Anthony L. Williams, stylist and designer of VH1′s hit new scripted series, ‘Single Ladies,’ is the genius behind the super hot fashions being rocked on each episode by Stacey Dash and Lisa Raye. Fashion Bomb Daily Anthony, who first entered the fashion scene as a contestant on Project Runway during season 7 .
Despite not becoming the Project Runway champ, the Birmingham, Alabama native talked about his humble upbringing, his job as the stylist for actress Stacey Dash’s ‘Single Ladies’ character, Val, and shared some insight on how to keep up with the latest trends. He also dished on why you should not always rely on Christian Louboutins and adivce on how to get your foot in the door if you’re an up and coming fashion hopeful:
On Growing Up in Birmingham & His First Job At Neiman Marcus
“If there was any ghetto, I lived there. Where I grew up, it seemed there wasn’t a lot of beauty so I had to create it and that’s how I got my start.[…][At Neiman Marcus]I started at the bottom in accessories, then I moved to handbags, and then to the dress collections.” A well meaning friend felt Anthony had a gift, so submitted his information to the producers of Project Runway. He explains, “She gave me the application. I filled it out, sent it in, and went through the process.”On Creating Looks For Stacey Dash on ‘Single Ladies’
“To create Stacey Dash’s look, I had to really zero in on what the directors and the producers were trying to do. I read the script to find out what exactly was needed. We didn’t have a huge budget, so we went for a lot of vintage and revamping.”“The fit is what makes most of her looks. I don’t care what stylist you’re dealing with. You have to have the baddest seamstress in the land to make it make sense.”
On Stacey’s Colorblocked Look
“It’s really just a t-shirt in a stretch knit in a bright color, a pencil skirt, and a molded belt at the waist. Because of the color, the quality of the fabric, and the fit, it looks amazing. But fit is the most important. High waisted works a lot better than low rise. Especially if you want to have the illusion of a small waist.”“The fit makes the fashion. We make sure Val is fitted with the proper undergarments–Tumi underwear and the proper bras–so that there are no visible lines. The worst thing is to have a beautiful garment destroyed by a bra strap or visible panty line! Next, I fit her in lots of pencil skirts because they work for her. It’s just important to know what works for your skin tone. Bright, beautiful colors are really in.”
On Christian Louboutin Shoes
“You don’t need a pair of Christian Louboutins to look fierce! Stay in your lane and merge when necessary. If you can’t afford Christian Louboutins: don’t buy them. There’s nothing worse than having Christian Louboutins and a cheap outfit. Don’t buy a knockoff. Just walk away. There have been legends in fashion who looked spectacular long before Louboutins were created.”Advice for Fashion Designer Hopefuls
“Don’t always run to celebrities. It’s the cheapest form of prostitution I’ve ever seen! The reality of it is, celebrities do not pay. Don’t run after titles; search instead for people who celebrate your craft and who you are. If they respect you, they will pay you.”“Being a lady and a gentleman never goes out of style. Be polite. If you want to go anywhere in life, get you some manners and you can be anything you want to be.” Source: fashionbombdaily
What an awesome talent. I’m sure we all wouldn’t mind getting styled by him!
