“Creativity Is Like Water”: Inside The Wondrous Mind of Jeremy Scott
The American designer and creative director of Moschino, best-loved for his kitschy aesthetic and playful creations, shares with Bazaar his thoughts virtual presentations, creating during the time of a pandemic, and why the next generation of creatives will triumph over their times
If there’s anyone within the industry who is able to adapt, pivot, swerve (whatever term you like to best describe the sudden shift many were forced to take, in order to make it through the unchartered waters that came with the trials and tribulations of 2020) it’s Jeremy Scott.
Arguably, the American designer produced and presented some of his best work to date during the pandemic; first with Moschino’s SS2021 “No Strings Attached” virtual fashion show – which saw marionettes parade down a miniature runway in pint-sized replicas of the collection’s pieces (complete with industry insider puppets sitting front row); and then with “Jungle Red” a few months later in early 2021, which starred supermodels (Lily Aldridge, Miranda Kerr, Hailey Bieber, Karen Elson, Joan Smalls – the list goes on). Inspired by the 1939 film The Woman, Moschino’s FW2021 collection was brought to life in the form of short fashion film meets salon presentation, a piece of art within its own right that is sure to go down as one of the most original virtual showcases to date.
“I never look back and I never think ‘what if.’ I can only look forward and I am grateful I was able to channel my creativity into something I am proud to have produced, pandemic or [not],” Jeremy said to Bazaar. “I wanted to use my talent and my abilities to bring joy where it was very much needed.”
And he succeeded in doing just that.
Here, the designer shares how previous challenges have positioned him for successful during times of uncertainty; his thoughts on physical fashion shows vs digital presentations; and how creativity will always thrive no matter the circumstance.
Harper’s Bazaar Arabia (HBA): Were you ever concerned at any point throughout the pandemic that you would be limited when it comes to sharing your creative ideas to their full capacity?
Jeremy Scott (JS): I often say that creativity is like water: you can pour it into various different containers and vessels. I come from a background that challenged me to be imaginative and think outside of the limitations I was given. This time was no different and I took it as a challenge to create something new.
HBA: In an recent interview with CNN Style, you mentioned “…I’ve been very fortunate to find another way of expressing myself outside of the traditional fashion show.” Do you prefer virtual presentations to the tradition fashion show format?
JS: There really is no comparison, the mediums are so different and the way I imagine my collections is truly entwined with the presentation format from its inception. I couldn’t envision any of my runway shows presented as a film and vice versa; it would be like comparing painting and music, just completely different art forms. I love both and am very lucky to have the opportunity to create in so many ways.
HBA: From creative inception of the idea to the final edit, how long did it take to produce “Jungle Red”?
JS: I already knew I wanted to do another film hot off the SS21 “No Strings Attached” in September. We started pre-production the day after “No Strings Attached” and it was like a train on full speed. The biggest challenge was actually taking a big breath on the premiere date and letting it take on a life of its own because the project had consumed my life for so many months; it took me a minute to switch gears!
HBA: In your opinion, how is the pandemic shaping the next generation of young creatives (who are now going on almost one year of experiencing fashion weeks via screens)?
JS: I think the youth will always triumph over their times. There are so many new outlets and forms of creativity that have really bloomed, even during the pandemic.
Lead image supplied.