On March 5, 2023, Midwest Fashion Week lit up Paris with a series of fashion shows at the prestigious Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel as part of Paris Fashion Week.
It is important to note that Midwest Fashion Week is a fashion production initiative started in 2006 by fashion designer Berny Martin. Born in Indianapolis, the event has grown rapidly into an international platform for opportunities for designers, models, stylists, photographers, and fashion marketing and production professionals in the Midwest region.
Pierre-Antoine and the Ecostylia Team were invited to attend these prestigious events where they had the opportunity to meet and interview the talented fashion designer Dell Scott, whose latest collection seduced the public during her fashion show. In this exclusive interview, we’ll talk with Dell about her background, inspiration and vision for the future of fashion.
Interview
What are your most memorable experiences from your participation in Paris Fashion Week 2023?
Awe Paris, what a wonderful experience to debut my collection in one of the most beautiful cities and fashion capitals in the world! It was exciting to see how passionate the French culture is about fashion and to meet other designers with fabulous collections as well. The team for Paris Fashion Week (Midwest) was very welcoming and helped me to fit right in. It was amazing debuting at Paris Fashion Week right after presenting my collection at NYFW in September.
What sparked your passion for fashion design, and how has it evolved over time?
My passion for fashion design was sparked at a very young age. I was that little girl flipping through the pages of Vogue and Cosmo admiring the beautiful designs and models. I was that little girl playing with barbie dolls for endless hours. My father was a major influence as well, as he sewed to create his own style as well. As I grew older, I experimented with styling different outfits and meticulously picking out my clothes and accessories. I eventually desired to create my own unique designs.
Could you tell us about your professional background and the key steps that led you to become a fashion designer?
Believe it or not, I have such a unique story, there is nothing cookie cutter about my journey. I have a degree in accounting. So, I jokingly say, Accounting is something I am good at, but Fashion is something I am passionate about. I constantly juggle between the analytical and creative side of my brain. With no formal training in design, I was blessed to have a natural eye for it and great mentors (fellow fashion designers) along the way. Also, I continuously do research to perfect my craft with each upcoming collection.
What sources of inspiration fuel your creativity? Which designers, artists, or individuals have influenced or continue to inspire you?
Environment is key to my inspiration as a designer. Sometimes I need solitude and sometimes I need to be immersed around people. Sometimes I just need to peruse the fabric store to feel textures and see an array of colors. Designers such as Valentino, Dior, and Halston have inspired me so much. The elegant and edginess of their designs and attention to detail were definitely an influence.
How would you describe your personal style as a designer?
Elegance would be the one word to describe my style as a designer. With my niche being formal wear, I love the opulence, the sensuality, and elegance that formal wear brings. There is something about the way a gown or cocktail dress makes a woman feel. She walks and talks differently.
Could you present your latest collection and talk about its message or concept?
My latest collection, Emerge is a 20 pc formal wear collection with satin and sequin fabrics. The color palette is an array of ivory, tofu, black, metallic, alloy, gold, teal and radiant blue. It consists of flamboyant gowns and sleek cocktail dresses that accentuate the female form. High slits and deep necklines add sensuality while petals and pearl mesh add flirtiness. Of course, keeping in tune with my desire for elegance, finishing touches of pearl and crystal trim were added.
How did you find inspiration for this collection? Is there a story or theme that inspired it?
The inspiration came to mind for this collection when I thought of the concept of light versus dark. The variance that exists between the two elements. I realized that light can’t exist without darkness and darkness can’t exist without light, therefore creating a balanced medium.
Is it possible to purchase your current collection, and if so, where can it be found?
The Emerge collection can be purchased at www.dellscottcollection.com, as well as Morgans of Delaware boutique, in Delaware, USA.
What are your plans as a fashion designer? What can we wish for you in the coming years?
As long as I have breath, I plan to continue to evolve and create beautiful formal wear for women. I believe I am called to empower women through my designs across the globe. I believe when women look good, they feel good, and when they feel good, they can accomplish anything!
When do you plan to return to Paris?
Oh, the Dell Scott Collection will return to Paris soon, you can bet on it!
Interview by Pierre-Antoine Tsady, founder of Ecostylia.
Here are some pictures of her latest collection
Photos by Driss Hadria, 05/03/2023 at the Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel.