Why go to Paris for advice on California fashion?

It might seem a little odd to go to Paris to get advice about California and American design concepts, but that could be exactly what you would do if you’re not in California or America. It is in Paris that Scott Carr has set up shop to advise European and Asian fashion companies on how to design and market for the U.S.

After growing up in California, Scott graduated from FIDM in Los Angeles and went on to lead a young San Francisco brand for several years, Kilner Studio. But it was a nearly decade long engagement with Lands End as the senior designer for women’s knits and active wear that enabled him to view his California roots through the eyes of major designers and producers around the world.

And what does California fashion look like in the eyes of the rest of the world? This was a key question in my mind and I was looking to Scott for answers.

When first meeting Scott, “laid back” is the phrase that might come to mind. The vibe is West Coast relaxed, not East Coast buzz. Get him started talking about fashion, design, art, culture and so on, however, and you find a restless, discerning mind, brimming with observations and reflections.

“The flea markets in Paris inspire a surprising number of trends – any designer who goes there will see what I mean.”

“Some people are rediscovering simple and authentic brands – craftsmen, utilitarian, naïve brands with a connection to the person making the clothing. The Nice Collective is such a San Francisco brand.”

“It’s fabric developments, especially for active wear, that are some of the most interesting things in fashion today. Companies in Japan and Italy are creating really cool fabrics. I recently saw a product from a Japanese company that was ground silk applied to wool to create a unique hand feel.”

“There’s a slow wear movement getting started in Europe, not unlike the slow food movement. Ethical, sustainable sourcing by small, authentic companies that are pooling together.”

Given these kind of far-reaching thoughts, what’s in Scott’s most recent collections? And what are the influences and how do his California roots figure into it?

For Spring and Fall collections this year Scott combines city and country – sophistication and active lifestyle. Bohemian days in Paris, café society, arts community, Paris nights. And bringing in his California and active background – seaside, skiing, climbing, equestrian. Overall, modern, eclectic, giving depth through traditional elements.

Sophisticated City – Chic Resort – Casually Elegant – Timeless Beauty – Eclectic Outfitting

Scott Carr Spring/Summer 2010 Paris Corsica

For city days, neutral and golden ochre vignettes. For city nights, black and white palette cleansers. For active wear, fresh, blue, white, aqua, sea blue, some navy, khaki and yellow using performance fabrications.

Artisan Fabrics – Exceptional Finishing – Layered Neutral Tones

Fresh Color Accent – Sporty Versatility

Scott Carr Spring/Summer 2010 Paris Corsica

“Inspiration guided by end use” is a phrase that Scott keeps going back to. And that is where we reconnect to California.

The California lifestyle, partly real, partly imagined, and partly about imagining, embraces youth, energy, outdoors, activity. Surf, water, mountains, environment, fresh air, sunshine. Casual, easy, sporty, effortless. Sexy, sensual, skin. A crazy line from Esprit in the 80’s to Juicy Couture today – but a line drawn in the California sand.

“There are a lot of cool ideas in Europe but they are sometimes too fussy. They need some California influence to make them work in the U.S. and the rest of the world.”

Scott’s advice for the non-recovering fashoholic? “Look beyond the traditional magazines and sources; look for things that appeal to your inner self. Look at Michelle Obama – she does a great job of eclectic mixing from pop fashion to high end designers. Always have some iconic, classic pieces in your wardrobe – they center and ground you. And hey, support California designers!”

Scott Carr