Since graduating from Central Saint Martins, Nicholas Daley has taken the fashion world by storm, already garnering a finalist position for the coveted LVMH Prize and scooping the BFC Designer Fashion Fund award in 2022. Now based in a converted warehouse in Tottenham, North London, having moved from his native city of Leicestershire, Daley continues to embrace the cultural history and musical lineage of both areas, simultaneously blending influences from his Scottish and Jamaican heritage via textures, fabrics and cuts. Specifically, the designer consistently refers back to the key pillars that guide him through the creative process; community, craftsmanship and culture, evident within his latest chapter and collection — SS24 ‘Reggae Klub’.
Exploring the cultural impact of roots reggae on the UK’s Afro-Carribean community, the new collection essentially picks up from where ‘Roots To Rebel’ AW23 left off, shining a light on the rich cultural heritage of the Midland’s black music scene in the ’70s and ’80s — placing seminal Birmingham roots reggae band Steel Pulse front and centre. Invoking a mix of class consciousness and black self-empowerment, the band gave unique expression to the social and political decay that surrounded them, advocating for collective action and global unity as tools in the wider struggle. Paired with campaign images lensed by Adrian Boot, who worked closely with Bob Marley, the overall campaign perfectly captures the energy and style of a specific moment in time, underpinning a collection that both subverts and matures established brand codes.
For more information on the new ‘Reggae Klub’ collection, head to the Nicholas Daley website.
“These ten tracks pay homage to my parents who ran one of the earliest Reggae club nights in Scotland from 1978-82. Promoting British roots reggae groups such as ASWAD and Musical Youth. Many of these bands, producers and artists laid the foundation for bass music here in the U.K. I feel proud of my parents contribution in supporting independent reggae music which I am continuing their legacy through my own fashion line and music events.”
Fabian – “prophecy”
Culture – “Two Sevens Clash, 1977”
Jacob Miller – “Tenement Yard”
Steel Pulse – “Steppin Out”
Linton Kwesi – “Bass Culture”
ASWAD – “Warrior Change”
Peter Tosh – “Stepping Razor”
Jah Shaka – “Meets Aswad In Addis Ababa”
Janet Kay – “Silky Games”
Musical Youth – “Pass the Dutchie”
Nicholas Daley’s latest ‘Reggae Klub’ collection is out now and available here.