Athlete dreams up a bold new direction

Category: User experience of Fashion

Posted by: 22-Jun

When Mount Gambier’s Daniel Millard bolted his way into sporting history by winning Australia’s richest footrace in 1997, he was continuing an important family tradition.

“I am proud to say that I am the great grandson of the first ever 1878 Stawell Gift winner W.J. (Bill) Millard and I gladly achieved the same dream 116 years later,” Daniel explains.

Bill Millard pocketed the princely sum of 20 pounds after his historic victory at the famous Easter carnival, continued his fitness regime of chasing kangaroos, and went on to father 20 children. Times have clearly changed; when Daniel finished first across the line, he received a cool $30,000 cheque which would help support his career as a professional runner. Such commitment calls for countless tiring hours spent on the training track, and it was during this “thinking” time that Daniel dreamed up the idea to develop a sleepwear range.

“Like most athletes, I love relaxing, sleeping and pyjamas, and believed that there was a need for trendy and affordable sleepwear geared for all ages that not only looks good, but is comfy to wear as well,” he says.

Now based on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Daniel has applied his trademark determination to his new online business ‘Stevie Daniels Sleepwear’.

“I wanted to set the benchmark in style and sophistication, and have turned to sleepwear with the same passion as my running, endeavouring to provide the highest quality materials including fashion and sports designs and prints,” he explains.
Rather than opt for “off the shelf” fabrics, Daniel has teamed up with a designer who develops his sketches into commercial-grade concepts.

“I’m lucky to know a talented artist that loves to draw the old fashion way with his hands, so I roughly sketch the designs, we workshop the ideas and he performs all the magic...it’s exciting to see my visions brought to life, but also equally as satisfying for our designer who normally does most of his work on computers,” Daniel says.


Like most people embarking on a bold new business venture, Daniel is enjoying the accompanying challenges and success stories. And while he continues to train and compete in running races, he is no longer following in his great grandfather’s footsteps – particularly on the family front.

“As my great grandfather Bill went on to have 20 children, this is something I don't expect to replicate. Mmm...that's quite a few Pyjamas!” he grins.

The Stevie Daniels Sleepwear range is available through the internet at www.steviedaniels.com.au

As an Introductory offer to Stevie Daniels Sleepwear receive 30% on any garment over the internet. Head to www.steviedaniels.com.au and enter the code: PJPARTY to receive your 30% off.