Nicholas Daley and The Glenlivet Just Launched Our Favorite Collab of Summer So Far

"With the amount of collabs and new product I get inundated with in this job, it's rare that something really grabs my attention. That's especially true when spirits companies move into the world of design or fashion with collaborations. Typically, it's pay some money to throw a logo on a jacket, soccer jersey, or a fucking pair of shoes. I could not care less about that stuff."

"But when I saw this Nicholas Daley and Glenlivet collaboration, it stopped me in my tracks. If you're not familia, Glenlivet has made a pretty popular rum cask expression for some time now, which lead the distiller to make a specific Jamaica edition rum cask aged Scotch. Nicholas Daley signing on to sell that makes obvious sense-Scottish-Jamaican designer who's hot right now and eternally cool. But I thought it'd just be stick the names on a hat and call it a day."

"Then, I found out Daley doesn't even drink. "If you got a Jamaican and Scottish family, it's part of the culture," he said, laughing. We were on the phone talking about the collaboration. "I guess it's one of the unifications, to be honest. Whenever there's family parties, it's a bottle of rum or whisky underneath the table or DJ booth.""

"Daley is not at all distanced from the subject matter of the clothing, though. His work always pulls from his dual heritage-the tartans, kilts, and knitting traditions of Scotland; paired with the musical and style culture of Jamaica. Daley also just has a knack for collabs. From stuff that fits his world like Clarks and Fred Perry to more off-beat collections with"

A Nicholas Daley and Glenlivet collaboration captures attention because it goes beyond typical fashion tie-ins that only place a logo on apparel. Glenlivet’s rum-cask expression and a Jamaica edition rum-cask aged Scotch provide a cultural link to Daley’s Scottish-Jamaican background. Daley’s family heritage connects Jamaican and Scottish culture through rum and whisky at gatherings. The capsule collection is designed and produced by Daley using a handful of lovely fabrics, reflecting his dual influences. Scottish tartans, kilts, and knitting traditions pair with Jamaican musical and style culture, creating clothing that feels integrated with the spirit theme despite Daley not drinking.

Read at Esquire