Interview with Annette “Contagious” Williams
Crochet Designer for The Fashion Issue
By Mr. Styyles
mrstyyles@excapethematrix.com
TS: Annette, thank you for this interview.
AW: You are quite welcome it’s my pleasure. I’m honored to be featured in the
fashion issue of the magazine.
TS: You are quite welcome. Annette Williams, Who is she?
AW: I’m very comfortable in my own skin, lively, determined, driven, loving and
protective individual.
TS: What is the meaning behind “Contagious”?
AW: I was showcasing my designs in my very first runway fashion show and I
needed a name that would stand out. I had six girlfriends of mine on the phone
and they all decided on the name “Contagious”. They stated that my personality
fit the name as well of my designs which happens to be infectious but you don’t
need an anti-biotic for this. It’s a good infection and it happens to be
“Contagious”.
TS: What does being a designer mean to you?
AW: It’s truly a gift and a blessing. I never would have imagined twenty years
ago that I would be a Crochet Designer. It started with a couple balls of yarn;
I never use patterns or measure clients. I have no formal technique or training.
TS: Who or what inspired you to be a crochet designer?
AW: My mother inspired me to be a Crochet Designer during the time that I was
her caregiver after she suffered from a stroke. I would sit and crochet all day
and none of my designs look the same.
TS: What makes your designs different from every other crochet designer in
the area?
AW: I’m not afraid of taking a risk. I don’t believe in boundaries and my
designs are all one of a kind.
TS: Have you always known that you wanted to be a crochet designer?
AW: Not at all. I wanted to be behind the scenes in Communications.
TS: What was your first project that put your name out there?
AW: I did my first project in Richmond, VA which was the Virginia Music
Conference. I received a standing ovation and I realized at that the moment that
I wanted to continue in the path of designing.
TS: If you could work with one person who would it be?
AW: It would be Lauryn Hill because she gives the testimony of her struggles and
she has a strong spirituality that I admire.
TS: Do your designs gear towards men as well as women?
AW: Yes, my designs are for people who are comfortable in their own skin. There
is a certain amount of confidence that is needed in order to wear my designs. My
designs are personal and body conscience but it doesn’t mean that you have to be
a size 4 to wear my designs. I also design and cater to full figured women.
TS: What have been your good and bad experiences within the fashion industry?
AW: The overall industry in itself. The industry alone kicks crochet designers
to the curb. There are so many crochet designers but we are just hidden. I’m so
glad that you are featuring crochet designers in this issue; hopefully we won’t
be hidden anymore.
TS: Why do you think the pride of designers is getting in the way of working
with other designers?
AW: The bottom line is that everyone is greedy. Designers and other
professionals in the fashion industry are so cut throat. I think DC, Maryland
and Virginia can be just as good as New York but since there is so much
backstabbing going on in the industry we may never get to that level.
TS: How would you describe your fashion sense?
AW: Earthy, comfortable, sexy but classy and very intriguing.
TS: Are you trendy or a trend setter?
AW: Definitely a trend setter.
TS: What do you think is the hottest trend out today for females?
AW: I would have to low rise skin leg jeans because they are universal.
TS: If you could work with one photographer who would it be?
AW: I would love to work with Roy Cox in Maryland. I have seen his work and he
has the eye for fashion. It’s totally out of the box and he isn’t afraid to take
risk.
TS: Do you have any other interests/talents?
AW: I love to paint which I normally don’t share it with everyone but that’s
what I love to do.
TS: What do you feel you still need to learn in order to become one of the
best?
AW: I need to watch how I say things because I don’t sugar coat anything. If
it’s on my heart to say it I’m going to say it.
TS: What makes you the most uncomfortable?
AW: Walking the runway at the end of my designer showcase.
TS: What advice would you give for the upcoming designers that are trying to
get into the industry?
AW: Do you, stay focused, do not compromise your gift, don’t set yourself short
and never be brought.
TS: Is there is anyone that you want to give praise to for getting you where
you are today?
AW: My sweetheart Kenneth because he has supported me through some hard times
and keeps me humble.
TS: What would people be surprised to know about you?
AW: I love to play X-Box 360. I’m a beast with the games it goes with me when
I’m traveling. I also love and admire Shirley Temple.
TS: If you could collaborate with one designer who would it be?
AW: It would be Rhonda Paul of “Jazzy Couture” because she has that innocence I
had when I started out as a crochet designer. She is so anxious, lovely, pure
and sweet and I don’t want to see anyone destroy that. On a professional level
it would be Tracy Reese because she vibrant, colorful and keeps her culture on
the runway.
TS: Where do you see yourself as a designer in the fashion industry?
AW: A ground breaker designer. I want to make sure that people remember the name
“Contagious”.
TS: Where can people find your collection?
AW: You can contact me via Myspace. My page is myspace.com/contagiouscrochet.
TS: What’s next for Contagious?
AW: I’m showcasing my designs in Miami with SmashMouthHip-Hop.com and Wylie K &
Friends. It will take place June 20th-23rd at the Royal Palm Resort at Miami
South Beach. For more information you can log on to www.smashmouthhip-hop.com
TS: Contagious thank you so much for taking the time to conduct this
interview with me.
AW: It was definitely my pleasure I’m really honored to be featured in the
fashion issue as one of the Crochet Designer. I’m so excited to have the photo
shoot and work with you on other project that you have in store.
TS: You are quite welcome. I’m excited as well. That’s another edition from
Teronce Styyles. Food for thought: Why be Trendy when you can be a
Trendsetter!!!!