Fashion Spotlight: Steven Stokey-Daley
Having already worked in the menswear design teams of both Alexander McQueen and Tom Ford, Steven Stokey-Daley had a range of experience that well prepared him for crafting a collection and brand identity of his own. We caught up with him recently to discuss his work, his collaboraiton with Harry Styles, and more so check it out.
If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Logical, tenacious, chaotic.
When did you know you wanted to start designing?
There wasn’t one singular moment. I genuinely believe I landed here by chance. I decided on a whim to apply for the fashion program at the University of Westminster. Fashion, as a practise, nicely merges my interests in art, theatre and craft. I suppose I have always been obsessed with the practise of planning and executing my own ideas from start to finish, as a production or project - I love the feeling of pushing myself and taking on more than I can handle and, for me, design is the perfect outlet for that.
What sparks your creativity and where do you find inspiration?
I think I have an overactive mind. The inability to focus on one thing at a time means that almost everything and anything inspires me? My work tends to reflect my infatuation with public school culture and I enjoy subverting this traditional, decadent British traditionalism and putting my own twist on it. I usually view this elitism, that I’ve only ever seen from afar and in films and theatre, through a homosocial lens. Music gives me a lot of inspiration too, I always have music playing in my studio while i’m working. I find it difficult to work without it.
Can you tell us how your collaboration with Harry Styles came about?
I sent my lookbook to Harry Lambert, Styles’s stylist, after I saw an Instagram call-out that Lambert had posted inviting young designers and graduate designers to send him their work for the chance to be included in upcoming projects of his. Luckily he liked some of my pieces and thought they’d be good for Harry Styles’ upcoming music video, but of course there was no guarantee that they would definitely be picked for Harry Styles to wear in the video. Harry Lambert is a huge supporter of students and small brands and both Lambert and Styles have been incredible in supporting my work. I feel so lucky to have had that opportunity and I’ll be so thankful to Harry Lambert for giving me that opportunity.
What do you listen to in the studio?
A real mix - it's quite mood-dependent sometimes. Right now I'm listening to a lot of Kate Bush, Shygirl, Niki & The Dove, and Weyes Blood. I usually put on my studio Spotify playlist: S.S.DALEY AW21.
2021 plans? What’s next for you?
I’m currently working on a new offering for A/W 21 and I’ve had the pleasure of working with Harry Lambert again for an exciting upcoming project. Yes, I am being purposefully vague.
Check out Steven's online shop here and keep and eye out for his upcoming project!
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