DRESS SENSE
Designer says unis should give students business tips
One of the country’s top fashion designers has said creative entrepreneurs should be given business advice at university.
When Hayley Scanlan started, she knew how to design clothes but little about how to build a business.
Hayley, 38, runs her own label and has had her clothes worn by celebrities such as Little Mix, Jessie J and Pixie Lott. But the star of Netflix series Next In Fashion said being taught the business and financial side of things or having a mentor could have saved her from making many mistakes.
She is hoping to change that as a mentor for new grassroots scheme The SpotLight Project, set up by brewers Tennent’s.
Hayley said: “Business-wise, I would have loved a mentor to push me in the right direction. It would have saved me time and money. “When you start, there are so many elements in fashion you’re in the dark with. At uni they don’t teach you about the real working environment. When I graduated in 2009, I had no clue.” As a student ,
Hayley worked with Jeremy Scott, now creative director at Moschino, and they have stayed in touch.
She said: “If I needed a bit of help, I would email him but that was more for design advice. In terms of business, I didn’t have anyone. I was in the dark a lot.”
When she launched her label in 2012, Instagram had just started, all her friends from college had decamped to London and she was in Dundee with twin babies and no one to answer difficult questions about VAT.
She said: “The main barrier for me was – how do I sell? I sold in Topshop but I’m mid-market, not high street.
“I’ve no regrets, it’s trial and error and I did learn but having someone who had expertise would have known my brand wasn’t right for everything that came my way.
It’s daunting trying to succeed, not knowing where you’re going.”
Now Hayley feels ready to share what she’s learned, whether it’s the nitty-gritty of manufacturing or grabbing chances like appearing on a TV show.
She said: “Who would have thought Dundee would be recognised for fashion? But I was on Netflix as I used the tools I had – Instagram, Facebook, my website.” She will help five creatives turbocharge their careers with £5000 plus hands-on help from one of three mentors. Tennent’s will hold a showcase to display the work created and help with publicity. The brewer has committed £250,000 over three years. Tennent’s Cameron Matthews said: “The last 18 months have been incredibly tough for the arts. “We have an opportunity to support the next generation of talent – financially, through mentorship and then by shining a spot l ight on their work.”