A few months ago I introduced some of you to an amazing talent, Hayden Williams. Since then, I’ve been following Hayden’s work and I knew I had to hear his story. I recently connected with Hayden to talk about his inspiration and future projects.
MFC: Hayden, can you give us a background on yourself and how you got started in fashion?
HW: It all started from the age of 3 years old and hasn’t stopped since. I’m self taught, and my drawing skill is something that comes naturally to me. My parents grew me up on Disney movies and i would sit and draw the animated female characters over and over again. All of my interests, when I was younger, lead to a natural progression into fashion illustration and design. The likes of Jessica Rabbit had a huge influence on me; she still influences my sketches and designs today. I guess it was the way the animators at Disney portrayed women, it inspired me to draw them. That almost unobtainable beauty was something I loved and found very inspiring. My family have been supportive of my talent from the very beginning and have watched my work grow into what it is now. I have every drawing that I’ve ever created in my archives thanks to my Mother haha!
MFC: What do you think attributes to your success so far?
HW: I think it’s the way I portray women in my work. I always want to portray women in a positive way! When I sketch/design I want the Hayden Williams woman to be glamorous and sexy, but also sophisticated and confident. Women look at my illustrations and want to be them! It’s the aspirational element that makes my work successful. Also, my personal taste is luxurious and feminine…things that Women generally love. I also think it’s down to my designs in general and that I like to concentrate on a silhouette that flatters a woman’s body. Women look at my sketches and envision themselves wearing my designs and I love that aspect! It’s all great prep for when my designs become a reality one day.
MFC: How does it feel having your works acknowledged?
HW: It feels amazing having my work acknowledged on a mass scale! That’s something I am proud of because I built that fan base up on my own. Now that my work is known on a worldwide scale, which has been only further heightened because Rihanna loves my work, it’s really cool to get feedback from the people that love my work and have watched me grow. Before my work went viral, I only knew what my family thought of my work. They were always supportive and amazed by what I could create. That was partly the reason I decided to use social media to see what people outside of my family thought of my illustrations. I didn’t expect my work to be so popular online! I find it fascinating that people from all over the world can know about your work thanks to the world-wide web. It’s also lovely that I get messages from these around the globe people telling me how much my work inspires them. That is always inspiring to me and makes me even more determined to make my dreams a reality!
MFC: Where do you get inspiration for your sketches?
HW: Inspiration can be unexpected at times, but I mainly get inspiration from women. It could be a fashion editorial, the way something is styled, a female Pop Culture icon; I can find inspiration in all of these things. The look of the women that inspire me are always glamorous and there is always that timeless aspect too. I’ve always had a more mature take on fashion; a more ‘ol school’ kind of glamour is what i favor. This seems to resonate well with Women as well.Women want to invest in classics!
MFC: Describe your designs in 5 words.
HW: Timeless, Feminine, Classy, Luxurious & Sexy!
MFC: Any fun projects you’re working on, fashion design?
HW: There are always new things coming up! That’s what I love about the arts and working your way up. As I gain more popularity, I find myself becoming busier and busier with e-mails, features, collaborations etc. There are things in the pipeline but, before going into specifics and letting myself get carried away, I like to make sure that all is going ahead 150% before I say anything. It’s best sometimes to be that way and I have definitely had to start thinking more like a business person now in that aspect.
MFC: What’s a typical day in Hayden’s life?
HW: A typical day in the life of Hayden Williams consists of drawing, drawing, and more drawing haha! Seriously, it takes up a huge part of my life. Whether I’m sketching a random illustration or coming up with collections, it’s all done via illustration. The old school way….pencil and paper!
MFC: Will your sketches be available for purchase in the near future?
HW: In terms of my actual designs, that will happen, I aim for that! Even though I create everything via illustration form, I wouldn’t be content just doing illustrations as a career for the rest of my life. I aim to see the Hayden Williams woman come to life one day. That’s why I went to University; to actually study fashion so that I could actually call myself a fully fledged designer. I had the upper hand in the sketching aspect. I already knew the kind of woman I wanted to dress before I even studied, but I had to learn the other aspects of design. From not having any knowledge of sewing/pattern cutting, I can say that I learned from scratch. Although it isn’t my forte, I can say I’ll work my way up with my head held high when all things kick off! I aim to have a team of people to make my designs a reality in the near future. As for my popular illustrations, I would love to sell them as prints one day, possibly have an exhibition. I have big plans/goals and I’m always thinking like an entrepreneur, but I definitely need a team to help me of course. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to what I do and I want everything to be the best it possibly can be!
MFC: What advice would you give to any aspiring designers/illustrators out there?
HW: I would say to just make sure that you are genuinely passionate about the industry and that it’s something you feel you were born to do! In terms of studying design, anyone can learn to sew, etc., but I definitely believe that being a fashion designer comes from within. Having raw talent, passion, and drive is something that cannot be taught in schools. Having that innate sense of style, knowing what works and what doesn’t work, thinking like a business person before even getting to the studying part of fashion are all things I think should come naturally. Fortunately, I believe I have been blessed with these attributes. I would also say to be consistent, focused, hard working, and use all of the amazing technology we have around to your advantage. Social media is unstoppable and can lead to very amazing things. I have Rihanna as a fan of my work thanks to Twitter! Another thing I would say is to do things outside of studying. When I was at college studying fashion, I was also juggling my personal sketches and building my online presence. It was double the work, but it pays off in the end!
MFC: Last but not least…what does “Fashion” mean to you?
HW: Fashion to me is fun and light hearted, but it can also be life enhancing! It’s a way for people to express themselves and it’s such an important factor! I’m a very visual person in general and appearance can play a big role in life….it can be life changing! Fashion choices can potentially determine the job you get! It’s about how you carry yourself in the clothes you wear! I also love that fashion can be a confidence booster and the fact that I can play a role in boosting someone’s confidence by designing something they feel great in is something very special! I’ll end with a great quote…
“Never underestimate the power of what you wear, The rest of the world see’s what you drape on your frame.” - Oscar Schoffler
Connect with Hayden Williams via:
Twitter - @Hayden_Williams
Tumblr - Hayden Williams
Facebook - Hayden Williams
Spring/Summer 2012 Men’s Collection
Fall/Winter 2012 Woman’s Gowns
Hayden Williams for Barbie
Kimora Lee Simmons
Beyonce - Countdown
Adele
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The weather is great as of late here in, “four seasons, per season”, Michigan. I took advantage of the sun to explore, journal, and catch up with friends at The Rugby today.
While exploring the shops at Partridge Creek, I came across the perfect low-key envelope clutch from Marc by Marc Jacobs. The black leather clutch is big enough to fit my e-reader and has enough compartments for lip gloss and nick’nacks. What sold me is the detachable strap that dupes the bag into a cross-body. This allows me to get many uses and looks out of the bag; what I look for in my purchases.
I’m really enjoying my updated iPod playlist lately, perhaps because it’s “updated”. Nonetheless, my recent music choices have been putting me in the best of moods. I suggest you check out the following tracks; I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Birdy - People Help The People
Ben Howard - Keep Your Head Up
& an oldie but goodie…
While browsing net-a-porter for Miami vacation pieces, I came across this beach/Ocean drive day shopping bag that I feel like I cannot pass up. The price is great and the shape, color, and fabric choice are trendy yet timeless.
Tell me what you think on my facebook wall, I’d like to read your opinions.
I’m off for my Persian “Shahs of Sunset” fix. Have a great rest of today!
xo
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What a year for Oscar de la Renta! Exciting new of Oscars Stationary, Childrenswear, and Beats Headphones recently had every fashion guru doing the school girl giggle!
The Childrenswear collection carrying both boy and girl lines from 18 months to 14 years will launch in the Fall of 2012.
Oscar de la Renta’s Stationary can be purchased at www.oscardelarenta.com. Prices range from $50-$125(usa) - a pretty big stretch from Papyrus, but who can put a price on pretty heart felt card?
I’m sure we are all familiar with those bulky Beats by Dr.Dre. I was never a fan of the 90’s swagga headphone walkers, until now. I’d rock these headphone anywhere and everywhere! GLAM!
The beats trimmed in real Silver Fox fur will run you a heafty $695 dollars. For more information click HERE.
Most of us were in a frenzy to catch any glimpse of the upcoming Jason Wu for Target collection this October after the Target teaser video.
A few months later and all we get to see are a few pieces, but Hey! I’m content!
The collection is more mild in price compared to the Missoni for Target collection that launched this past September. Jason Wu for Target pieces will range from $19.99 - $59.99 (usa).
To learn more about the collection launching February 5, 2012 click HERE.
*dress priced at $40.00 (usa)
*bag priced at $50.00 (usa)
Kimora Lee Simmons for the January 2012 issue of Harper’s Bazaar Singapore. I love Kimora, but these photos don’t do her justice. Thoughts?
*photos taken from designscene.net
>>Kourtney Kardashian was spotted ringing in the New Year with some serious sparkle in the Diane Von Furstenberg “Ariel” wrap dress.
Kourtney perfectly paired the sequined piece with black Christian Louboutin Daffodil pumps.
So proud to share that the lovely Lili Camaj of Little Miss Obsessive was featured in the December 2011 issue of Sayidaty Magazine.
Sayidaty Magazine is a Dubai based publication focusing on fashion, style, beauty, and current affairs.
To learn more about the Little Miss Obsessive brand, click HERE for our Designer Focus segment with Little Miss Obsessive Accessories.
Connect with LMO online at www.LittleMissObsessive.com & via Twitter @LMissObsessive
As I previously posted the Alexander McQueen Spring 2012 Ready-To-Wear Collection was my favorite this previous Fashion Week.
This is a backstage video that gives you a closer look at the intricate detail and quality the collection possessed.
I want to start off by saying “THANK YOU!” to all of my readers, loyal followers, friends, and family that have encouraged me to take my passion for fashion, style, beauty, and all things fabulous to the net this past year.
I was new to this world of blogging and social media, but I have quickly adjusted and can honestly say that I am obsessively intrigued.
Since starting My Fashion Cogitation, I have been able to get in contact with many inspiring and talented people that I want to thank for participating with MFC posts and contests.
I am very excited for what is to come this year and hope to build a greater following.
I wish everyone success, love, health, and fabulosity in 2012.
Happy New Year & Thank You!
-xoxo
My Fashion Cogitation
“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”
-Paulo Coelho
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