INTERVIEW #152 SCOTT STANILAND

Name: Scott Staniland 

Occupation: Model and sustainable fashion campaigner 

Based in: London 

Instagram: @twinscott

Hi Scott! Welcome to A Sustainable Closet! Can you please tell us more about yourself and the work you do related to fashion? 

I was scouted as a model a handful of times with my twin brother about 7 or 8 years ago and started modelling whilst at University. As I got deeper into the industry I started to become more aware of my role in over consumption and realised just how little of my own wardrobe I was wearing. This led me down the sustainability rabbit hole and started to become more vocal about the effect fashion is having on the planet and people in its supply chains. I now attend many fashion shows, produce content around more responsible and sustainable fashion as well as act as a creative and sustainability consultant for a variety of agencies and brands.  

You and your twin brother are both models, how come you guys started modelling?

We were very lucky actually being randomly scouted to be models first in Birmingham and then again in London, I think the twin thing helped. We weren’t specifically interested in modelling at the start nor did we think it was a viable career for two lads from Derby but it turned into something we care deeply about and are now obsessed with the wider fashion industry. 

Have you always been interested in fashion or what is your relationship with clothes?

Growing up in a working class family and area we were taught to look after and value everything we had. That meant taking care of our clothes and making sure they last as long as possible. We always cared about our appearance because being twins people would always make us stand next to each other so they could play spot the difference, so I guess in that way we were always conscious of what we were wearing. We look at clothes now as investments and try to get the best cost-per-wear possible. 

How would you describe your style in a few words?

I would say my style is classic with a twist. I don’t really follow the trend led pieces as they go out of style as quickly as they come in so try to find ways to youthen up a classic outfit with accessories and styling rather than some funky new piece of clothing. I love tailoring, flowy silhouettes and wide trousers so most of my outfits have these elements and some really good knitwear. 

What does your personal closet look like?

I’d say my closet is average in size though I love collecting clothes and vintage peices but I’ve got to a point now where I wear a lot of what I have. I’m very meticulous so my wardrobe is super organised and well curated. 

Best styling tips for men seeking to become more circular and dress in vintage, what would be a good first step?

For men, I think the three most sustainable things they can do are find their style. Figure out what colours, shapes and silhouettes work for their body type so they don’t splash out on items that might seem cool but just wont work for their body. Then find a good local tailor that they trust so they know everything in their wardrobe fits them well, this makes everything more wearable. And finally wear what you already have until it dies, don’t start shopping new stuff from more responsible and ethical brands because you want to be more sustainable…the most sustainable item is already in your wardrobe.

When did you get interested in sustainability and what does sustainable fashion mean to you?

I became much more interested in sustainable fashion around 2018/19 which actually was before most brands so a lot of companies were terrified of me and my twin for holding them accountable. Sustainable fashion is a spectrum and I try to help people find their wins along that spectrum. Whether its shopping less, buying better quality clothing, using repair and alterations platforms, trying not to buy anything new or even educating people on different fabrics. Not everyone is going to be able to do all of these things but its about understanding where you can have an impact and change your habits. Ultimately we all need to be consuming less. 

What should any brand operating in 2023 do in order to be responsible?

Close down? Just kidding. Brands still need to understand their impact. You can’t make change or set targets without understanding where you are at as a company. Tracking their supply chain and being transparent about where your garments come from is a huge step as well as making sure everyone is being paid a fair living wage in all parts of the business. A pet hate of mine is seeing a brand launch a ‘sustainable/green/eco collection’. Not only is this just adding more clothes to their current offering but it also just screams we care a little bit about the planet but not enough to change too much. I’d love to see a brand do a ‘sustainable collection’ which is actually them reducing their output instead of adding more. 

How do you navigate between making a good living and at the same time not getting engaged in greenwashing? Any tips for designers, content creators, influencers and so on seeking a career path within sustainable fashion?

For me it is important to diversify your work and have multiple income streams. I use instagram as portfolio for creative work and modelling, TikTok for educational videos and then do creative consulting work in the background. I also write for some publications as a contributing editor. Having multiple roles allow me to turn down work if I feel it’s not right but also I also don’t just say no, I will go back to the brand and give them advice on how to make the campaign more palatable from a sustainability perspective. 

Where can we learn more about you? Website? Podcast interviews and so on?

I am most active on Instagram but I do few podcasts and interviews which are somewhere on the internet if you give me and my twin Brett a search. 

What is the next step for you personally? Any news to share?

Currently working on a book about the state of fashion and a documentary I can’t share too much about at the moment. I will be travelling for fashion week throughout September again so will be sharing the latest developments from some of my favourite brands in that world.