THE creative director of a Scottish cashmere manufacturer has been named as one of the 50 most influential people in the British luxury market.
Alan Scott, who was praised for transforming Johnstons of Elgin into a “brand for all seasons”, was part of the inaugural Walpole Power List.
Scott was recognised in the “Maverick” category for being a highly creative individual and bringing something new to British luxury.
Following Walpole’s announcement that the British luxury sector is now worth £48 billion to the UK economy – an increase of 49% in four years – the Power List celebrates the people steering the sector to success: the entrepreneurs, founders, game-changers, rising stars and storytellers within the Walpole membership. The full list was revealed at a glamorous party at Ennismore Sessions House in London on Thursday night.
Johnstons of Elgin has a rich history in textile production and has long been trusted to create luxury wool and cashmere products for premium brands. Alan Scott was appointed creative director in 2016 and, in 2018, the company exhibited its very first presentation at London Fashion Week.
Alan Scott said: “Our brand ethos is to always look forward but to keep an eye on our rich heritage and craftsmanship. Since joining the company, it’s been my dream to elevate the brand to a level that makes it into a British benchmark of luxury. Walpole is hugely well respected and I am thrilled to be included on their inaugural Power List. I’d like to take this opportunity to extend a very warm thank you to our fellow Royal Warrant holders for the recognition.”
Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, said: “British luxury has a unique sensibility – its products and experiences make the country famous throughout the world for creativity, craftsmanship, innovation and the ability to conjure new, exciting, relevant stories from a magical past. But what makes British luxury a £48bn power house is the exceptional ability of the people inside its brands, and Walpole’s annual Luxury Power List recognises and celebrates fifty talented individuals and their impact on this extraordinary, fast-growing sector.”
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