Class of 2021: Arianne Scott on her collection of female flora and why she describes CSM as ‘weird, fun, ruthless’
This is A HOT MINUTE WITH, a quick-fire interview series championing all the rising talent catapulting into fashion, art and music’s fickle stratosphere. From pinch-me moments to bad dates and even worse chat-up lines, think of it as an overindulgent conversation – like the ones you have in sticky club toilets at 4.A.M. Except these guests don’t regret the overshare…
Graduating with a collection of female flora, Arianne Scott is the Central Saint Martins final year student using the nostalgia for another’s past to influence her garment design.
Filter by EMILY JANE SCOTT x CHECK-OUT
NAME ARIANNE SCOTT
AGE 23
LOCATION London, England
COURSE BA Fashion Design Womenswear
UNIVERSITY Central Saint Martins
STAR SIGN Libra
DESCRIBE YOUR DEGREE IN THREE WORDS Weird, Fun, Ruthless.
Jeffrey Thomson: Hey Arianne, what was the inspiration behind your graduate collection?
Arianne Scott: My collection is based on a concept I created called ‘DISTALGIA’ which is nostalgia for another’s past - in my case my family in the 1970/80’s. Each look is inspired by a portrait of a family member from that era and a flower that they resonate with. The result is a collection of female flora that exist within a colourful nostalgic world of their own.
JT: Was the CENTRAL SAINT MARTINS experience what you expected or completely different?
AS: Central Saint Martins was another planet. I had no idea what to expect and after four years there I now expect the unexpected. It truly was and is the most life-changing experience. I did things that I never thought I would or could, and have a completely new way of looking at the world because of it.
JT: Did you always know you wanted to study here?
AS: I had never heard of CSM before I applied there. I decided at 17 after studying science for years that I was bored and wanted to do fashion instead, and thought it would be a good idea to go to university in London, so I took a BTEC course in fashion at my local college and then applied to CSM. It wasn’t until after I had applied, that I realised how crazy it was; that there were people who had done years of short courses and foundations to try and get in. Then I felt like an idiot because there was no way I would be accepted without that…and then somehow I got in. Every other university in London rejected me except for CSM.
JT: When looking back on your first project and now to your final collection, what springs to mind?
AS: Growth. It is unbelievable to me how much I have learnt about the craft that fashion truly is. There are so many skills that I had no idea I would need to learn in order to be able to make the things I wanted to make. Also looking back to the beginning, I wish that I had used more colour sooner, but I was very nervous and I’m glad that I got there in time for my final year.
JT: What’s the biggest misconception about studying fashion?
AS: For me, the biggest misconception is that it is assumed that people who study fashion must look like they study fashion at all times. In reality it takes so much out of you to think creatively about your work, that sometimes you just want to wear comfy joggers and an old top whilst you’re working - AND THAT’S OK!
JT: Would you have done anything different, given the chance?
AS: I think I would have definitely let loose a bit more earlier on, as my collection feels like finally I’m saying who I am. I wish that I could have done that earlier but at the same time I think I needed time to develop and explore.
“I honestly just want to earn enough money to buy a cat because I’ve always wanted one.”
JT: Do you think a formal fashion education is for everyone?
AS: I would say that if you’re thinking about it but you aren’t sure...then step back and think about what you really love and if the answer is fashion then it’s right for you. Formal fashion education is expensive and very competitive, you have to be willing to go through some tough times both financially and mentally which needs to be considered before enrolling on a course. Fashion is not easy but it can be the most incredible experience if you are passionate enough to get through the tough bits.
JT: What’s your biggest fashion faux pas?
AS: In terms of fashion choices I believe that there’s a place for everything, and just because I don’t like something it doesn’t mean it isn’t fashionable; it’s all subjective. For me the only fashion faux pas is when brands and designers greenwash and use sustainability as a way to market themselves, yet aren’t transparent about their actual environmental impact. If you only feel good about buying something because it was made out of recycled fabric, should you really have bought it? I wear things that make me happy, and I think that’s important.
JT: The best thing about studying in London?
AS: The atmosphere. There are so many things to be inspired by, we are lucky to have so much history on every street. I feel like London has an answer for everything. I especially love that with every project I have done whilst being in London I have met some amazing people who have spent years perfecting their craft, and you can tell that if you treat them well then you will have a reliable working relationship for the rest of your career.
JT: And the worst?
AS: The worst has to be not having a car anymore. The amount of stuff I have to carry on the tube sometimes is awful and I would give anything to have a free chauffeur.
JT: When you’re rushing towards a deadline, what keeps you going?
AS: It’s hilarious but when I’m stressed the only way I can get through it is by watching kids films or chick flicks. My personal therapeutic favourites include: the entire Shrek franchise, Wild Child and A Cinderella Story.
JT: How are you celebrating post-graduation life?
AS: I’ve done the celebratory champagne and massive pizza, but more importantly I’m taking some time to see my family and catch up on all the things that I missed whilst being stuck in my collection bubble. I feel like the best celebration I can do is to take some time to look after myself and take in the moment.
JT: What’s next for Arianne?
AS: I’m not sure what’s next for me, I’m open to whatever opportunities become available. My dream is to work in London as I love the city so much, but I’m also working on some things of my own. I honestly just want to earn enough money to buy a cat because I’ve always wanted one, if I can do that I’ll be very happy.
JT: And lastly, what does fashion mean to you?
JJ: Fashion means a lot of things to a lot of people, but for me it’s an art form, career, lifestyle and most importantly an opportunity!
See more from Check-Out’s Class of 2021 here.