Ean Williams: Designer and Executive Director at DCFW

Ean Williams is taking the Fashion Industry by storm! From model to designer to Fashion Week director there is no limits to what Corjor International designer can accomplish. Ean is the Executive Director of DC Fashion Week and also showed his new collection on the runway! We had the chance to get an interview with Ean about his journey to becoming the incredible fashion leader he is today.

What goals have you accomplished that you are most proud of thus far, when it comes to Corjor International?  

My collections have been shown around the world, including Belgrade, Serbia, Lviv, Ukraine, Istanbul Turkey, and on one of the world’s most prestigious fashion television program (Fashion TV). High profile clients as well as publications appear to really like what I do and it’s great to realize that your hard work is recognized and admired.

What is your favorite thing about being a designer? What path would you have followed, had you not become a designer?

I love hearing the stories of how my garments make women feel. I started out as an computer engineer working for the United States Air Force, NASA and Verizon Telecommunications.  I also modelled and acted professionally for over 10 years, and need that artistic creativity would surpass my ambition in the computer professional industry.

What do you think has helped you most with your designing to date?

Using my computer and problem solving skills as well as my exposure in the industry as a fashion photographer and model help me market my brand in ways most designers may not be familiar with. I have complete control over the collection including how it is photographed, styled, designed and marketed.

What obstacles have you had to face and overcome to get where you are today?

My biggest challenge is local costly production in the United States and competing with larger brands’ retail prices.  It is a challenge producing garments domestically with higher & fair labor costs and manufacturing as opposed to mass production using foreign labor.

What inspirations did you draw on to create this collection?

My collection color palette consists of shades of pink. I am hoping to support breast cancer awareness by lending my design talents to charitable organizations to raise funds and awareness. I design with red carpet looks in mind to grow my current client base.

What is the thing that makes all this hard work and effort worth it for you?

Being a passionate designer has allowed me to follow my dreams and work exclusively for myself. It is the greatest feeling to see your creative expression result in both professional career growth and personal satisfaction.

What was the turning point in your career that made you say “Yes I’ve finally made it”?

When my collection appeared on the front page of both newspapers in the nation’s capitol. Something I have yet to see another peer do in my hometown.

How would you describe your process of inspiration? What do you do to keep your ideas fresh and interesting?

I am drawn to fabrics that capture my attention and the feel of it. I see fabrics in almost raw form and start the design process there, rather than sketch first and look for fabric later. I study trends but don’t necessary follow them. I go with my gut and often go against trends.

If you could describe your new collection with one word, what would it be and why? What would you say the overall theme of this collection would be?

I would say my collection is “impeccably feminine”. Often at times you just cannot describe your vision in one word. I love when a client puts on one of my designs and the reaction is she feels totally like a woman.

How did you start your design journey?

As a fashion show producer of many years, I had a designer client make unreasonable demands during a high profile fashion show. The result was a compromise (I don’t make compromises) in order to save the event. At that time I decided I would never allow someone to compromise my vision and chose to produce shows with my own designs and control the entire creative process. I am self-described control freak but in a way that yield successful results.

If you missed Ean’s show or loved what you saw, you can now browse and pre-order his Spring Summer 2015 collection  here !