When it comes to fashion illustration, few artists radiate the bold glamour and inclusivity that define Hayden Williams’ work. Self-taught and relentless, Williams has ascended to the top of the fashion world with illustrations that celebrate pop culture and timeless style. With collaborations spanning stars like Megan Thee Stallion and Victoria Monét, plus global brands, Williams has cemented himself as a social media star. In this exclusive conversation with GRAZIA USA, Williams opens up about his journey, inspirations, and the lessons that continue to shape his illustrious career.

A Vision Unwavering: The Evolution of Hayden’s Craft

GRAZIA: How has your perspective on fashion illustration evolved since you first started, and what key lessons have shaped your journey?

HAYDEN WILLIAMS: “I don’t think my perspective has changed too drastically since my story started. I still have the same visions and goals, but on a bigger scale. I’ve always felt fashion illustrations are under-appreciated in the industry, and I want to help change that. Social media has been a big part of my artistic journey. I’ve been drawing since I was three, and watching my growth — from child to illustrator, designer, and now author — has been fascinating.”

GRAZIA: Do you see your personal style reflected in your work, or do you view your art as a completely separate expression?

WILLIAMS: “My personal style is streamlined, smart, and minimalistic, so my illustrations let me explore bolder, more playful expressions. Sometimes my personal style and art overlap — I share my fashion on Instagram to show the person behind the work — but I generally let my designs do the talking.”

Collaborations That Define a Career

GRAZIA: Megan Thee Stallion and Victoria Monét are both celebrated for their bold, confident style. How did you collaborate with them to bring their visions to life?

WILLIAMS: “It’s amazing to build relationships with these incredible women. Victoria’s stylist reached out after I illustrated a female twist on Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ werecat look for Halloween — she loved it, and we brought it to life. With Megan Thee Stallion, her stylist connected with me, leading to designs for her performances and even a purple gown for her documentary’s premiere. Often, my Instagram sketches serve as mood boards for stars and their teams. While I don’t construct the garments myself, I collaborate with talented teams to bring my visions to life.”

GRAZIA: Are there any dream collaborators — whether in music, fashion, or beyond — that you’d love to work with in the future?

WILLIAMS: “I’d love to work with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen; their brand The Row is so chic. Collaborating with Versace and Donatella, who already loves my work, would be a huge honor. I also want to design more fashion dolls — my 2018 Bratz collaboration was a dream come true, and I recently worked on a tribute Barbie of the late Aaliyah. My goal is to turn my brand into a global empire.”

The Self-Taught Advantage and evolving industry

GRAZIA: As a self-taught illustrator, what do you think are the advantages and challenges of forging your own path in the fashion world?

WILLIAMS: “The beauty of being self-taught is that there are no rules — you make mistakes, learn, and grow. As a kid, I’d draw Disney characters, dolls, and pop stars like Lara Croft. That foundation shaped my vision. Teaching yourself lets you carve out your own style without external limitations.”

GRAZIA: What role has social media played in amplifying your career, and how do you balance its opportunities with its demands?

WILLIAMS: “Social media gave me a platform to share my work and turn it into a career. I started in 2008 when social media was less saturated. Now, there’s pressure with algorithms and content demands. I used to post daily, but I learned to create at my own pace. It’s about consistency and quality. Social media is powerful — you never know who’s watching — and it’s helped me achieve so much, but I also hope to see fashion illustrators get more recognition in the industry.”

GRAZIA: The fashion industry is constantly shifting. How do you keep your work fresh and relevant while staying true to your signature style?

WILLIAMS: “I always keep my eyes on pop culture, which influences my work. I blend past and present — honoring Old Hollywood while celebrating modern stars. My classic yet timeless style allows me to adapt without losing my essence.”

More Than Just Art: The Power of Words

GRAZIA: Your book includes more than illustrations — it features powerful words. Why was that important to you?

WILLIAMS: “Hayden Williams: The Fashion Activity Book combines coloring, paper dolls, and career highlights to inspire creativity. The words are important because they tell my story — how far I’ve come and how hard I’ve worked. Having icons like Naomi Campbell and Ariana Grande support it made it even more special. Seeing how therapeutic the book is for people is the greatest reward.”

GRAZIA: Your designs often celebrate diversity and glamour. How do you approach inclusivity in your art?

WILLIAMS: “Being a Black and Greek artist, diversity comes naturally to me. I want my work to feel inclusive — it’s never one-note. Glamour has always been part of my aesthetic, inspired by the fashion dolls I collected as a kid. My work proves that everyone can be glamorous. Even though embracing diversity can sometimes bring negative commentary, I create from a genuine place. My intentions are pure, and my supporters know that.”

GRAZIA: If someone were to look back at your career 50 years from now, what do you hope they’d say about your impact on fashion and art?

WILLIAMS: “I hope they’d say I helped elevate fashion illustration and gave it the recognition it deserves. I want my work to inspire others to dream, create, and feel seen. Fashion illustration belongs in the Met Gala, the CFDAs, and the Fashion Awards —and I hope my legacy contributes to making that a reality.”

Hayden Williams isn’t just creating fashion illustrations; he’s crafting a legacy that intertwines art, diversity, and glamour. His work — now immortalized in his book — is a testament to what’s possible when talent meets purpose. One thing is clear: Williams is just getting started.