Redefining Craft: Rachel Scott Advocates for Sensual Fashion

In a revealing episode of The BoF Podcast, designer Rachel Scott discusses her vision of craft as an intimate and sensual experience, which she embodies through her fashion brand, Diotima. This discussion, hosted by Imran Amed, founder and CEO of The Business of Fashion, took place on July 4, 2025, highlighting the need for a more inclusive and class-conscious approach within the fashion industry.

Scott, whose work prominently reflects her Jamaican heritage, emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing diverse craft traditions that have often been overlooked in mainstream fashion narratives. "Craft doesn’t have an aesthetic. Craft is technique and execution," she states, underscoring the essential elements of craftsmanship that extend beyond visual appeal to encompass emotional and tactile connections between the maker and the wearer.

Scott's global perspective is rooted in her childhood travels, which were carefully curated by her mother to expose her to varied cultures rather than the easily accessible European destinations. This exposure shaped her understanding of fashion as a universal language. "I started thinking about clothes as language, especially because I was seeing these different perspectives and these different approaches to dressing," Scott explains, reflecting on her travels across Asia and South America.

In her commitment to celebrating global craft techniques, Scott argues against the traditional valuation of craftsmanship that often marginalizes informal knowledge. "There is this global knowledge, but only one place gets valued," she remarks, advocating for a broader appreciation of the oral traditions of craft that transcend geographical boundaries.

Central to Scott’s philosophy is the belief that craft is an inherently sensual process. "Because it is made by hand, there is this energy exchange," she notes, emphasizing the spiritual connection involved in creating and wearing handcrafted pieces. This sentiment informs her creative approach, where each garment is imbued with the spirit and intention of its maker. "I would receive the production of the crochet… I would open the box and feel this energy," she recounts, illustrating her profound connection to the materials and techniques employed in her work.

Scott's insights extend beyond craft and sensuality to the broader fashion industry, where she encourages aspiring designers to resist conforming to conventional timelines and expectations. "Fashion is really crazy… someone really small is judged on the same level as someone from a conglomerate," she articulates. Her advice is clear: embrace one’s unique journey and wait until one is ready to make significant strides in the industry.

As the fashion landscape continues to grapple with issues of representation and inclusivity, Rachel Scott’s conversation serves as a timely reminder of the potential for craft to foster deeper emotional connections and a more conscious approach to fashion. Her advocacy for a redefined understanding of craft, rooted in intimacy and sensuality, signals a pivotal shift towards a more inclusive narrative in the fashion industry, which could reshape how artisans and designers are valued in the market.

The implications of Scott’s philosophy extend beyond individual designers and brands, suggesting a movement within the industry towards recognizing and valuing diverse craft traditions. As fashion increasingly navigates the complexities of globalization, the need for inclusivity and appreciation of varied cultural expressions becomes ever more critical. The perspectives shared by Scott may inspire a new generation of designers to challenge the status quo and redefine what it means to be a part of the fashion conversation.