Nicholas Daley graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2013 and launched his eponymous label in 2015. Since the brand’s genesis, Nicholas has continually explored his dual-ethnic heritage, he widely questions
and reflects the notion of multiculturalism within the British identity.
Placing great significance on craftsmanship, all production is retained within the UK and Nicholas works with internationally recognised manufacturers such as George Cox, Glenisla and Christys’ London to create bespoke textiles that redefine a vision of what we might associate with British heritage.
Nicholas charges his collections with authenticity and music informs his practice as a form of inspiration and expression. For Spring Summer 15’s collection ‘Culture Clash’ Nicholas established his nuanced references to style and nonconformity and worked with the acclaimed DJ Don Letts. The pair subsequently created a mix tape to accompany the collection, something that Nicholas has continued to do with a different artist each season.
For S/S ‘18 and A/W ‘18 Nicholas was sponsored by The British Fashion Council’s NEWGEN program as part of London Collections Men. The presentation format enabled Nicholas to organise live music performances. For his most recent presentation, Nicholas worked with the UK’s finest contemporary jazz musicians Yussef Dayes, Mansur Brown, Alfa Mist and Shabaka Hutchings who played a rare live jazz session together.
Projects
- A/W 18 Menswear Collection ‘RED CLAYFor his second season with NEWGEN, Nicholas Daley presents ‘RED CLAY’: a collection that focuses on the alternate history of tweed and its assimilation into jazz culture. Nicholas began his creative process by finding harmony between two contrasting images: one of a Scottish Shetland farmer wearing a tweed baker boy hat and a photo of Miles Davis taken almost 100 years later, wearing the same style of hat. This parallel draw
- S/S 18 Menswear Collection ‘MADRAS’For Spring/Summer 18, British designer Nicholas Daley makes his London Fashion Week NEWGEN debut with the collection ‘Madras’. Since the label’s genesis in 2015, Nicholas has researched and explored existing and new perceptions of multiculturalism, drawing upon his dual heritage and the diversity he finds in British society. An initial preoccupation with British youth subcultures has grown to emphasise a deep interest in cross-cultural
- S/S 19 Menswear Collection 'SLYGO'Supported by the British Fashion Council’s NEWGEN programme, Nicholas Daley pays homage to his family’s role in Britain’s reggae sound system culture. SLYGO takes its name from Nicholas’ father’s DJ alias and draws direct inspiration from his parents’ club night known as Reggae Klub which ran from 1978-1982, in and around Scotland. Presenting acts such as ASWAD, Heptones and Misty in Roots amongst many more, Reggae Klub was one of
Projects credited in
- "Return to Slygo" by Nicholas Daley at NOW GalleryCommissioned by NOW Gallery, this film narrates the story behind the fully immersive exhibition, RETURN TO SLYGO, from one of the UK’s most pioneering young fashion designers, Nicholas Daley. It celebrates the coming together of Nicholas’s multicultural Jamaican-Scottish roots with his passion for music in a multi-sensory installation. A marriage of the three core values of community, culture and craftsmanship.
- Championing Diversity: This Black History Month 2018, meet 100 creatives inspiring changeThis Black History Month 2018, we’ve brought together a group of outstanding industry heroes to each nominate 10 black changemakers and creators that are shaping culture, arts, design, business, tech and beyond. We still have a way to go when it comes to conquering the lack of diversity in the creative industry - which is why it so important for us, as a platform, to use our force for good. To do so, throughout the year we spotlight incredible people, the projects that they are involved with141
Skills
- Designer