Don't expect to see any brash colours or unorthodox prints from Studio Nicholson, founder Nick Wakeman stays clear of trend-led design and favours a timeless approach. "I feel I’ve created the antithesis of frivolous seasonal trends and transience that have become familiar aspects of women’s fashion," she says. "My collections and designs encourage everyone to slow down and appreciate the classics, the details and the balance in simplicity." Drawing inspiration from Japanese design and architecture, the brand delivers an androgynous aesthetic that is made with only the best materials available. A quick peruse of their Summer 2021 collection will show oversized trench coats, balloon style trousers and structured, boxy blouses, that'll give the illusion of 'I've borrowed this from my boyfriend' effortlessness without the nagging from your other half from actually doing so. 

And now, over ten years since the first collection debut, Studio Nicholson have recently launched their own accessories. While the timing might not seem apt – trying to sell handbags when no one is leaving their homes is by no means an easy task – Wakeman's belief in creating purposeful possessions that can accompany the many facets of one's lifestyle make them desirable in any circumstance. "We designed the collection with the modular wardrobe and lifestyle in mind, which is the Studio Nicholson DNA and thankfully for us, what most people seem to be gravitating towards ever since the pandemic hit," shares Wakeman. "Nobody wants to have to change their bag throughout the day, especially not now, and so our bags have been designed with clean lines and practical dimensions to allow just that.  The Tokyo Tote for example takes a sporty route, with generous, genderless proportions made from weatherproof Italian cotton. It also features gunmetal poppers at the side-seams to give the user the freedom to reduce or expand the storage capacity, meaning the shape and size of the bag can work for your varying needs and for different occasions, again further promoting our modular wardrobe brand ethos."

To celebrate the accessories venture and the launch of their newest menswear collection at Browns (spoiler: you'll want it just as much as their womenswear), we put our 8Qs to the fashion designer to learn more about the lady at helm.



What is a book that you always come back to and why?
In Praise of Shadows by Junichiro Tanizaki, its a small read about the beauty of simplistic materials.

What is your morning ritual like?
Pretty easy, I get up early at 6.30am, stretch, do laundry, drink coffee, have a bath and drive to the studio for 9am.

What is the best piece of advice you've received?
Learn to know when to put the pencil down.

What is an ongoing goal of yours?
To set up a fabric design studio with a hand loom.



What's your party trick?
I like to dance in a supremely daft way – my best pals egg me on terribly.

If you could travel anywhere right now, where would it be?
Tokyo. I usually got at least four times a year, I now have a profound hole in my life.

Name something that you're grateful for.
The hard work and support of the entire Studio Nicholson team.

Name three things that you can't live without.
My pals Kate and Sharleen (both extraordinary women), my favourite vintage Hermés shirt and radio 4.



Shop Studio Nicholson here.


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