Joe Casely-Hayford was born in Ghana in 1956. His family moved to London when he was a child. He worked as an apprentice to a Savile Row tailor before enrolling at the Tailor and Cutter Academy in 1974. In 1975, he joined Central St. Martin's School of Art, for a one-year History of Art course.

Joe then joined the music industry and became well-known as a designer of clothing for rock groups. Demand for his clothes off-stage resulted in freelance contracts as well as commissions for costumes for both theatre and film. In 1992, he dressed U2 for their world tour.

He launched his own label in 1984 for menswear, followed by womenswear a year or two later. Recently he has expanded into footwear.

Street style elegance combined with sharp tailoring and masterly technique has ensured that Joe Casely-Hayford has an following who appreciate his functional and cutting edge clothes and his club culture influence.

In 1993, Joe started designing for Top Shop.

His high-profile clientele include Liam Gallagher, Lou Reed, Tori Amos, Neneh Cherry, Suede, Glamma Kid, Lynden David Hall, Mica Paris and U2.

Spring/Summer 2003

Joe Caseley-Hayford presented his Spring/Summer 2003 collection in London in September 2002 which was very well received. These are two outfits from that collection.

Autumn/Winter 2003

One of London's most successful designers, Joe Caseley-Hayford presented his Autumn show during London Fashion Week in February 2003. He showed a collection that has been quietly and skilfully developed from themes he has been working on for several seasons.

Joe has developed several of his hallmark themes in an elegant show. Swinging wrap-around skirts, high-waisted trousers, pretty knitwear and pretty beated and frayed chiffon coats and dresses. He tried some bold 70's prints as well as experimental items like 3-armed sweatshirts, and coats with the hems turned up high to form inside-out jackets.

He also played it straight with fitted blazers, neat cropped trousers or polo necked tops with bias cut skirts.



SS 2003