Each week we will be highlighting one of the fabulous emerging designers from Phoenix Fashion Week 2019. This week, meet Liz Williams, the Elizabeth Diamant – timeless fashion for the modern woman.
Hometown: Ayden, NC
What is Unique about your brand: My brand is unique in that it does not have a “copy/paste” style. There are many brands that are imitations of each other however, my brand uses very unique fabric combinations that you will simply not find anywhere else.
What is your brand’s style: My brands style is modern with timeless twist.
What footprint/legacy will your brand leave the world with: The legacy that my brand will leave on the world is is education, training and opportunities for women designers and stylist to hold greater positions within the fashion industry. We will accomplish this through our nonprofit, Elizabeth Diamant Inc., where our mission is to prepare and equip at-risk young ladies 13-19 years of age to become leaders within the fashion industry through education, mentorship and technical training.
First fashion job: My first fashion job was when I started my clothing boutique, Classic Style Couture, in September 2017.
When did you know you had a passion for fashion: I knew I had a passion when I was a freshmen in high school. I didn’t know that I wanted to be a fashion designer at the time, but that was when I really “got into” fashion.
Person who has impacted your FASHION life the most: It isn’t one singular person but rather a group of people that impacted my fashion life the most. Those people are the bullies that used to tease and harass me relentlessly during my middle school years. I was a preacher’s kid and my father’s religious beliefs prevented us from wearing pants or anything that was too revealing. If we could wear short sleeves, that was a treat. A set of bullies would chase me around the playground every day during recess my 5th grade year and try to tear my clothes off and lift up my dresses. Oftentimes, they succeeded. They told me that I shouldn’t “wear dresses all the time” if I didn’t want them to take my clothes off. It was during this time that I made up my mind that as soon as I could influence my own style choices, I would dress in a way that would speak for me and command respect; no matter what if it was a dress or pants.
Your biggest fashion accomplishment (SO FAR) in your eyes: My biggest accomplishment so far is making a couture dress for gospel singer Isabel Davis in which she wore to the 2018 Stellar Awards. To me this is the biggest achievement because I had to really rely on my faith to get this done. I wasn’t 100% sure that I was the most qualified and I was so nervous of not getting it done in time or her not liking it, but I still accepted the challenge. I was a Soldier full time and was making a full tulle gown with floral applique, by hand. I pushed through it and the gown turned out gorgeous. Her stylist has hired me twice since then.
The biggest FASHION obstacle you have overcome: The biggest fashion obstacle I have overcome is having to learn the basics like sewing zippers and perfecting my finishes. I have the eye for the silhouettes and fabrics etc, but I still have to learn a lot when it comes to the technical aspect of fashion. I learn a lot from trial and error and am still learning every day.
A designer who inspires you: Sergio Hudson. He inspires me because he knew he wanted to be a designer as a young boy, and he pursued that dream and is now seeing his dreams fulfilled. He has a clear aesthetic and I can tell one of his garments at first glance. I love that he stays true to his brand and does not follow trends.
Favorite quote: “The arrogance of success is to think that what you did yesterday, will be sufficient for tomorrow.” William Pollard
Advice to someone pursuing a career in fashion as a designer: Build your team early. Don’t work with people who are too “familiar.”
How has the Phoenix Fashion Week #DesignerBootcamp impacted your brand? The designer bootcamp has impacted my brand greatly. It has helped me to identify and speak to my target audience, create my brand message and tagline. These three things alone are worth the value of the program.
What can fans expect to see from your collection in October: Expect some vintage styles mixed with modern silhouettes. Bold colors are a must and as always, sexy and timeless pieces!
If you would like to attend Phoenix Fashion Week 2019, you can purchase tickets here: eventbrite.com. Use promo code FABAZ for a $20 gift card good towards any seat (not applicable towards standing room tickets).