss and trends, focusing instead on timelessness, exceptional fabric quality, and impeccable fit. The brand embraces a 'form-follows-fabric' mantra, creating modular pieces that work together seamlessly. Nick Wakeman approaches clothing design architecturally, experimenting with lines and angles to alter the look and feel of garments. The brand values practicality, comfort, and subtle, clever design over loud or flashy fashion, aiming to create garments that protect and express identity.

Sustainability

Fabric focus: The brand prioritizes sourcing high-quality fabrics from the world's best mills, with about 20% from Japan and 80% from Italy, working closely with mills to develop new fabrications. Manufacturing: Studio Nicholson emphasizes manufacturing garments to last, avoiding trends and focusing on timeless design and durability. Philosophy: The brand's approach to sustainability is implicit in its focus on quality, longevity, and purposeful design rather than fast fashion or fleeting trends.

Founders

Nick Wakeman, Background: Founder and Creative Director of Studio Nicholson, Nick Wakeman has over 30 years of experience in fashion and textile design. She studied Textile Design at Chelsea School of Art and previously launched a brand in Japan before founding Studio Nicholson in London. Wakeman's design philosophy is deeply influenced by her love of architecture, Japanese aesthetics, and a passion for perfecting classic wardrobe staples with a modern twist.

Background

Founded in 2010 in Shoreditch, East London, Studio Nicholson began from a small office on Calvert Avenue. Nick Wakeman drew inspiration from her own wardrobe of tailored menswear pieces, reimagining them for women with a focus on modularity and ease of dressing. The brand quickly gained a loyal global following for its no-nonsense, high-quality approach to fashion. It expanded to menswear in 2017 and launched a luxury handbag line in 2024. The brand's aesthetic is influenced by Japanese minimalism and architecture, notably inspired by architect Tadao Ando. Studio Nicholson has maintained its core values of purposeful design and fabric innovation throughout its growth.

History

Nick Wakeman founded Studio Nicholson in 2010 after returning to London and reflecting on her wardrobe and previous brand experience in Japan. The first collection launched for spring/summer 2011, focusing on modular, classic pieces made from the world's best mills, primarily Japanese and Italian fabrics. The brand opened a new flagship store on Redchurch Street in Shoreditch in 2025 to mark its 15-year anniversary. Over the years, Studio Nicholson has hosted significant events celebrating its milestones and has been recognized for its quiet luxury and architectural approach to fashion design.