One year ago, designer Warren Steven Scott embarked on a journey through Italy, attending multiple concerts of Italian pop sensation Marco Mengoni. This immersive experience, fueled by Scott's longstanding fascination with Italian culture and newly discovered admiration for Mengoni's music and captivating stage wardrobe, planted the seeds for an entirely new creative endeavor. Today, Scott proudly unveils his inaugural menswear collection, a direct homage to the distinctive flair and dramatic elegance he observed in Mengoni's style, marking a significant expansion of his design portfolio from jewelry and womenswear into the realm of men's fashion.
Warren Steven Scott, a designer with roots in the Nlaka'pamux Nation of British Columbia, first encountered Marco Mengoni's artistry through his music. He quickly became captivated not only by Mengoni's powerful vocals but also by his theatrical and expressive sartorial choices on tour. Styled by Dua Lipa's preferred stylist, Lorenzo Posocco, Mengoni's stage attire featured an array of luxurious garments, including custom Versace and Valentino. Scott was particularly drawn to Mengoni's use of monochromatic palettes, often richly adorned with intricate embellishments and decorative elements. This visual language resonated deeply with Scott, leading him to identify a profound connection with the pop star's aesthetic.
The inspiration was so potent that Scott posed a creative challenge to himself: what would his designs look like if he were tasked with crafting Mengoni's tour wardrobe? The answer to this imaginative prompt materialized into "The Place Where We Went Together, Remember?," a collection that launches today. This line signifies Scott's first dedicated venture into menswear, a natural progression for a designer who began his career crafting distinctive earrings and later expanded into womenswear. The collection's pieces, ranging from approximately $200 to $2,500 USD, are far from ordinary. They include luxurious silky wrap-tied blouses and meticulously embroidered sequined coats, all designed to command attention and celebrate the art of dressing up.
The collection stands out with its array of visually striking garments, such as an intricately embroidered rose coat and button-up shirts adorned with shimmering sequins, each piece crafted to illuminate any gathering. Scott highlights the collection's use of opulent materials like sequins and ribbons, alongside diaphanous fabrics, which are chosen to enhance movement and create stunning photographic effects. Furthermore, his innovative wrap-tied shirts and blouses, available in a variety of hues, offer versatile styling options—they can be fastened around the neck or left casually flowing. Drawing inspiration from his jewelry design background, which often features elongated ovoid shapes characteristic of the Pacific Northwest, Scott translated this concept into his clothing, aiming for an extended, flowing silhouette. This thoughtful approach ensures that each garment not only possesses a unique visual appeal but also offers multiple ways to be worn, reflecting a dynamic and adaptable aesthetic.
Many of the designs in Scott's new line incorporate multifaceted styling options, reflecting a deep consideration for adaptability. For instance, the brightly colored trousers, available in lively pinks and greens, can be unbuttoned at the knee, ingeniously transforming into shorts. This functional versatility, according to Scott, was directly inspired by the nomadic lifestyle of musicians like Mengoni, who require varied ensembles for different cities during a tour. "When you're touring, you want to present a distinct look and atmosphere in each location," Scott explains, emphasizing his desire to create garments that can be reconfigured to produce entirely new outfits from a single piece. This approach not only provides practicality but also encourages creative expression, allowing wearers to continually refresh their appearance.
Ultimately, Scott's collection embodies a spirit of celebrity-worthy glamour, a feeling he believes anyone can embrace in their daily lives. He champions the idea of celebrating special moments through fashion, encouraging individuals to indulge in the joy of dressing up. Beyond Mengoni, Scott envisions other notable artists donning his creations. He specifically mentions Erykah Badu, suggesting she would be perfectly suited for the white coat featuring sequin rose motifs, paired with a grand hat. He also believes Pedro Pascal would exude elegance in his blouses, sentiments with which we wholeheartedly concur. This collection is an invitation to experience the drama and flair of the stage, infused into wearable art for extraordinary occasions.
