MEET TRINIDADIAN FASHION DESIGNER AND ENTREPRENEUR WILLIAM MCINTOSH

HIS BRAND IS HELPING REDEFINE CARIBBEAN FASHION

“Ah oneness. No gravity pulling you down, no doubt, no self-hatred. It’s the freedom you can’t articulate." These are the words used to describe Trinidadian Fashion designer William McIntosh's latest collection, and considering these uncertain times, it's arrived right on time. The newly released collection "Carnival Moon" features one of a kind pieces comprised of 100% Dupioni Silk. The quality fabric, vibrant color-ways and bold patterns have become trademarks for the brand, which weaves in themes of the Caribbean with worldwide fashion as a whole. William McIntosh is a Contemporary Streetwear brand that creates a uniquely intimate  connection between designer and community. The founder and designer, who shares the same name, constructs each and every piece. We spoke to him about his early beginnings, his travels, inspirations and his one of a kind brand. Even during a busy season for his company, he was kind enough to fit us in his schedule.

LETS START WITH YOUR UPBRINGING AND EARLY INSPIRATIONS GROWING UP IN TRINIDAD. WHAT LED YOU TO GETTING INTO CUT AND SEW FASHION?

I was born in Brooklyn, New York City, however, I grew up in Trinidad and Tobago, Chaguanas, to be exact. My early inspiration growing up was Carnival, the Mas filled with color and shape, however, the diversity of fashion and lifestyle in New York City also had a great influence. Every year I would visit the big city. I would always find myself in the city, upper and lower Manhattan. I studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology but what really led me into the Cut and Sew fashion was the interest to learn. I always wanted to be better in all aspects of fashion. I feel as if Couture is the most important thing in design, something about being able to create what's in your mind or sketch illustrations. 

"All of these elements, coupled with the precise amount of Caribbean hues, color and print design help form the vision for my brand, I call it Caribbean Street Contemporary Fashion."

CAN YOU TALK ABOUT OPENING YOUR OWN CLOTHING STORE AT 19 YEARS OLD AND HOW THAT OPENED YOUR EYES TO THE LACK OF DIVERSITY?

I opened my clothing boutique called Urban Dynasty immediately after I finished high school. Opening this boutique provided me opportunities to travel and to make purchases for my boutique in places such as Los Angeles California, New York City, and Miami. After being exposed to many different cultures on my adventure, coming back to Trinidad, I saw what was lacking in the industry and decided to capitalize on it.

WE READ THAT YOU'VE BEEN INSPIRED BY YOUR TRAVELS AND EXPOSURE TO DIFFERENT CULTURES. CAN YOU TALK TO US ABOUT WHICH CULTURES AND STYLES HAVE HELPED YOU FORM THE VISION FOR YOUR OWN BRAND.

American Street culture has definitely helped to form the vision for my brand, it’s modern and westernized, expressing massiveness in shapes and architectural expression and energy. All of these elements, coupled with the precise amount of Caribbean hues, color and print design help form the vision for my brand, I call it Caribbean Street Contemporary Fashion.

WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW SHIRT LINE "CARNIVAL MOON"? LOOKS DOPE!

Carnival Moon is an emotional feeling of being weightless; zero gravity. I was shopping for fabric last year (2019) in New York and I came across this fabric store in Brooklyn on Pitkin Avenue. They had a wide selection of mixed fabrics and trims, which peeked my interest, so I decided to walk in. Whilst exploring this store, I noted this array of vibrant colors which reminded me of Carnival Mas on the streets of Trinidad and Tobago, a culture which captivates your heart. I was truly intrigued.Colors and Carnival:  It is like floating around in bliss, being in sync, vibrating with life. “Ah oneness”, no gravity pulling you down, no doubt, no self-hatred. It’s the freedom you can’t articulate.This collection of shirts was designed by @dw_mcintosh, it was sewn in Brooklyn in the Summer of 2019.

"I feel as if Couture is the most important thing in design, something about being able to create what's in your mind or sketch illustrations. "

LAST QUESTION. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR YOU AND YOUR BRAND GOING FORWARD?

 My goals and the goals for my brand would be to continue to learn and grow as a fashion designer. It certainly would be nice to do an international collaboration with Doctor Martens or Vans sometime this year. Why these brands you may ask? Well, I surely believe that I can offer them a new, yet young and trendy perspective of street footwear.