Nobu London Portman Square
London
The uniform collection inside Nobu London Portman Square, designed by NO Uniform, is a nod to both Japanese craftmanship and the contemporary brand direction of Nobu Hotels.
| Number of staff | 300+ |
| Number of styles | 23 |
| Project completion | 2021 |
| Location | London, United Kingdom |
The custom uniform collection created for Nobu Portman Square London is a mix of sophistication, cultural authenticity, and modern style. Each piece in the collection blends traditional Japanese elements with contemporary British tailoring, capturing the essence of the Nobu brand in Mayfair.
“There is a flow to this collection, which doesn’t feel like a uniform at all,” said Nicholas Oakwell, Creative Director and Founder of NO Uniform. “We played with proportions, layers, and details. Some looks are inspired by my couture collection, while others have a more relaxed luxury feel.”
The goal was to stay true to the Nobu brand while matching the hotel’s elegant and minimalist design by David Collins Studio. The result is a collection that fits seamlessly into the hotel’s clean and sophisticated atmosphere, with each uniform adding a special touch to the overall look.
Standout LOOKS
The collection includes sleek designs like the reception dress, which subtly reflects Japanese craftsmanship. The head waiter and head waitress uniforms also incorporate traditional Japanese elements while staying modern and practical. There are pops of color throughout the collection, like the fuchsia-pink hostess dress, which complements the dark-blue tones behind the reception desk.
The inspiration came from traditional Japanese clothing, including features from geisha attire, such as split sleeves, which you can see in some of the designs. The jackets have a neckline that stands away from the neck, similar to a geisha’s dress. Origami was also an inspiration to the forms of a number of designs such as the lounge and bar uniforms.
The menswear designs feature layering inspired by traditional kimonos, adding depth to the overall looks. One standout piece is the Japanese martial arts-inspired trousers designed for the restaurant staff, which are both functional and a nod to Japanese tradition.
When the hotel opened during the COVID-19 pandemic, it had 150 staff members, including 120 for the restaurant. The collection was specifically designed to outfit the door, concierge, reception, lobby lounge, restaurant, bar, and Nobu restaurant separately. Each uniform was designed not just as clothing but as part of the overall Nobu experience, blending the hotel’s cultural and design influences into a cohesive wardrobe that enhances the guest experience.
LOOKBOOK
HOSTESS
PORTER
SUMMER
NOBU BAR
WAITRESS
SOMMELIER
MANAGER
DOOR MAN
SUMMER
DOOR MAN
WINTER
DOOR MAN
SUMMER
PORTER
WINTER
PORTER
SUMMER
SOMMELIER
NOBU BAR
WAITRESS
HOSTESS
MANAGER
NOBU BAR
WAITRESS
BAR KEEPER & WAITRESS
HEAD WAITER / WAITRESS
EVENING BAR TENDER / HOSTESS
RECEPTION
MANAGER
MANAGER