Today we’d like to introduce you to Brehon Williams.
Hi Brehon, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The Beforetime – From a very early age, I knew that I was going to be a mechanical design engineer when I grew up. I loved rollercoasters and wanted to design them for the rest of my life. I knew that I needed lots of math and science. The good thing was I loved both of those subjects, so I was in luck!
High School – I was accepted in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program where I would end up taking classes in Computer Science, Calculus, 20th Century World Topics, and Critical Thinking…the class that (in my opinion) changed my life. It taught me a drastically different way to approach the world. Halfway through the program, I randomly came across a Christian Dior Haute Couture collection – WOW! What is this world of fashion? I don’t know why but told myself that I would change directions and go into fashion design instead. One problem – my classes were set for the next two years and none of them included art! Luckily, I was able to take an elective and it was Studio Art. I could not draw, had no fashion knowledge, nothing. All I had was a vision and drive. But, in the back of my head, I started to regret being in the IB program. I felt as though I’d never use any of this stuff in the fashion world but stuck I it out.
The Transition – I didn’t immediately go to college. I taught myself to sew and tried (emphasis on tried) to teach myself to draw. I wanted to give myself a fighting chance to get into fashion school. Guess the joke was on me lol. I had no clue how hard it was to get into fashion school. After many rejections, I ended up going to the Art Institute. Being in the IB Program allowed me to skip my first year (they even said I got the highest score ever on the entrance math test – go me!). College was cool BUT I wasn’t challenged at all. I missed the rigor of the IB Program.
I started to immerse myself in a world of creativity and expression. One that I had not known before. But how do I mix my heavy left brain with this emerging right brain?
The Real World – The solution ( I thought) was to keep them separated. Work would be left brain Brehon and I’d come home and become right brain Brehon. I felt that I’d never give being a full-time fashion designer a try so I’d just treat it as a hobby. And surprisingly, it worked but over timeI started to see the lines between the two worlds blur.
COVID – 2021 I actually gave being a full-time fashion designer a try and I hated it (as I thought). I wanted to freedom to create as I felt versus creating on demand. What I learned is that fashion was a way to channel my thoughts and feelings and I needed space and time to do so.
Now – I’m a proud INTJ. I consider myself a philosopher and a maker. Logic + Wonder = Art
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, is hasn’t been smooth but I think that’s what makes the journey more exciting. I’ve realized that every struggle I’ve experienced can be used in this world I’m creating. The biggest struggle I’ve faced is not knowing which way to go! Do I go:
-the creative route
-the numbers/financial route
-the music route (classically trained musician)
-the educator route
The way I’ve overcome this struggle is to forge my own distinct and unique path!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What do you do – fashion designer
What do you specialize in – Initially, it was just special occasion womenswear. In 2020, COVID allowed me down time to do deep dives into menswear and now I primarily specialize in menswear (with womenswear sprinkled throughout).
What are you known for, etc. – I love color and texture. I like to take time to build textures and patterns. Everyone wants things that no one else has (especially when you can show it off on social media). On my end, doing things like that give me the satisfaction of problem-solving (scientific method anyone?)
What are you most proud of – this may sound weird, but I’m most proud of the clothes that I make for myself! For so long, menswear had so many rules. There were things I wanted but could never find them. By making my own clothes, I am able to break any and every rule I want. What makes it so great is that I’ve find so many people that want to by the things I make for myself.
What sets you apart from others? – I don’t sketch, in the traditional sense. My sketches are usually numbers, paragraphs, and stories. When I see it on paper, it translates to a sketch. Of course, its challenging sometimes when I work with clients but that just means I have to have a solid idea and be able to convey it perfectly.
What makes you happy?
I am happy when I see the lightbulb come on for other people due to something I said or did.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brehonwilliams.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brehon_williams?igsh=MTR3anA1cGkzOHpkMQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
