For Delaware-based designer Dell Scott, luxury has become second-nature. Her brand, Dell Scott Collection, has graced runways in LA, New York, Paris, and Dubai. Since 2015, Scott has been designing formal wear characterized by sequins, satin, jewels, and crystals. This week, Scott will show a one-of-a-kind collection in New Castle, Delaware. The twist? Every material used in each garment was sourced second-hand, at local Goodwill stores.
Scott will join returning Delaware stylist Tia Couture and the University of Delaware Department of Fashion & Apparel Studies to participate in the Goodwill ReThink Fashion Show: The Eco Edit. The goal of the show is to put sustainability in the spotlight, showing that luxury, high fashion, and sustainability can coexist on the runway.
“Sustainability has always been something that I wanted to tap into, but it was always kind of hard for me,” Scott explains. “With it being a luxury brand and upscale formal wear, how do I incorporate that?”
When Goodwill approached Scott, the collaboration was the perfect opportunity for her to explore the intersection between sustainable fashion and luxury designs.
We sat down with Scott ahead of the show this week to talk about her brand, why she loves designing luxury women’s wear, and her thoughts on sustainable style.
(Some responses have been edited for clarity and brevity).
How would you describe the Dell Scott Collection aesthetic?
My niche is formal wear. It’s something about a gown, and I think that’s what it was for me—something about a gown, an after-5 dress, a cocktail dress. We put on a gown and we walk differently, we talk differently, we carry ourselves differently. I love the way a gown drapes, and how it embodies the figure and aesthetic of a woman.
How did the partnership with Goodwill come about?
I was referred as a Delaware-based designer. With it being Goodwill of Delaware, how befitting to collaborate with a lot of talent that’s already here in the state. They asked if I would be interested in coming on board and designing a cohesive collection with garments sourced from Goodwill.
I was like, “wow, that’s different for me!” It’s something I’m not used to. I’m used to creating my own collections, showing in New York, and overseas in Paris or Dubai. It’s always a treat to be able to do something at home. I said I’d love to come on board.
How has the journey been with the sustainable collection? Have there been challenges?
I started sourcing garments about a month ago, going to different Goodwill stores. That was quite the challenge because I’m used to working with raw fabric—I know I can get more of it. When you go to the stores, you’re working with what you see at that time. Also, thinking of proportions. I may see a larger size garment that I may want for the top or bodice, but then a smaller size garment for a skirt or bottom of a dress. It was definitely a challenge.
But it’s been fun and exciting, getting the chance to be a part of sustainable fashion and eco-friendly fashion, especially with all the concern around fast fashion. I’ve watched documentaries and read articles. I think sometimes we don’t really think about it. It’s just “I need a new outfit, this event is coming up.” It’s important to be conscious and see how we can play our part in helping that situation.
What excites you the most about participating in the Goodwill ReThink Fashion Show?
Again, I think the challenge. It’s foreign territory for me, and I think that’s what really made it exciting. I felt like a person in a foreign land when I first went into the store. Once I started getting things and laying them out I got back into the same creative mode I do with my own collection.
I was also kind of nervous because I’m used to dealing with sequins, satin, jewel trim, crystals, things like that. If you go into the store that particular day to shop, what if there’s no sequins? What do you do?
It’s like “Okay, I can take this. I can take the sleeves off. I can turn this into a skirt,” so that’s what made it really exciting for me. It’s tapping into a different area of creativity I didn’t necessarily have to tap into before.
What role do you see fashion designers playing in promoting sustainability now and in the future?
I think the push is only going to get bigger. It’s something that at some point in time all designers need to be conscious of and take into consideration. We can all play our part in helping with this.
What message do you want people to take away from the Goodwill ReThink Fashion Show?
I want them to see how they can recycle garments that they already have within their own wardrobe. I think a lot of times we flip through our wardrobe and it’s “Oh, I’ve already worn this.” I’ve also been guilty of this. With different events and engagements, you kind of want something new to wear. Maybe just take a step back and take a moment. Look at what you have and pair different garments to create a new outfit. Broaden your horizons as to what you can do within your own wardrobe.
How is the end result of this collection different from what you typically design in the Dell Scott Collection?
I was a little nervous, because to me it’s felt like it was a little plain. What I was going for in my collection was first and foremost that it’s cohesive. A lot of garments could be paired with other garments. It’s versatile. If anyone went into the store and bought five items, you could make ten outfits or possibly more. Not to give it away, but there’s a neutral component to it, so it’s something any woman could have as a staple in her wardrobe.
Fashion is such a powerful art. Fashion makes you think, it makes you feel, you tap into different emotions. When we look better, we feel better. When we feel better, we’re empowered. A lot of times, women are nervous to step out of the box, but you’re basically just tapping into all those different sides of you that we already possess, and that’s beautiful.
The Goodwill ReThink Fashion Show: The Eco Edit will take place at the Goodwill Outlet & Recycling center in New Castle on Thursday, September 18. Get tickets online to see Dell Scott’s collection along with collections from other Delaware stylists and designers on the runway.
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