Q&A With Jason Mandler of Jason Scott

There’s a new kid on the block and he’s all about the fit. We interviewed the new designer Jason Scott to talk about his history with fashion and where he see’s his brand in five years. Jason Scott offers a full range of men’s ready-to-wear with even plans for a women’s collection in the near future as well as a Jason Scott flagship store in the US.

What is Jason’s background with fashion? “I don’t have your traditional designer background, I never went to school or studied it.” Actually, out of college Jason worked in a totally different field – at William Morris in the agent trainee program – which coincidentally helped develop his passion for fashion. “I always thought I wanted to be an agent but thats where my love for fashion started,” he said.  “Wearing a suit every day to work is what got me into tailoring and how important fit was.” Jason started to study fashion without even knowing it.  “Our office was next to Barney’s, so every lunch break I would walk over and learn about the different suits. The sales guy knew I was broke so he really spent the time teaching me and even letting me try them on to see the difference.”

It was on New Years when Jason had an epiphany. “As I was watching the countdown I thought to myself ‘if I don’t do this now I will never do it’  – the next day I quit my job and dove in blind as could be.  I had no idea what I was doing I just knew this is what I was meant to do. I got a job at a restaurant to get by and I worked during the day developing the line and learning everything I could about the industry.” Jason picked up many tips and tricks. His thought process is that even the simplest item of clothing can be tailored to a T – “a t-shirt doesn’t have to be sloppy,” he said. So what can we expect to see from the new designer? “My inspirations come from everything.  I love walking the streets of NYC and getting lost. I like to observe people and their actions and I draw inspiration from that.  My way of designing a collection is different than most designers I feel because I don’t have a trade background.  My philosophy is if I wont wear it doesn’t go in the collection.”

And where does he hope to see the label in five years? “I hope to grow the brand over time and expand out distribution. If you told me 5 years ago I would be where I am I would have said you’re crazy – for me it is one day at a time,” Jason said,  “with that said a women’s line is in the future as well as our own brick and mortar stores. I am very excited for the future and I am looking forward to building the brand.” Jason Scott is designed and produced entirely in Los Angeles and is available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Barneys Japan and Carson Street Clothiers. Check out his website here.