Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Rachel Scott was surrounded by creativity. Her mother owned a clothing store while her father made furniture, and she left the island to study art and French Philosophy at Colgate University. Scott quickly worked her way into the fashion industry, landing at the Instituto Marangoni in Milan and working at companies including Costume National and Rachel Comey. During the pandemic, the designer saw a gap in the market and took a leap of faith to launch her own brand, Diotima.

Known for intricate artisan craftsmanship in her designs, Diotima has grown in popularity for signature crochet pieces worn by the likes of Doja Cat and Letitia Wright. The emerging label is on a mission to bring a piece of Jamaica to the world.

Learn more about CVFF Finalist Scott below.

What is your earliest fashion memory? 

Wearing a Brazilian bikini with jelly sandals and playing around in my mother’s closet. I tried on and subsequently broke a beautiful rose quartz beaded necklace of my mother’s.

What was your reaction to finding out you were a finalist? 

Beyond feeling incredibly honored and excited, I was totally surprised by how I received the news: a FaceTime from Aurora James!

How would you describe your label? 

Seductive, Artisanal, Nuanced.

What is a specific area of focus you are looking for help with? 

DTC expansion.

Is there a goal or milestone you would like to accomplish with your brand in the future? 

I have many, but some key goals are to open a brick and mortar in NYC, and then to open a space in Kingston, Jamaica that would serve as both an atelier/training workshop and cultural center.

The 2023 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists will be announced at the 2023 Vogue Forces of Fashion on October 19th.