Interview: Danielle A Scott-Haughton

I'm pleased to present the first ever interview here on Wolf Whistle, with the incredibly talented Danielle A Scott-Haughton. Let me know what you think in the comments!

It's definitely true that while some people were made to be wallflowers , others were born to be center stage. Within a minute of meeting Danielle A Scott-Haughton, it's clear to see that, with her, it's obviously the latter.

Danielle is a larger than life, nower than now, impressively multi-tasking student, designer and television star. But never mind the labels. As Danielle says "I’m 19. I think labels are for people who definitely know, like concrete, or for people who haven’t explored the possibilities - I’m an explorer..."

Explorer suits Danielle better than all those other terms, anyway. She's currently in her second year of Broadcast Journalism degree at the London College of Fashion but still found time to launch an impressive five piece clothing collection called Red, White and Blue Blood Black Girls for her clothing line CUT&SWALLOW.

"This collection started because I was interested in Black British Royalty, you know - blue bloods," Danielle says. "I’m in love with Britain and the unperfectness of it. Also, I was introduced to the owner of Miss Black Britain with the intention of designing a collection for their show. That didn’t happen because they didn’t believe I could make the volume of dresses in the time required. So, as a fuck-you-I-can-do-it, I turned what was supposed to be 30 pieces into 8 and then [I chose] the final 5 pieces." 

This is some exquisite fuck you, though. The final five pieces -- in red, white and blue, naturally -- have been modeled by five beautifully regal black girls in an apt photo shoot with the quintessentially English Tower Bridge in the background. It's powerfully patriotic and it's very clear that her heritage means a lot to Danielle.

"The government says I’m Jamaican because of a technicality and don’t mistake me, being of Jamaican heritage is amazing" Danielle tells me. "But I was born in May Day hospital in Thorton Heath - I’m British. Black British, whatever sub-group them forms wanna place me, but I am British."

Another thing that Danielle feels strongly about is making women look good. "People must look good. You know?" she smiles. "And that’s what my dresses have to do. Make women look good." Happily, Danielle is a girl of her word and both of these passions are clearly reflected in her designs that are fit for a queen.  

As if her fashion collection wasn't enough, Danielle also recently made her television debut on Channel 4's show Frock Me, hosted by model Alexa Chung and designer Henry Holland. For those of you who haven’t seen it, Frock Me just finished its first season on T4 celebrating all things fashion and music. Danielle competed against boy around town Slinky Sunbeam from rock band The More Assured in an anti-fashion street style battle and -- spoiler alert! -- won. Go Danielle!

"Frock Me was amazing. Cliché, but it was!" Danielle gushed. "I’ve been in love with Roisin Murphy [who was on the show] since Moloko and I was so star struck I didn’t tell her. To get to make clothes on the telly was just such a blessing and then to get Kate Nash, Henry Holland and Miss Murphy’s approval and then a grand [prize money] on top - what more could one ask for?"

What more indeed? If you missed Danielle's star turn, you can watch the November 16th show for free by visiting Channel 4's free online catch up here. (may not be available to viewers outside the UK, unfortunately.) Bonus hint: When asked to describe herself in three words, Danielle told me - "Ears. Mouth. Nails." Check out those nails!

Danielle’s adventures in fashion and television are not done yet, but she’s keeping things adventurous, free and easy. “I haven’t got a plan, never have. I’ve rolled with the punches - literally sometimes. God’s just well good to me, so all I can do is hope that I’m healthy, wealthy, happy and in love.”

Even if she doesn't know what's in store for her, I'm convinced there'll be plenty more from Danielle to get excited about in the future. Look out for the next collection In Your Dreams, which will be showcased by London fashion show production company Stitching The Gap on January 16th. In Danielle's own words - "I'm gonna flip the script on you guys... it's going to be amazing!" I for one can’t wait to see where her explorations take her next.

Comments

[jennine]

wow, i really like this collection... the red white and blue is really tough to do without coming across as patriotic, so it's suitable to her feelings about 'british' which is increasingly influential element of london culture.. i mean what is london without it's international mix? boring.
;)

[Martyn]

Nice article..!

[Amy]

Jennine: Exactly! Patriotic and exotic, all at once. That's why London is the most fashionable city in the world (if I do say so myself!)

Martyn: Thanks, Blastoise.

[Retro Jordans]

I am just making a blog related to this. If you allow, I would like to use some of your content. And with full refernce of course. Thanks in advance.