There are few designers who move so naturally between fashion, music, heritage and community as Nicholas Daley. Since launching his eponymous label, Daley has built a practice rooted in personal history and cultural exchange, bringing together Jamaican and Scottish heritage with a deep connection to music, craftsmanship and the communities that surround him. The result is clothing that feels as much about the people and stories behind it as it does the garments themselves.
For AW26, titled Rebel Riot, Daley turns his attention to the DIY spirit of late ’70s Washington D.C. punk and the uncompromising energy of Bad Brains. But rather than simply borrowing from punk’s familiar visual codes, the collection considers rebellion as an attitude — a way of making, collaborating and questioning what already exists. It’s an approach that sits comfortably alongside the refined craftsmanship and considered detailing that have become central to the Nicholas Daley identity.
Now, for the first time, Nicholas Daley has landed at Yards Store. To mark the occasion, we caught up with Nicholas to talk about the influences behind Rebel Riot, the evolving relationship between heritage and identity, the role of music and community in his work, and what remains non-negotiable after more than a decade of building the brand.
For those who don’t know you, who are you and what do you do?
I’m Nicholas Daley, founder and creative director of my brand, Nicholas Daley. Through the brand, I explore craftsmanship, culture, music and heritage, creating collections that celebrate community and tell authentic stories through clothing.
Your work has always felt like a meeting point between fashion, music, heritage and community. Where did that way of working come from?
My work is a celebration of craftsmanship, working closely with fabric mills and manufacturers to develop collections that express our signature design DNA. I draw inspiration from both my Scottish and Jamaican heritage, weaving those influences through colour, styling and garment design. Community is always the centre of my work, with the creatives, musicians and collaborators I work alongside often becoming part of each collection’s story. The connection between these elements is something I’ve explored since my graduate collection, and it continues through to AW26, now stocked at Yards Store. It has become the foundation of my design philosophy and provides a framework that I can continue to build upon and evolve each season.
Music seems to exist beyond the soundtrack of your collections. What are you listening to at the moment?
At the moment I’m listening to Bad Brains, Zion Marley and Leon Bridges. Both Leon and Zion have worn pieces from the collection, and we’ve also created custom pieces for them. I always find it inspiring to see artists bring their own energy to the clothing, particularly when they wear it on stage. Music continues to be one of my greatest sources of creative inspiration.
What does your community mean to you, and how do you make sure the brand gives something back to it rather than simply drawing inspiration from it?
Community means everything to me. Supporting the people around you creates genuine relationships that grow over time. I’ve always believed that if you support your community, your community will support you. Whether that’s through collaborations, events, mentoring or creating opportunities for others, it’s important that the relationship is a two-way exchange.
AW26 is titled ‘Rebel Riot’ and takes inspiration from Bad Brains and the DIY spirit of late 70’s Washington D.C. punk. What was it about Bad Brains that resonated with you?
I visited Washington D.C. last year, speaking with people in the city and researching the punk scene through record stores, books and archives. I’ve always loved lots of different genres of music, and Bad Brains are one of my favourite hardcore punk bands. They were true pioneers of the genre, and it’s incredible that their lead singer, H.R., is still performing today. I’m hoping to catch him live later this year, would be a dream come true especially after creating this collection.
Their music, style and album artwork all became key inspirations for the collection. Rather than reproducing punk literally, I wanted to capture the attitude and individuality that defined the movement and reinterpret it through the lens of Nicholas Daley.
AW26 has now landed at Yards, which is the first time Nicholas Daley has been part of our world. What do you hope people understand about it and which piece from ‘Rebel Riot’ would you personally point them towards first?
I hope the Yards Store customer connects with the craftsmanship, design and attention to detail that sit at the heart of the collection. More than anything, I want people to discover the story behind the garments and how they connect to music, culture and community.
One piece I would point them towards is the Reggae Klub T-shirt. The Reggae Klub symbol references the original merchandise from my parents’ reggae club nights, which my father curated across Scotland between 1978 and 1982. It has become a really iconic part of the brand. The symbol carries a personal history and has been featured in exhibitions at institutions such as V&A Dundee and the V&A South Kensington. Honouring my family’s history is a great privilege, and I hope everyone discovering the brand through Yards Store can become part of that story too.
