The competitive world of fashion is unforgiving and many don’t survive the journey. The road is marked with disappointments for those who lack the inspiration and endurance for the precarious nature of the business. Fewer still are African-American designers, equipped with the ingenuity and savvy to forge a steady path. Menswear designer Woody Wilson is one of the exceptional few. His custom-made, designer collection of menswear has graced red carpets around the world. He possesses a rare breed of talent, blended with impeccable taste and keen business knowledge. His design philosophy can be described in two words – modern chic.
The Woody Wilson Collection, introduced in 1997, embraces the timeless perspective that fashion forward doesn’t have to mean over-the-top. Inspired by Polish-born, American artist Tamara de Lempicka, Woody’s clothing reflects an ageless art deco sensibility that utilizes rich color, clean lines, and elegant precision. His signature menswear line encompasses business, casual attire, and formal wear.
“The Woody Wilson man is an interpretation of what I saw growing up. Men dressed a certain way then, regardless of their occupation. The look was tailored and polished, be it suits, slacks, jeans, or sport coats. That level of sophistication had a direct impact on my fashion sensibility,” he says.
Since its debut, Woody’s collection has garnered respect throughout the industry among men who value good taste and style. Over the years, his client list reads like a who’s who of the rich and powerful, including – George Clooney, Jay Leno, Bernie Mac, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and David Ortiz. He is also an established wardrobe designer and consultant for film and television, with credits that include: Oceans 11, 12, and 13; Soul Men; Mall Cop; Chuck and Larry; Fox Sports Television; Jimmy Kimmel Live; Pushing Daises; and The Bernie Mac Show.
The Journey
It’s been a steady rise for this Maryland native who, after graduating from college with a degree in business administration, spent several years crisscrossing the country as a buyer for international wine company, Ernest and Julio Gallo. Upon transferring to Los Angeles, his career interest in fashion piqued.
“LA is rooted in the Arts – not just as a means of entertainment or a hobby – it’s a way of life,” he says. “As I looked around, people were getting paid to write, act, and design. With my sixth sense for fashion and solid management skills, I knew there had to be a way for me to pursue my passion and make a name for myself as a designer.”
Pursuing his passion, Woody soon landed at design house, Dion Scott, as a new associate. In the 1990s, the brand attracted buzz among successful athletes such as Magic Johnson, David Robinson, and Grant Hill. Impressed by his natural abilities, designers Dion Lattimore and Scott Torrellas quickly took Woody on as an apprentice.
“Right after I was hired, one of my first assignments was to assist with custom tailoring for Mike Tyson. As we’re doing fittings, pulling the patterns, and taking measurements, I remember that euphoric feeling. It just comes over you, and I knew designing was my future. It wasn’t work, but rather a natural extension of me.”
Over the next few years, he learned the fashion business from soup to nuts – raw materials, manufacturing, and design basics. In time, Woody attracted his own clients to the label who were impressed with his keen eye for menswear. Ready to branch out with his own fashion imprint, he left Dion Scott and opened a studio to house his collection in Beverly Hills. On his first day in business, lady luck honored his leap of faith.
“June Ambrose, a renowned stylist, asked me to custom design a few suits for a video that Sean Combs was shooting (Been Around the World feat. Mase and Notorious B.I.G.),” he recalls. “They needed to be all-white, no wrinkle. Now, this was a tall order since they were shooting in the desert! Of course, I found the right fabric and created some great pieces. The revenue and exposure from that job cemented my place in the business.”
The Future
Today, after nearly a decade in business, Woody looks to merge The Woody Wilson Collection into a lifestyle brand that will help the everyday guy holistically improve his life. Observing the media landscape, and noting the lack of options for men who seek direction and advice on matters of fashion, grooming and etiquette, he is confident that he can fill that gap. Plans underway include inspirational books, television, and digital media.
“Among my peers, there’s not really an expert who’s offering support to men who aspire to operate on a certain level. I’m that guy. I’m a man’s man, tastemaker, husband, father and businessman all in one. I know what American men are looking for because I’ve walked some of the same roads.” My goal is to change how men live day-to-day. I want men to be prepared for whatever life hands them. From character and confidence to finding the woman of your dreams and what to wear while you’re reeling her in! As people, what we wear and how we think is an expression of who we are. Our lives, are passion by design.”
For more information on The Woody Wilson collection, press or updates, please visit www.woodywilson.com.