Scott Faulder's feast for the senses through fashion design

The Rolodex at fashion designer Scott Faulder’s home contains more than just numbers, it is a source of creativity, innovation, and pride.

The pages have the measurements of drag queens from around the world who he proudly makes costumes for as part of his “side hustle” label, Scott Australia.

“Drag queens will send me messages, I’ll do them a sketch and often they will say ‘perfect, I love it’, then I'll go to the Rolodex to get their measurements, give them one fitting and then, eventually, it’s me rushing to the stage or the nightclub or wherever they are performing (to dress them)," Mr Faulder says.

“That’s how quick the whole process goes.”

The numbers in the Rolodex are even more important during Feast Festival where drag queens wear his designs around town in the name of diversity and inclusivity.

Supporting the LGBTQIA+ community is something Mr Faulder is passionate about, having honed his costume making abilities while living with a drag queen about 10 years ago while studying Fashion Design at TAFE SA.

Among his current clients include queens Kane Enable, Xai, Eve Elle and Alison Xpress, most of who perform at Mary’s Poppin in Synagogue Place in Adelaide’s East End.

“Drag queens in South Australia really contribute to creativity and atmosphere — they are making a statement,” Mr Faulder says.

“They are leading by example by being themselves and living their true life.

“We live in Adelaide, one of the most cultured cities in Australia, and … Feast Festival creates that visibility (for the LGBTQIA+ community) by having a bright representation that drives inclusivity.

“The people involved in Feast Festival are South Australia’s positive brand ambassadors for inclusivity.”

Mr Faulder also played an instrumental role in ADL Fashion Week, bringing the 90 Years of R.M.Williams event at Sôl Rooftop at SkyCity to fruition, and is a board member of the South Australian Fashion Industry Association (SAFIA).

Mr Faulder said his involvement in the fashion industry, as both a costume designer and Head of Product Development and Studio Coordinator for R.M.Williams, taught him the importance of creativity and pushing the boundaries.

“Costume making is all about the illusion,” Mr Faulder says.

“You’ve got to create something out of nothing, play with proportions and really create something that is breathtaking.

“Once you know that ... you can keep the fantasy alive.”

He said fashion design is an inclusive art form and looks forward to seeing his designs around Adelaide as queens celebrate the Feast Festival.

“The (drag queens) are always so excited to wear something made by a designer,” Mr Faulder says.
“I get to design something that is completely unrestricted and sometimes experimental — they just love it.”

Feast Festival, sponsored by the Adelaide Economic Development Agency and City of Adelaide, is on until Wednesday 30 November. Visit feast.org.au

To find out more about Events and Festivals sponsorship opportunities here.