Hayley Scanlan

Hayley Scanlan is an incredibly gifted textile and fashion designer hailing from Dundee in Scotland. A recent graduate of  Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, she has interned with i-D magazine and undertaken a dream nine-month stint alongside fashion designer Jeremy Scott at his Los Angeles studio. If that weren’t impressive enough, her very first professional comissioned piece came from none other than model Erin O’Connor. Amazingly, all this happened before she had even graduated! With so many achievements so early on in her career it is refreshing to see that Hayley hasn’t let them go to her head; she’s focused on the future and very much a down-to-earth Scottish girl with a love for all things fashion, art and Harry Potter!

Have you always wanted to be a designer?

Yes, since as far back as I can remember. My gran was a dressmaker and I spent a lot of time with her growing up; she taught me how to knit and sew when I was five and helped me make clothes for all my Barbies! I was always drawing ladies with different outfits and thinking back now, I won every art competition at school every year. My mum and gran were both very stylish ladies and loved fashion; my sister and I were always dressed differently from others, usually because my gran had made our outfits. For me, design was a very natural thing  to become involved in.

How did you get to where you are today and would you do anything differently?

Well I’ve just graduated and I’m still trying to find a “proper” job so I wouldn’t say I’ve gotten far in my career as of yet! However I have been extremely lucky on my way; working with fashion designer Jeremy Scott, i-D Magazine and then Erin O’Connor buying one of the jackets from my graduate collection and becoming my first customer.  I’m very lucky and grateful. The only thing I would have done differently would have been to study in London either at Central St Martin’s or The Royal College of Art where graduates gain a lot more exposure and career opportunities from their final year work. Although I loved studying in Scotland I feel there isn’t much support or guidance here concerning the next steps after university.

Some of the pieces from Hayley's final collection

Who helped you along the way?

My family has been the best help ever! My parents have supported me and believed in me in every way possible and have always encouraged me to follow my dreams. I was also lucky to have some supportive tutors throughout my time at university, who constantly guided, encouraged and helped my progression as a designer. Of course designer, Jeremy Scott helped in giving me the opportunity to work as part of his team and inspiring and encouraging me. I also have great friends who have constantly helped me along the way.

Who inspires you?

My sister Holly is my muse and model; she’s one year younger than me and we’re very close. Our style is very similar and we often end up buying the same things without knowing. I like to base everything I design on her as I know it will not only look good but at the same time reflect my personal style. I’m inspired by designers and artists who have worked exceptionally hard to get to where they are due to talent, vision and dedication whether they’re established or not. I believe it’s important to always have a dream because if not what is there to work towards? In general I find people who have achieved, or are trying to achieve their goals very inspiring.

Influences?

My design work is strongly influenced by geometry, Bauhaus, Futurism, Art Deco, the architecture of Zaha Hadid, New Romantics, Punks and the 198o’s.

Describe your own personal style?

I would describe my style as a mixture of 80′s vintage, grunge and gothic punk if that works at all! I love Debbie Harry, Alabama Whitman (from True Romance) Karen O, Taylor Momsen, Alice Dellal and Agyness Deyn so they might all help paint a picture of my style.

With Ms O'Connor

What do you think is the biggest problem in Scottish society today and what is the most positive thing?

I think that the biggest problem is the lack of activities for young people growing up in their community. As a result they turn to crime and drug abuse which affects everyone. It’s sad as it brings down towns and gives Scotland a bad name. I have lived in Dundee all my life and not ashamed of it in any way. There are a lot of great, talented people in the city and it’s such a shame that the negative aspects generally seem to be highlighted rather than the positives. The most positive thing I feel is the support youths receive to progress into higher education whatever their family’s financial status.

Do you feel Scottish or European?

Definitely 100% Scottish.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Right now I love The Maccabees, Golden Silvers, Florence and the Machine, Fake Blood, Deadmau5, MIA, Kasabian, The Prodigy and of course my forever old school 80′s/90′s favourites Michael Jackson, Madonna, The Smiths, Neneh Cherry, Rick James, Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac…my Spotify playlist is all over the place!

Favourite trend for this season?

I love the whole gothic/vamp look that’s going on just now but since I dyed my hair from blonde to almost black I’m trying to calm down a bit with this overall look; I’m starting to scare myself every time I see my own reflection!

What couldn’t you live without?

In general my family but  in terms of fashion, it would have to be my brothel creepers.

One of Hayley's stunning designs

Dream purchase?

This season without a doubt, the Burberry Prorsum Platform Biker Boots… I want them SO bad!

Favourite movie?

Ooooh I have a few – The Goonies, Annie, True Romance, The Witches, Kill Bill, and Edward Scissorhands.

One garment every girl should own?

A pair of high heels, I never wear high heels during the daytime, but as soon as I do for a night out I instantly feel dressed up. They also make your legs look longer and slimmer which is always a bonus!

Favourite European city and why?

London! It’s always been my favourite place – there’s so much to do, so many inspiring people and I find it very magical. I always feel like I’m in Harry Potter when in London even though that may sound slightly silly. Also all of my best friends live in London.

Desert island book?

Harry Potter! I’m dyslexic and can’t read very well but my little sister Beth got me into the Harry Potter books and they’re the only books I’ve ever read. In fact I loved them so much that I read them all twice. I must admit I’m slightly obsessed.

Favourite bar?

In Dundee its definitely The Reading Rooms; it’s an old converted library and Dundee’s only underground club where my friends and I always go. I’ve been running my own club night there for over 3 years called Neon Nights. I know the owners and staff very well and they’re great. The club itself is really intimate and always has great music and a good crowd of people so you couldn’t ask for a better night out. In London I love The Macbeth in Shoreditch and The Lock Tavern in Camden.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully either working for an established designer or having my own label. But definitely designing without a doubt and being able to afford Chanel!

Can you run in heels?

Ha ha, I can hardly walk in heels never mind run… but after the magic of a few gin and tonics I’m a pro!

To find out more about Hayley, check out her website; or for her musings on fashion, take a look at her blog.