Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to William Harris III. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
William, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
I’d have to say my most meaningful project was one from last year. I had a client/close friend who was getting married and needed a look for her rehearsal dinner. Just before we began planning in June, she had to have an unexpected knee surgery and was unsure if she would be able to walk down the aisle in September. We had decided to go with a beautiful white fitted pant suit and that I would embellish it in some way to really elevate the look. Just in case she needed to wear a knee brace. I hand sewed these incredible rhinestone and appliqués to create a look that would match her personality perfectly. In the process of completing this suit she asked me to walk her down the aisle, which made the experience that much more special. I spent so many hours creating and working on this look, while still working as a professional dancer and choreographer at the time. It was all worth it to see the bride’s face the day of her rehearsal dinner. She looked absolutely stunning in the suit and it’s one of my favorite projects I’ve done.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hello! For those that don’t know me I’m William Harris III and I’ve always been into fashion and style since I was a child. I remember drawing sketches of dresses around 6 or 7, and then getting my hands on any copy of GQ in my teens. I couldn’t afford the bigger brands that I admired, but I learned how to make something from other stores look just as good.
I started learning about styling through my dance career. I’ve had the privilege to do various types of jobs, from television and film, to musical theatre and tours. One of my favorite parts of my career, were wardrobe fittings. The process of watching a team pull together and create looks that would help bring the project to life was always so interesting to me. I loved getting to try on a multitude of costume pieces until each look was perfected.
In 2016, I moved back to Nashville, TN. I had some friends who were producing their first creative video and had asked me to create the wardrobe for it. They both reiterated how they love my personal style and that they thought I would be perfect for this opportunity. This was my first styling gig and really catapulted me into the world of styling and wardrobe design. Since then I have styled for over 40 clients including headshots and dance shots for aspiring, pre-professional, and professional dancers. Styled for concept videos, corporate events, and a commercial for my brand!
I provide services such as personal shopping to update your wardrobe, in person styling from you r current wardrobe, styling for models, actors, dancers, and artists looking to update their professional portfolios, as well as some design work.
I think the thing that sets me apart is my heart for helping others feel and look their best. Whether it’s personal shopping for someone looking to update their wardrobe or styling for a client for a photoshoot. I always leave my clients feeling like the most beautiful version of themselves inside and out, while challenging them to step out of their comfort zone. I want people to know that they can have fun with their wardrobe and to enjoy what they wear on a daily basis, not just special occasions.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Honestly, some will say this shouldn’t matter, but to me it’s that feeling of seeing people enjoying what you create is so rewarding. Not for the purposes of fame but the joy in seeing people truly enjoy whatever it is I’m creating at the moment. As an artist, I think you’re always walking this fine line of vulnerability and pride. Performing brave acts each time you create, while simultaneously trying not to care if people don’t like your creation. There something special about the connection art creates. I love how it crosses borders, gender, ethnicities, etc.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I believe my life’s mission/goal trickles over into my creative process. It’s simple, I want to love, encourage, and inspire those I come in contact with. When it comes to my styling clients, I want them to feel valued, beautiful, and know that they are loved! I love getting to show a client a side of themselves they either didn’t know was there or they are afraid to show it. I have been blessed to have teachers and mentors that not only told me, but showed me that I could go beyond my limits. So I want to pass that along to everyone I work with.
Contact Info:
- Website: styledbywilliam.com
- Instagram: @styledbywillliam
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/styledbywilliamthe3rd
- Other: TikTok: @Styledbywilliam
Image Credits
Image 1- Ashley Payne Image 2- Ashley Payne Image 3- RCK Photography Denetra Smith Image 4- RCK Photography Denetra Smith Image 5- Elliott Lopes Photography Image 6- Elliott Lopes Photography Image 7- Elliott Lopes Photography image 8- William Harris III