Fashion Design Course Contributors

Dr. Amy Williams

Amy (Amelia) Williams, Ed.D. is a Change Consultant focused on sustainability strategies advocating for environmental and social justice, and specifically, gender equity initiatives. She earned her Doctorate of Education from the University of Southern California, Rossier School of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership, and completed a Leadership Fellowship at the California College of the Arts.

For over 22 years, Amy was a Fashion Educator and Program Chair. In this role, she brought an unknown fashion program in San Francisco to international top ten recognition because of the groundbreaking sustainability education and highly skilled graduates. She began her career as a professional Fashion Designer creating for many brands and her namesake labels. Amy spent over 30 years as a designer entrepreneur, and design strategist. Amy holds a BFA in fashion design from Parsons School of Design.

Passionate about her work, Amy credits her success to dedication, drive, and perseverance. She looks forward to raising sustainability engagement with like-minded professionals across the globe.

ameliawilliamsstudio.com

Get to know Amy

Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got into fashion design?

I always wanted to be a fashion designer – I started drawing croquis (fashion sketches) when I was very young – I loved drawing women in outfits that I imagined, combining colors and textures, patterns and shapes to create a beautiful wearable image. I always wanted to make my “customers” feel exquisite. I went to design school in NY and in Paris to learn my craft. I then spent years designing all over the globe, making clothes for "real" people to wear and love. 

What inspired me to become a fashion design tutor?

I became a fashion design educator because I had loved being a designer – I always enjoyed working with others in workrooms and studios globally and so when the opportunity to work with students and nurture their talents into building clothing dreams.

What essential skills or qualities should every fashion designer possess?

I firmly believe that fashion designers need to have a combination of innovative and pragmatic skills. Designers today also must have clarity of vision for what they wish to create combined with what they wish to protect – meaning planetary and human resources!

What key skills and areas of knowledge do you focus on when guiding students?

I work with my students to find their passion and their best way to express their visions. I care very much about sustainability education and so I encourage every one to ensure that their values and ethics are also folded into their creativity. I believe this helps to ground their feeling of accomplishment - of being proud of what they bring to life and that they do no harm while designing their products.

How would you describe your personal design style, and where do you find inspiration?

I actually giggled with this question – I'll start with the second question - I find that my curiosity leads me to all kinds of inspirational inputs – museums, new countries, history. But when it comes to my personal design style, I have a fluid hand that enjoys drawing organic lines that curve and wrap and thus I find that my design style tends to have a clean sparseness with a softer volume rather than hard, crisp tailoring. I am anti “bling” or shine or superfluous frill, overall!

Who are your biggest influences in the fashion industry?

Each of these people have made a distinct mark with their talents: Romeo Gigli, Yohji Yamamoto, Rei Kawakubo of Comme de Garçon, Donna Karan in her 90s version of work, Ann Demeulemeester, Dries van Noten,  inspirationally Iris Van Herpen, and the store owners Chris and Ben Ospital of Modern Appealing Clothing in San Francisco – their knowledge and joy related to the industry and art fills my heart!

What is your favorite part of being a tutor?

What advice would you give to students beginning their fashion design journey?

Be patient. Make sure you stay curious and passionate about the craft. There will be days when fashion is frustrating, but hold on to why you chose this path and push yourself to try a new seam or color or texture. Stay creative.