Page 28 - Nish

We Call Him King Carlyle: The Outfitter of How did you get started in

the Stars

Getting his start in the fashion industry in high school in his native Virginia, Mr. Carlyle has made a lasting the fashion industry?
impression on the industry over the last four decades. Today, he’s a renowned designer, stylist, model coach,
actor, and producer who embraces his reputation as “The Innovator of Formalwear” and “The Outfitter of the
Stars.” Also known for his work in films like Black Panther and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Mr. Carlyle I started watching my grandmothers. Grandma
recently sat down with Nish Press for an exclusive interview about his early career beginnings, his experience Lydia made quilts from clothes we couldn’t wear
working with the late Chadwick Boseman, and his perspective on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted anymore, and Grandma Hattie was a cosmetolo-
the fashion industry and aspiring entrepreneurs around the country. gist with her own hair salon. She also made custom
hats and clothes. Fashion was in our blood.

I began making and designing outfits and acces-

Who is Mr. Carlyle E. Williams ? sories. The Distributive Education Clubs of Amer-
ica fueled my interest in learning about retail and
I am a man of God, husband, father, brother, international management. I was in 11th grade when I opened
award-winning designer, model coach, actor, mentor, my own store in Newport News, Virginia. During
entrepreneur, and brand builder. I am the founder of the summers, we visited relatives in New York, and
Fashion Durham NC Fashion Week, East Coast Fashion I was fascinated with the beautiful stores and win-
Week, Men’s Fashion Week Atlanta, and Designers on dow displays. This inspired me to pursue visual
Tour. I produced the 2019 Superbowl Weekend Fashion merchandising.
Show in Atlanta and the 2020 Superbowl Weekend
Fashion Show in Miami. My collection, the Mr. Carlyle I enjoyed fashion so much that I persuaded a group
Collection, has been featured at New York Fashion of my friends to start doing fashion shows around
Week for the last decade. the city with me. While working at a shopping center,
I am married to award-winning singer-songwriter Dr. Kool and The Gang came to town and I connected
Kiki Michelle Singletary-Williams. Together, we founded with them. I created their look for the Jungle Boogie
Carki Global Inc., a 501-C3 foundation that feeds those Tour. I love working as a stylist for recording artists,
in need each month and gives toys to children during video shoots, and weddings.
Christmas.
I also admired my father, Earnest B. Williams,
whose love of wearing suits and tuxedos inspired
Who is Mr. Carlyle E. Williams ? my passion for formalwear. While living in Cincin-
nati, I opened my own boutique. Three years later, I
I am a man of God, husband, father, brother, international worked for a tuxedo and gown business (I thought
award-winning designer, model coach, actor, mentor, I owned it because of my management skills). I started designing and creating more and more and, eventually,
entrepreneur, and brand builder. I am the founder of the owner sold the business to me. We soon rebranded to Carlyle’s All About Tuxedos and expanded to three
Fashion Durham NC Fashion Week, East Coast Fashion locations. I featured tuxedos and same-day service. Then, as demand increased, we created the Rent-A-Suit
Week, Men’s Fashion Week Atlanta, and Designers on option allowing customers to rent a suit, shirt, tie, and shoes for any occasion. We were so busy that customers
Tour. I produced the 2019 Superbowl Weekend Fashion
Show in Atlanta and the 2020 Superbowl Weekend lined up to take a number during prom season.
Fashion Show in Miami. My collection, the Mr. Carlyle
Collection, has been featured at New York Fashion
Week for the last decade.
I am married to award-winning singer-songwriter Dr.
Kiki Michelle Singletary-Williams. Together, we founded
Carki Global Inc., a 501-C3 foundation that feeds those
in need each month and gives toys to children during Mr. Carlyle
Christmas.

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