#william frederick

Schetsboek met 18 portretten van personen vookomende op de lijkstatie van Graaf Willem Frederik van Nassau-Dietz

The Ohio native William McNicol is one of very few designers who actually lets his clothes do the proverbial “talking”. Founded just four years ago in 2018, McNicol’s label “William Frederick” is centered on a fashion favorite theme- workwear. Though it is the ultra-luxury component found woven through each stitch and placed into every cut that offers a more enticing option for buyers choosing between purchasing a piece from Frederick or one of his menswear contemporaries like Aimé Leon Dore, Mike Amiri, or Jerry Lorenzo. New York Fashion Week has in recent years largely abandoned the city’s menswear scene in favor of catering to the more lucrative and press-popular womenswear talent. Dwindled to just two, one-and-a-half-hour time slots, the menswear portion of the week hardly receives the attention it is due. William Frederick is changing that. For the Fall 2022 season, while remaining true to the brand’s proven industrial codes, what accompanies this new offering is an idea fully dedicated to helping shape a new identity for buyers who are less reliant on the conceptual and who are more inclined to invest in fashion with an organic, pragmatic approach to style.

Exploring “Artistic Leisure” was the theme of last season’s Spring show. With the use of boxy jackets, roomy trousers, and fitted cotton t-shirts, the attire presented during the label’s fashion week debut resembled a type of uniform for the creative consumer whose focus on their craft is supported by William’s apparel. The Spring’s pieces appeared to blend with the wearers' personality as to not distract from the artisan's work. It is uncanny for a designer operating in today’s dollar-driven climate to offer the customer a concept of support, rather than to sell them a made-up dream in hopes of cashing in on insecurity. For the upcoming Fall and Winter months, McNicol’s personable mission of encouragement has blossomed as his disapproval of wider industry practices has continued to grow deeper. Speaking with the Cleveland Magazine, the designer touches on issues of the unethical behavior in fashion in a pointed vocal response, “In today's fashion landscape, and especially during New York Fashion Week, there is an overwhelming amount of design work driven by faux intellectual themes, which other designers have used as a crutch to distract from the lack of quality that exists in their product.” Harsh but not remotely far-fetched, it is the fashion industry's worst kept secret. As quality across all luxury categories has continued to decline as prices for goods rise with no end in sight, an ultimatum must exist where the consumer is respected and their purchase is of fair value. Let me introduce you to high fashion’s new ultimatum- William Frederick.

Here, the Fall color story of deep navy, greys and occasional spots of red and white contradicts the trend of saturated colors seen across all major fashion centers in recent seasons. Timeless yet current, McNicol unveiled his plan for moving his label’s singular vision into the future prescribed using staple colors, established patterns, and silhouettes that fit into buyers' everyday lives. Speaking again with Cleveland Magazine, a focused plan heading into the coming seasons is mentioned, “After our debut, we decided to not focus on a theme or story for future collections other than letting the clothing speak for itself”. In the spirit of continuity, the collection opened with a mood representative of classic desirability. A houndstooth waistcoat layered above the brand’s fitted cotton t-shirt was matched with a beautifully tailored black trouser and derby. These are fashionable separates that work effortlessly into any wardrobe. Other highlights of the 16 look collection speak to anticipation and remembrance of all things sartorial. Contrasting the use of the four pockets over shirts and chore jackets of collections past, this season’s two-pocket version- complete with enlarged patch pockets placed above the hem- is an edited-down variation of yet another timeless design. Rounding out this detailed ensemble was an articulated measure wrapped in modernity. Tailored to perfection, a black wool overcoat lengthened just below the knee provided yet another enticing piece established on the grounds of ease and versatility. Wear it dressed up over a suit on your way to the office or shop and dress it down with jeans and a pullover for Sunday brunch- the seemingly endless possibilities of the William Frederick staples make wearing these clothes enjoyable due to their tasteful appeal.

Fashion is in a bit of an identity crisis at the moment. As the Covid-19 pandemic forced labels and retailers to pivot to cater to a consumer locked inside, athleisurewear became the go-to uniform for comfort seekers of all ages. Sweatpants and cotton blend joggers replaced trousers. Cashmere hoodies and pullovers were worn instead of tailored jackets and high thread count knits. As the world opens up again and life begins to resemble a somewhat normal reality, shoppers will need a viable outlet to suit their re-activated lifestyle. For those balancing, say, a hybrid work schedule or for the journeyman and woman once again traveling week in and week out, William Frederick ought to be the destination for their apparel needs. An upscale take on workwear balanced with practical design detailing, William McNicol’s sights are set on outfitting the contemporary man and woman with a clear and concise structure. While another New York Fashion Week concludes and we look forward with anticipation to the Milan and Paris shows, McNicol is refusing to rest on his laurels. Instead, he speaks on his independent label's future like that of a proud parent watching their child grow. He states, “From a communicative standpoint, the goal is to promote an aspirational identity for Clevelanders”. “The overall pursuit of a more aspirational version of Cleveland design, tastes, interests, and sensibilities.” Fortunately for those living outside of Cleveland, William Frederick’s growing presence within the New York fashion scene reveals his popularity is only climbing. Keep an eye out for this young label, chances are you will be sporting one of his classic jackets and fitted trousers sometime soon.

Image Source: WWD.com

Buy a Book for Christmas Special – William Frederick reveals State Secrets!

An interview with the extraordinary biographer of an extraordinary espionage agent.

Buy a Book for Christmas Special – William Frederick reveals State Secrets!.