Royal Ascot's first creative director reveals he got his big break thanks to Harry Styles who was his first ever customer straight out of university

READ MORE: Royal Ascot breaks with tradition by creating its first lookbook in 300 years - and telling racegoers to wear the style they feel most comfortable in

Royal Ascot's first creative director has spoken about how Harry Styles was his first ever customer and says he wants racegoers to mix up their outfits for the event this year.

Fashion designer Daniel Fletcher graduated from the University of the Arts London's renowned college Central Saint Martins in 2015.

Fletcher launched his graduate collection shortly after his departure from the University, but little did he know that one of the most popular stars in the world would be his first ever customer and ultimately help launch his brand.

After showing his designs at an event, stylist Harry Lambert said he thought Harry Styles would like his garments. A week later, the former One Direction singer purchased all of them.

Speaking ahead of Royal Ascot, which starts tomorrow, Daniel said: 'He bought all of the shirts from my collection, then I made some custom ones for him and then it really took off after that.

Harry Styles is pictured on the The Jonathan Ross Show in 2015 wearing a shirt from Fletcher's Graduate Collection

Daniel Fletcher said he wants racegoers to embrace new ways of dressing rather than 'sticking to what they know'

'When Harry first wore my shirts it was great actually because I was a student that had just come from straight from university and had this megastar walking around my [designs].

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'It's a really surreal feeling especially when I'd sewn them all myself, [and used] fabrics I had printed here in London and drawn myself.'

He altered the garments for Styles, making them an inch longer and says that all his shirts have remained that length ever since.

Styles wore Fletcher's navy and powder blue striped shirt during an interview on the Jonathan Ross show, giving him the boost he needed to launch his career.

Fletcher, originally from the North West of England, has since gone on to work with other big names in the music industry such as Joe Jonas and has bagged himself the job as Royal Ascot's first creative director.

He said: 'It's quite daunting to me to become the first creative director of Royal Ascot because we're talking about dress codes here that date back to the 19th century.

'I've looked back through all of the outfits from hundreds of years and tried to pay homage to those but also bring something new and a fresh approach to it as well.'

Fletcher - who competed on the show Next in Fashion in 2020 - wants racegoers to embrace new ways of dressing for the event, rather than sticking to what they know.

Harry Styles bought all of Fletcher's Graduate Collection. Above: Pictured in one of his designs in 2015

Harry Styles is pictured wearing one of Fletcher's shirts on Carpool Karaoke and was his first customer when he graduated university in 2015

Whilst all of the dress codes have stayed the same, the designer's goal was to give revellers an 'unexpected taste' of what it acceptable to wear.

For example, one of the looks features a feminine dress with ties, flower bags and berets. Fletcher said he brought elements of ensembles you would expect to see 'in the boardroom, or on school uniform' on a silk flowy dress to stir up traditional ensembles.

For the first time in 300 years, Royal Ascot has unveiled its lookbook and Fletcher explains his designers for each edit.

The Best of British Edit takes inspiration from Daniel's lifelong fascination with British Heritage and features clashing stripes and ties worn with whimsical silk dresses.

He said the New Guard Edit is dedicated to the next generation of independent brands and designers, with a new take on occasion dressing.

The Conscious Edit aims to showcase how racegoers can dress up whilst thinking about the impact their fashion choices have on the environment. This includes a custom suit designed and made in London by Fletcher using a deadstock lightweight tweed.

Fletcher, originally from the North West of England, has since gone on to work with other big names in the music industry such as Joe Jonas

Above: A look taken from Daniel Fletcher's The Best of British Edit for Royal Ascot

Fletcher is pictured altering a hat on a model's head for his photoshoot for the lookbook

Daniel spoke of his 'signature look' while releasing the lookbook, which includes 'building an outfit based on neutrals and my love of tailoring'

Fletcher said the Luxury Edit is for racegoers who are looking to elevate their look and add a touch of glamour.

Some pieces included have intricate and unique elements to the designs, for example, the intarsia knits in Missoni dresses, to pleating from Zimmerman, and draping from Marc Jacobs.

Whilst the designer says you can never go wrong with a classic Top hat and Tails, the Tailoring Edit highlights other ways to incorporate tailoring into race day dressing.

Fletcher said: 'This season, I wanted to bring a fresh take on fashion at the races and the magical world of occasion dressing. Inspiration came from my lifelong fascination with British heritage, and the stylish characters one might find at the racecourse this summer, whilst also paying homage to the array of styles showcased across each enclosure - and my favourite Royal Ascot looks throughout the decades.

'This includes my signature style of building an outfit based on neutrals and my love of tailoring, juxtaposed with more playful maximalist looks which highlight our sense of British sartorial elegance and the glamour of Royal Ascot.

'Be it flamboyant or understated, Royal Ascot gives us the chance to embrace the famous dress codes and dress up, encouraging freedom of expression through dressing.

'For 2024, I want to capture that joy and inspire racegoers to push the boundaries with their own unique style, and to embrace their own creativity.'