Nick Wakeman, founder and creative director of Studio Nicholson, shares insights into her luxury clothing brand, drawing inspiration from film, photography, and Japanese aesthetics. She discusses the importance of authenticity in fashion and the emotional connections people have with their clothing. Nick contrasts her innovative designs with oversized trends, emphasizing the significance of personal style. The conversation also explores Japan's retail culture and the artistic integrity behind her creations, all while highlighting the need for sustainability in fashion.
Nick Wakeman draws inspiration from classic cinema, blending storytelling with fashion to create authentic and innovative designs.
Emphasizing authenticity and quality, Wakeman critiques fast fashion's focus on marketing, advocating for long-lasting, well-crafted garments.
Through her journey in the fashion industry, Wakeman encourages aspiring designers to embrace their unique vision and resist trend conformity.
Deep dives
Navigating Holiday Sentiments
The discussion opens with Jeremy Kirkland sharing his mixed feelings about the holiday season. While he acknowledges the drag of preparation and holiday stress, he also recognizes a sense of nostalgia and loss once the festivities come to an end. Kirkland captures the universal experience of balancing the hustle of gift buying with a longing for the atmosphere once the celebrations are over. This personal reflection resonates with listeners who often feel overwhelmed yet sentimental during the holiday season.
Nick Wakeman and Studio Nicholson
Nick Wakeman, the designer behind Studio Nicholson, is introduced as a significant player in contemporary fashion. Her approach blends luxury with accessibility, creating aspirational yet attainable clothing. Wakeman discusses her unique design inspiration, which stems from a deep love of film and textiles, setting her apart from many brands that often rely solely on trend reports. By pulling from cinema and photography for her collections, she establishes a creative process that feels both authentic and innovative.
The Influence of Film on Fashion
Wakeman elaborates on how films shape her design inspirations, showcasing her admiration for classic cinema. Specific references include movies that not only captivate her but also influence her aesthetic choices, like 'Damage' and 'Fatal Attraction.' She describes how she studies visual elements and clothing in these films, pulling ideas for silhouettes and textures into her collections. This connection between film and fashion highlights the importance of storytelling in creating impactful designs.
Quality and Authenticity in Fashion
Wakeman emphasizes the necessity for authenticity and quality in fashion design, responding to a culture inundated with fast fashion. She critiques brands that prioritize marketing over superior craftsmanship, which she believes can detract from consumer experiences. By focusing on durable, high-quality materials, she aims to evoke long-term customer loyalty rather than short-lived trends. This philosophy argues for a return to valuing well-made garments that endure beyond fleeting fashion cycles.
The Evolution of Design Philosophy
Throughout the conversation, Wakeman shares her evolution as a designer and her thoughts on the fashion industry. She expresses her disdain for blindly following trends, preferring instead to explore her unique vision and aesthetic values. This inclination toward originality allows her to push against conventions and create pieces that resonate with individuality. By sharing her journey, she inspires aspiring designers to remain true to themselves while navigating the complexities of the fashion world.