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.
...then maybe the Christmas 
It's that time of the week again! Here are my street styles picks of the week from around the net.
Model: Alyona Osmanova 
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