Style Me Up!

Scott finished his talk and opened up the floor to questions from the audience.

1) Question about Scott’s Inspiration

The main thing about being a designer is actually to have an opinion something that is your own point of view.  It is your vision and you need to be true to it – the vision of who you want to dress – from that inspiration can actually come from anything a play, movie or book or people walking down the street.

2) Question about Local Manufacturing and is it possible now

Scott would not have been able to start his label in 1998 without the abundance of skilled pattern cutters and machinists it was at the time lots of redundancies had just been made in the region.  Scott obviously was passionate in his answer and got a round of applause for his views.  He was clear there needs to be supportive graduates and designers possibly even a consortium for young designers where they have support.  Scott mentioned the talk there is currently that Sir Phillip Green is opening a design academy, but he thinks the Government should put their money where their mouth is – they always state they support British Fashion and they should prove it.

3) Biggest Advice

Produce the best collection you can for Graduate Fashion Week, it is a great launching pad.

Have a concise portfolio – this is my identity and this is my niche – know your strengths.

If you cant pattern cut you need to be able to draw and vice versa – you should be able to do one or the other.

4) Opinion on Unpaid Interns

Most Internships come from universities and students do learn so much even by just being there and absorbing the atmosphere.  At London Fashion Week Models started at £2.50.   Scott could see both sides of the arguments but didn’t necessarily feel the ownness should be on a company for a salary although all expenses should be covered.  Universities should have places for studnets to stay and also to ensure if it is unpaid it is for a big name to make it worth it.