Alan Scott is the Creative Director for Johnstons of Elgin, the biggest vertical textile manufacturer in the UK, creating cutting-edge Luxury Cashmere Collections and products, for a global lifestyle market. Alan has 30 years' luxury experience with previous leading director roles at Donna Karan New York, Loro Piana, Vestimenta, Trussardi, Mitsui and Alan Scott London. He has also held academic Programme Leadership positions at Northumbria University and External Examining positions at Central St Martins University of Arts.
What keeps you motivated?
I love exploring the continuous pursuit of perfection and execution to maintain the ultimate level of luxury using creative expression and technical edge. I am a very hands-on design and product person, strongly motivated by excellence in quality. I am also motivated by the customer experience and journey using rich storytelling that can be created to engage the customer to the product. There is always a great story to tell.
Where do you find your inspiration?
My inspiration is fuelled by discovering details of original provenance, or a forgotten skill. This authenticity builds ideas that can live with a modern reason and relevance. I am also inspired by innovation and cutting-edge technology in clothing and knitwear, and new research into textile innovation. I constantly try to connect these worlds. I work with the newest industry technology to create products two years ahead that have not been shown to the wider market, so I am very lucky. Colour inspiration gravitates to the natural world providing an endless palette that I use in the canvas of the collections. At home I paint oil-on-canvas images of equitation subjects for pleasure, and we relax in our country home with our horses and dogs.
I will be going to Amalfi coast in Italy - I love the air, the style and the cuisine, it's a great to relax
What is your ‘must-have’ item to pack in your suitcase?
A cashmere eye mask, very indulgent but essential.
Where is your favourite al fresco drinking/dining spot?
The terrace of San Pietro hotel in Positano.
What is your holiday read this year?
This year I will sketch and paint.
Have you ever had a ‘lightbulb’ moment related to your business or career while taking some downtime?
Yes, it usually provides a moment of insight that helps me to have clear vision to see forward and then to go back to drive the plan through.
www.johnstonsofelgin.com
