The Traditional Tailor Reimagined – Brent Wilson by Nickolas Gurtler

Nickolas Gurtler creates a highly considered space, intricately designed to align with the sleek, luxurious nature of the Brent Wilson brand. Reimagining both the idea of the traditional tailor and the heritage nature of the space, the new Brent Wilson store feels modern yet classic while remaining elegant and modest.

Brent Wilson is an appointment-only men’s tailoring store located within the Strand Arcade in the centre of Sydney’s CBD between George Street and Pitt Street – one of Sydney’s most prominent heritage locations built in 1891. Owner Brent Wilson explains, “when planning this space with Nickolas, we were clear we wanted to create a space that didn’t feel cluttered or overwhelming and that captured the brand essence while creating an environment that felt safe, private and luxurious for our customers.” The brief followed suit, “we wanted to reimagine the idea of a tailor store by taking heritage concepts from the history of tailoring and men’s suiting and make them feel more modern and contemporary,” says Nickolas Gurtler, principal at Nickolas Gurtler and the lead designer of the project.

Owner Brent Wilson explains, “when planning this space with Nickolas, we were clear we wanted to create a space that didn’t feel cluttered or overwhelming and that captured the brand essence while creating an environment that felt safe, private and luxurious for our customers.”

The storefront remains largely unchanged from the original, evoking a timeless and nostalgic feel. “The building has a lot of heritage elements that were protected, so we couldn’t alter it too much,” says Nickolas. “We intentionally left the beautiful gold numbering on the door that had worn away as we felt it contributed to the age of the space and says something beautiful about that connection.”

Upon entry, one is immediately greeted by a six-metre monolithic-style bench made from leathered Black Caviar marble. Nickolas notes, “we bookmatched it everywhere we could… it creates a sense of elegance and luxury, but also a sense of permanence and heritage.” To the left, there is a shoe parlour that houses the footwear display that also acts as a waiting area for clients. As you turn around and walk in the other direction, the ready-to-wear clothing collection and tailoring rooms are found.

“We intentionally left the beautiful gold numbering on the door that had worn away as we felt it contributed to the age of the space and says something beautiful about that connection.”

The fitting rooms are unique – each one designed to encapsulate a distinct personality and atmosphere. Notably, each fitting room has different wall lights from Australian makers, including Lost Profile Studio, Henry Wilson and Tomas Maxam. “We wanted to use those artisans as we feel they mirrored what Brent Wilson does, being an Australian fashion manufacturer,” explains Nickolas. Lighting throughout the store is considered in a similar way, “we wanted to light the product in a way that made it feel luxurious and special, so when you walk through the space there is a real warmth, dimension and sense of interest,” notes Nickolas. For example, integrated LED strips highlight the quality of the craftsmanship and the materials.

Through considered choices in terms of materiality, lighting and texture, Nickolas Gurtler infuses the Brent Wilson store in Sydney with the opulence and timeless charm that defines the brand – elevating the customer experience and leaving visitors with a lasting impression of their time spent at the store.