Nick Wooster is known for his unique style, his fashion partnerships, and paving a way for rebellious, cohesive fashion—based on tension, not trend. He has said he’s finally doing what he wants as a free agent by working with a variety of brands to consult, design, influence, and navigate new strategies. In Dallas, he’s the men’s fashion director at Forty Five Ten, where we asked him about his new favorite players in the industry.
WHITEWALLER: How would you describe your role at Forty Five Ten?
Courtesy of Forty Five Ten.
NICK WOOSTER: The title of fashion director is sort of functioning as the eyes, ears, and voice of an area. In this case, it happens to be men’s—an area that I know a lot about. I try and find new things; scout out and be the filter to decide if it’s going to work for us or not, and to speak to you and others, but especially customers. I hope that what I do brings a voice, and a point of view.
So many men are mysti ed about the process of getting dressed. If I can in any way help guys navigate that part of their life, then it’s being of service, and it’s actually fun. I’m always on the lookout for something for myself, but by the same token, I’m always on the lookout for ways to make it easier for guys to get dressed in the morning.
Courtesy of Nick Wooster.
WW: What is particularly special about Dallas’s take on fashion?
NW: Dallas is a dressier place than New York and Los Angeles, or San Francisco. There’s an attention to events. That’s one of the rules of getting dressed—understanding what you’re doing. If you’re going to a meeting, you need to dress up for the meeting. The same goes for going out. It’s a form of manners, getting dressed for the other person. Tom Ford famously says that, but I think it’s true. In Dallas, they really understand hospitality, so it comes through in their dress.
Courtesy of Forty Five Ten.
WW: Do you have any favorite on-the-rise brands, or recent must-haves?
NW: Craig Green is a brand I brought to Forty Five Ten. He makes the perfect chino that comes in navy, khaki, and green. There are a couple of little straps that come off the belt loop, which give them a little edge, and they’re a little wider leg. I would crop them and wear them with white Common Projects sneakers. We don’t have a whole section devoted to up-and-comers, but Craig Green, for most people, would t that bill. I honestly believe he will be one of those talents, where he can work for one of the Kering or LVMH brands. He’s that talented.
Courtesy of Forty Five Ten.
We also bought a Japanese brand for the store for next fall called The Soloist. The clothes are definitely challenging and interesting, and beautifully made. They’re something you have to see to believe. First, you may think, “Oh, that’s just a plain black coat,” but then realize it has two different pockets, raw edges, and completely deconstructed.
WW: Dallas is full of interesting places to see art and eat, drink, and shop. Where are some of your favorites?
Courtesy of Nick Wooster.
NW: I stay at The Joule. Mirador is an amazing place for lunch. Mr. Mesero is a great Mexican restaurant; I really like the one on McKinney Avenue. I also love Highland Park Village, Honor Bar, and Royal Blue Grocery is really cool—they have great dessert. The Nasher Sculpture Center is amazing. Dallas is blessed with great museums and a great art culture.
