Nick Wooster’s Dark Denim Is As Dapper As He Is

Name:
Nickelson Wooster

Occupation:
Fashion Consultant

What were your first pair of jeans?
"Levi's — I don't remember the number, but they were SUPER slim. I always felt bad for the boys who had to wear husky. I have no idea exactly what year...but I started school in 1965. Let's just say it was a long time ago."

What are you wearing?
First look: "Paul Harnden Shoemakers Jacket, Hamilton 1883 blue Oxford cloth button-down, Engineered Garments Nay polka-dot scarf, J.Crew white jeans, and Tricker's brogues."

Second look: "Thom Browne navy jacket, Hamilton 1883 blue Oxford cloth button-down, Raleigh Denim, and Tricker's brogues.

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"I have lately been obsessed with white denim — especially during the winter. I really like the contrast of something dark on top and light on the bottom. If I am going to wear 'jeans,' I only wear dark denim. I am NOT a wash guy. In fact, I really hate jeans that are not authentically worn-in. For the Raleigh Denim I wore today, I added the cuff since they are a trouser style."

How many pairs of jeans do you own?
"I own 12."

Do you have a preferred philosophy when it comes to jeans: Sexy and skinny, or loose and comfy?
"Given that I am a bit of a midget, I am only interested in slim and slim-straight styles. But not skinny. If a pair of jeans is too big at the bottom, I have them tapered. You gotta dress for your body type. Plus, I like what happens with shoes and boots if the leg is narrow."

What's your signature wash...or does it matter?
"Washed jeans gross me out. You have to earn those whiskers."

What's your favorite way to wear your jeans and with what?
"I tend to go tonal when I wear jeans...not really sure why. I own one pair of black [Rick Owens] jeans, and I only wear black T-shirts and cashmere sweaters with them. With true denim, I only wear a navy jacket or a navy shirt. The only variation to this I will wear is a white shirt or tee, especially in the summer, or when I am feeling really fit. At the end of the day, the sexiest look on the planet is a white T-shirt and jeans — but only if you have the body to support it."

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If your jeans had a name or theme song, what would it be? Or do they?
"Sorry, I don't have a theme song for anything in my life."

What's your favorite example of celebrity-jean wearing (i.e., Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA album cover)?
"I feel the same way about celebrity jean-wearing as I do about theme songs."

What do you love most about your favorite denim pieces?
"I love the authentic and iconic nature of denim. You have to work to get them to mold to your body. That's why I only care about super-rigid denim. It's why they were invented. They were built for function, not fashion. I am not at all interested in comfort with denim. Stretch, whiskers, embellishment, and pocket treatments are for sissies."

Photographed by Kava Gorna. Casting by Megan Delaney.