Fashion Design BA Honours alumnus Steven Stokey-Daley has been honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, presented by the British Fashion Council (BFC) Foundation. Now in its seventh year, the award recognises designers who are leading the way with innovation while making a meaningful impact on society, whether through sustainable practices or community engagement.
Steven, originally from Liverpool, is the founder and creative force behind the label S.S. Daley. His designs reflect the complex duality of his British heritage, with a focus on themes of class and identity. The label’s signature motifs include imagery inspired by the British countryside, such as horse races, geese, and florals.
Steven’s journey into the fashion spotlight began with the launch of his graduate collection in February 2020, as part of the Fashion Design BA Honours show at London Fashion Week. His brand quickly gained recognition when stylist Harry Lambert selected pieces from his collection for British pop star Harry Styles' music video Golden. Since then, Styles has invested in a minority stake in the brand.
S.S. Daley is known for its commitment to sustainability, using deadstock and donated fabrics to create its collections. This eco-conscious approach places the brand at the forefront of the movement towards a more environmentally responsible fashion industry. In 2022, S.S. Daley further cemented its place in the fashion world by winning the prestigious Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy Prize, as well as the BFC Foundation Award at the Fashion Awards.
In 2023, Steven was invited as a guest designer to Pitti Immagine Uomo, a globally renowned fashion fair held biannually in Florence, Italy, showcasing the best in menswear and accessory collections.
On 12 September 2023, Steven received the Queen Elizabeth II Award from Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh at The Royal Academy. The event also featured a special performance by British R&B singer Laura Mvula. The following day, Steven presented his first womenswear collection at London Fashion Week.
Reflecting on Steven’s achievement, Professor Andrew Groves, Professor of Fashion Design and Director of the Westminster Menswear Archive, said: “I'm incredibly proud to congratulate Steven Stokey-Daley on winning the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. Having taught him at Westminster, it's been amazing to watch his journey from student to visionary designer. Steven follows in the footsteps of Priya Ahluwalia, another Westminster alumna who won in 2021, further highlighting the University's role in shaping future fashion leaders.”
Steven’s work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. The University of Westminster has embraced the SDGs since 2019, using them as a framework to guide strategic decisions that help students and staff contribute to a more sustainable, equitable, and healthier society.
Find out more about the Fashion courses at the University of Westminster.
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