Harry Styles, the chart-topping singer and global style icon, has taken a significant step into the world of fashion business. Styles recently acquired a minority stake in the London-based label S.S.Daley, signaling a deeper commitment to a brand he has previously helped propel during its formative years.
The announcement came on the heels of S.S.Daley’s striking catwalk collection, unveiled at Pitti Uomo in Milan on January 11. The collaboration between Styles and Steven Stokey-Daley, the 25-year-old Liverpudlian designer behind the brand, is poised to bring forth a fresh perspective on contemporary British heritage fashion.
Stokey-Daley, who gained recognition after graduating from the University of Westminster in 2020, received a significant boost when Styles prominently featured one of his graduate designs in the 2020 ‘Golden’ music video. This early endorsement catapulted him into the fashion spotlight, establishing him as one of the standout graduates entering the industry during the challenging times of the pandemic.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Stokey-Daley expressed excitement about the shared vision he and Styles have for the future of S.S.Daley. The designer highlighted their collective focus on ensuring the brand’s longevity and scaling it into a modern British heritage house.
“The phenomenon of Harry Styles is global – it’s everywhere. It’s constant and it’s all the time,” remarked Daley in an interview last year. The transformative impact of Styles’ endorsement was palpable, especially after the ‘Golden’ music video, which elevated S.S.Daley into a different echelon within the fashion world.
Building on this momentum, Stokey-Daley clinched the coveted €300,000 LVMH Prize for young fashion designers in 2022. This substantial win provided him with the means to expand and evolve his brand further. S.S.Daley, from its inception, has been known for exploring the intersections of the British class system and displaying a fascination with the aesthetics of Bright Young Things-era public school boys.
Styles’ affinity for S.S.Daley dates back to his introduction to the brand by his stylist, Harry Lambert. Now, with his recent investment, Styles has gone beyond being a mere supporter to becoming a stakeholder in the brand. This move solidifies his commitment to the fashion industry and his desire to contribute to the growth of emerging talent.
As fans eagerly anticipate Styles gracing future events in the distinctive S.S.Daley designs, it’s clear that this collaboration marks a significant melding of musical and sartorial influences. The upcoming seasons may see the fashion landscape adorned with more pleated, printed 70s trousers, yellow cagoule hats, and duck-knitted sweaters, curated under the creative partnership of Styles and Stokey-Daley.
In the dynamic realm of fashion, where celebrity collaborations often redefine brand narratives, Harry Styles’ venture into S.S.Daley promises to be a captivating journey that adds another intriguing chapter to both the singer’s and the designer’s evolving legacies.
As the music and fashion worlds converge, the fusion of Styles’ global influence with S.S.Daley’s distinct aesthetic sets the stage for a thrilling exploration of modern British style, echoing the heartbeat of two industries intertwined in a harmonious melody of creativity.
With Styles now holding a stake in S.S.Daley, fashion aficionados and celebrity watchers alike are poised to witness the evolution of this exciting partnership, offering a glimpse into the ever-evolving intersection of music, culture, and style.
