In recent years, Alex Scott has hung up her football boots in favour of high heels. The former professional footballer, who spent most of her career as a right-back for Arsenal, turned her hand to sports presenting, becoming the first woman to present the World Cup for the BBC in 2018. And she hasn’t slowed down since. Just this month, it was announced that Scott would be a BMW ambassador and the face of brand’s new Living With Electric campaign, a partnership that reflects her drive to increase the visibility of women in sports.
FIND OUT MORE ON ELLE COLLECTIVE
With 140 England caps and an MBE behind her, Scott is no stranger to success – and with it the spotlight. But the red carpet has become her latest stage for self-expression. From her first-ever red carpet to attending her first ELLE Style Awards, which took place on Wednesday, the football pundit has grown in confidence, become more experimental, and is thrilled to bring her followers along for the ride. For Scott, fashion isn’t just about wearing the right clothes – it’s about truly owning her look and embracing the process behind it.
We caught up with Scott at The Londoner Hotel ahead of the Awards to talk about her red carpet evolution, the process behind her standout looks, and how she continues to break barriers, both on and off the field.
On her look for the evening
‘I am wearing a sequin Magda Butrym dress. I’ve been working with Justin [Scott’s stylist] since last year. It’s about evolving the look and changing things up. For my most recent red carpet, I wore a red David Koma suit, I wanted this time to be different. I went for a more tonal brown, which is just more elegant and classy. It’s an elevated look.’
On her style evolution
‘It’s all about the confidence. When I think I look back to my first ever red carpet to where I am now, I’m being more creative and wanting to experiment with my look and my glam. The people who have followed my journey from being a footballer to now venturing into the fashion world and broadcasting can see that journey, and they feel like they’re on it with me.’
On the styling process
‘When I’m working with my stylist, I want him to push me but I also need to feel comfortable. So when you do see me on that red carpet or at an event, I’m owning what I’m wearing and it’s not that owning me. I think you can tell straight away if someone’s uncomfortable with what they are wearing.’
On her getting ready rituals
‘Music is the most important thing for me. I like reloaded stuff, throwbacks to classic Nineties R&B – you can never go wrong with that. For me, it’s always about my team having fun in this process with me. Also, because my lifestyle is so hectic, I always have to start my routine with 111 Skin eye patches to bring the puffiness and redness down. A boring one would be staying hydrated before I raise a glass of bubbly.
On her glam for the night
Charlotte Tilbury is my go-to. I can’t shout about their Magic Cream enough. I always have that in my kit. The foundations and the skin tones also really work for me. As you can see, I’ve gone for a classic Charlotte Tilbury look tonight, with the bronzer, browns and everything. I think it will really compliment my dress. I’m also wearing my hero Fenty lipgloss.
On her accessories
Another thing that I’ve learned along my journey, is that your shoes on a red carpet need to be comfortable. There have been times when I’ve worn the wrong shoes, and I swear I can hardly walk because of the pain. I’ve bought my own shoes to go with the dress. They are a pair of Amina Muaddi heels that are my comfy go-tos, and they match my dress perfectly. For my jewellery, I’m wearing Tasaki – I love the classic pearls with a twist.
On her plans for tomorrow
I’ve just had a big birthday. My partner [singer Jess Glynne] is touring around America at the moment, and she’s got a gig in Vegas, so I’m flying there to meet her tomorrow. I’ve got to record my radio show in the morning and then catch a flight in the afternoon. I somehow manage to fit it all in. I’m going to be Jess’ cheerleader. She’s been over there all month, and this is the last week of her tour, I just want to be there to support her.
On her favourite British fashion designers
I’m so appreciative of David Koma. He backed me from the start and has been a big supporter over the years. His was actually the first fashion show I went to. I also absolutely love Bianca Saunders, I think what she’s been doing is incredible and the nicest person ever. I actually first met her at Wimbledon a couple of years ago. I’m also a huge fan of Harris Reed. It would be my dream for him to design a piece for me. Maybe, if I get married in the future, that would be the moment I’ll be [dressed] in one of his designs.
On British Fashion
We’re so lucky that all these British designers are still doing their thing. They own the space and not trying to be like anything else but their authentic selves. And that totally shines through. London, in particular, is so diverse, there’s so much going on and tonight is a perfect celebration of all of that.
ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.