Designer Spotlight: Carl Williams Jr.

Carl Williams is a Cleveland native, born and raised, and a recent graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, majoring in Fashion and Retail Management. His speciality is styling and merchandising. There is no glamorous story of triumph or tale of hardship behind his passion to design. He considers himself a self-taught designer, with a passion for men's and women's sportswear. Hi inspiration comes from music and natural anomalies, and his best work comes from draping directly to the dress form. His design philosophy stem from the appreciation of structure and tailoring, organic shapes, and an elegant asymmetry that emphasizes the raw beauty of imperfection.

Carl is a working 20 year old, recently hired to organize the Children's Very Own Santa Land that the downtown Macy's. He says that he is a sucker for the classics, including old school rhythm and blues, Dior's "new Look", and Nike sneakers - although he never leaves home without a sketchbook and Ipod. While the future is so uncertain and spontaneous, he hopes to continue his education, and someday develop an eponymous clothing and accessories label.

This is Carl's second go at the Madcap Masquerade.