5 Minutes With... Scottacus Anthony

SCOTTACUS ANTHONY is a designer label based in London, with its roots in creative pattern cutting and print engineering. We spent five minutes with the designer, Scott Perkins to get a glimpse inside the brand.

How did Scottacus Anthony begin?

The first form of my label started during my bachelors, but its wasn’t until my master’s degree that it evolved into what it is today. The name for the label, Scottacus Anthony, is actually a nickname from my childhood and my middle name.

I have been lucky enough to experience many different jobs before committing to running my label, I was a musician, a visual merchandiser, and I worked for designers such as Alexander Mcqueen and Gareth Pugh for example. All of these jobs have different skill sets that have made running my label easier.

Have you always been interested in fashion?

No, not until I was about 15/16 years old. I originally studied sculpture so my background is rooted in art, and I use this experience to translate shapes into design. I often drape and pattern cut before I even begin sketching as I think it has a more organic and free approach. This is the biggest influence on my design style.

What have been the highest and lowest points on your journey so far?

During my Bachelor studies, I interned at McQueen and got to see Lee drape part of the “Plato’s Atlantis” Collection. Showing my collection at London Fashion Week 2015 was probably the highlight so far. The lowest, was when I moved to London to study my MA, the house I was staying in was like a soap opera, I lived with11 people and 2 cats. There was a new drama every day!

What was the inspiration behind your latest collection?

I love history, I think events and historic people are fascinating and seem to be an underlying narrative in all of my collections. I think this helps me to define a visual context, and a route to research ideas. I see the collections as abstract storytelling. The Autumn Winter 16 ,“Chevaleresque”collection is inspired by stone carvings of medieval Kings, capturing the feeling of strong female leaders, like Matilda of Tuscany and Joan d’Arc through bold colours and soft structural drapes.

Do you ever struggle to stay inspired?

No, not really. If anything, being over inspired tends to be more of a struggle, having to decide what elements to edit out. At the beginning of every collection the ideas are endless, each design or inspiration infinite. I just love creating; I’m not one of these people that can just stop the process.

Where is your go-to meeting spot?

Anywhere with a good vibe, that is quiet and has good coffee.

Is there anyone you would love to see wearing your designs?

Mary Portas, Lupita Nyong’o, Tilda Swinton Cate Blanchett, Daphne Guinness, Anna Dello Russo, Alexa Chung

What are the morals you run your brand by?

I believe in treating people fairly, having good common sense and keeping your feet on the ground. I am also a strong believer in supporting local businesses and local batch production runs.

Do you have a mentor?

If i hadn’t met certain people through out my career so far, I wouldn’t be where I am today, including the good the bad and the ugly. Sometimes you need all three for a level view point.

What apps keep you sane?

Instagram, it's always great seeing what other people are up to and engaging with people directly; Spotify, I always have music on in the background, often it's the same few songs on repeat and my calculator app, I rely on it so much, for everything from costings to pattern cutting.

If you could only wear one piece from your collection, what would it be and why?

That's a difficult one, so many pieces. From the Autumn Winter collection I think it would be the Drape Back Coat, I’m a fan of strong sartorial dressing.

What’s the biggest style mistake you’ve ever made?

Haha, yes personally I've made loads! If you don’t make mistakes you're not trying!

Is there another designer whose work you particularly admire?

Ulyana Sergeenko, Elsa Schiaparelli, Delpozo, these are mordern couture houses. The level of craftsmanship is truly inspiring.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Persistence trumps talent, my Bachelor’s head of course had it written above her desk, its always stuck with me.

What drew you to Wolf & Badger?

It's location and concept, it’s a great opportunity to reach a global market.

Where do you see the brand in 5 years?

I see myself developing and expanding my label, possibly including menswear.