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Fashion Alumnus Steven Stokey-Daley Receives Prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design

Steven Stokey-Daley, a graduate of the BA (Hons) Fashion Design course, has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design by the British Fashion Council (BFC) Foundation. Now in its seventh year, the award celebrates designers who are driving innovation while making a positive impact on society through sustainable practices and community engagement.

Hailing from Liverpool, Steven is the founder and creative mind behind the acclaimed label S.S. Daley. His work explores British heritage through the lens of class and identity, often drawing inspiration from the countryside with recurring motifs such as horse racing, geese, and floral patterns.

Steven’s rise in the fashion world began with the debut of his graduate collection at London Fashion Week in February 2020. His breakthrough moment came when stylist Harry Lambert selected pieces from that collection for Harry Styles’ music video Golden. The connection continued, with Styles later acquiring a minority stake in the brand.

S.S. Daley has become known for its sustainable ethos, creating collections from deadstock and donated fabrics. This commitment to eco-conscious design has placed the label at the forefront of ethical fashion. In 2022, the brand won both the Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) Prize and the BFC Foundation Award at The Fashion Awards.

In 2023, Steven was invited as a guest designer at Pitti Immagine Uomo, one of the world’s leading menswear trade shows held biannually in Florence, Italy.

On 12 September 2023, Steven received the Queen Elizabeth II Award from Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh at a ceremony hosted at The Royal Academy. The event featured a special performance by acclaimed British R&B artist Laura Mvula. The next day, Steven unveiled his debut womenswear collection at London Fashion Week.

Commenting on the award, 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 supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has embraced the SDGs to guide its strategic direction, enabling students and staff to contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable and equitable future.

Explore fashion courses at Leostylo.com to follow in Steven’s footsteps.