Talking to Nicholas Daley feels like stepping into one of his collections: layered with stories, music, heritage, and an obvious sense of care.
Since launching his label in 2015, Daley has carved out a space in menswear that feels deeply personal, drawing from his Scottish and Jamaican roots to create clothes that connect culture, craftsmanship, and community.
As a firm favourite at htown, we wanted to understand more about his creative process that has led him to build the brand today.
How did you start your career?
Nicholas: My career started after graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2013. Since then, the brand has grown steadily over the last 10 years, with the first collection launching in 2015 with Beams Japan. Some key moments for the brand have been becoming a finalist for both the LVMH Prize and the GQ x PFC Menswear Award. It's really been a combination of support from these organisations, stockists, collaborators and community that has helped the brand continue to grow.
What are your favourite textiles and materials to work with?
Nicholas: For this season, we developed a bespoke camo jacquard using recycled fibres. You can see this textile used in the vest and shirt, and it's a key fabric within the collection. I took inspiration from the natural landscapes of Jamaica for this.
How has music shaped what you do?
Nicholas: Music has always been a huge part of the brand and my creative process. For this season, we already have styles being worn by artists such as Cat Burns, Kariem Riggins, Leon Bridges, Kokoroko and Deego from Fontaines D.C.
Seeing the clothes worn at gigs, festivals and shows, styled by artists whose work I respect and admire, is always inspiring.
'The collection is really a celebration of design, culture and craftsmanship' - Nicholas Daley
What were your inspirations for this collection?
Nicholas: Rooted Revival highlights our ongoing fabric developments with British mills across signature and iconic ND styles, such as the Reggae KLUB t-shirt, which reworks my parents' original music merchandise from the club they ran in the 1970s.
The collection is really a celebration of design, culture and craftsmanship, and it's great to see it represented at htown.
What's your favourite piece and how would you wear it?
Nicholas: For this season, the Track Top has been received really well. It features bespoke rib detailing, contrast stitching, and our signature front pocket setup. It can be paired with the adjustable track bottoms.
It's a versatile style that can be worn in different ways, and it works especially well for creatives who are constantly on the move.
You've worked on some really cool collabs, but what would be your dream?
Nicholas: We've been lucky to work on some great collaborations. Last year, Nicholas Daley had projects with Carhartt WIP and Clarks Originals allowed us to continue exploring design, culture and craftsmanship through a wider lens.
Seeing more of our community wearing these styles at gigs, fashion events and on stage has been really rewarding. We also have more collaborations launching next year that I'm excited to share with the community.
