24 Hours With… Studio Nicholson

Introducing Studio Nicholson, the East London-based, Japanese-inspired label whose effortless silhouettes and clean lines are quietly taking the fashion world by storm. The brains behind it all? Nick Wakeman, a woman as stylish as her creations, and a designer whose life reflects her label. We asked her to take us behind the scenes for a day in her world...

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What time do you wake up and where?
I wake up at 6.30am and immediately stretch to iron out the kinks. Then I will check emails that have come in overnight from Asia.

Where are you usually based?
I live and work in Hackney, but travel extensively to Tokyo, Seoul, Milan and Paris.

What does your average day look like?
My day is full of meetings and decision making. My brain is completely used to switching between business, operational and creative decisions. In the afternoon I’ll go visit our store or a site visit at our new project in Soho.

Do you have any rituals?
I like to take a bath with Santa Maria bath salts in the morning (if I have time).

Where is your studio located and how do you get there?
The studio is in Hackney Downs, I usually drive there so I can easily go to the store or meet friends after work.

How has your background influenced who you are today?
I cut my teeth in the 90’s, I travelled to Japan for the first time in 1999 and those first few trips have informed my entire practice.

How did you get your start in fashion?
I interned at Dazed & Confused for Katie Grand in 1992, I then landed a job at Diesel in 1993 when I graduated. I studied textiles not fashion.

What was the impetus behind starting your label?
To create a modular wardrobe, engineering garments that jigsaw together harmoniously regardless of season – like a simple puzzle.

What are the most important factors for the brand?
Quality materials, functionality and a playful spirit.

How do you get into a creative headspace?
Travel, airports, I have some of my best ideas on a plane. It’s so important to let the mind wander and dream.

Whilst working, where do you go and what do you do to take a break?
I’m renowned for having many silly 5 minutes breaks throughout the day – tell a joke, have a dance.

Do you have a favourite piece from your new collection?
The Puch pant in optic white denim.

Who would you most like to see wearing it?
Enzo Mari, if he were alive.

What’s on your bookshelf right now?
In Praise Of Shadows by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki (I dip in and out of it on a regular basis), Modern Originals: At Home with Mid-century European Designers and Buffalo by Ray Petri.

What do you usually do for dinner?
Throw something together and dream of restaurants opening again.

What time do you go to bed?
Around 11 and read. I’m currently reading a book by the Dalai Lama.

Last thing you do before you sleep?
Run through the best bits of today in my head. I’m grateful.

What do you dream about?
Fabric and travel.

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