I recently found myself at an industry networking event in Las Vegas where I was introduced to a gentleman with a style as bright as his personality. Anyone can put on a suit and instantly feel more confident, but to wear clothing that smashes the status quo and which personifies your being requires a level of confidence that very few people possess.
Dave Sebastian Williams is the living, breathing example of such confidence. Upon meeting Dave, I couldn’t help but compliment his clothing and his vibrant personality. Furthermore, I complimented his ability to wear both with such self-assurance. Interested in learning more about the inspiration behind such a unique style, I suggested that we have a follow-up conversation, to which he agreed.
In an email later that week, I asked him 5 questions (some answers were shortened for brevity):
What inspires your style?
“I’ve always, since an early age, marched to a different Drum, even as a leader you have to set yourself apart. Not that I give it much thought … It just comes to me naturally. My most enduring inspiration is … We’re all UNIQUE. Don’t run from it, embrace it. Show it off … comfortably. As Henry David Thoreau’s 1854 work, Walden: “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. LET him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.”
My dad passed when I was 15 which was another possible catalyst to me embracing that fact that I need to be my own person. I’m inspired by and always have been a student of most everything around me … I’m more interested in seeing other people than of them seeing me. A dichotomy of what one might think when they see me in loud attire.
I dress to draw people and experiences TO me so I can learn what’s going on with them … I’m more interested in them … ME?, I’m just the same old boring me everyday. It’s the world around me that’s is so exciting, that is a part of my style inspiration … Look at me … so I can find out about you and your world.”
Photo ©/® Dave & Dave Incorporated
What is your favorite piece in your wardrobe?
“Technology has changed (rocked) my world and my chosen career … I’m an Actor and like a Model heading to a shoot I want to be comfortable especially when I’m working … Most of my Acting now comes by way of Voice Over Acting… I want (need) to be comfortable when I’m only using my Voice to persuade the listener … My favorite pieces in my wardrobe need to be comfortable … so, for that reason … Golf Shorts & Shirts for the last ten years and before that it was Hawaiian Shirts & Shorts.”
Photo ©/® Dave & Dave Incorporated
Why?
“Because they’re colorful, mostly bright and (alluring for my obvious reasons) make me feel comfortable in the skin I’ve been given for this part of my trip.”
Photo ©/® Dave & Dave Incorporated
What does it mean to be a gentleman to you?
“Being a gentleman, to me is simple … respecting others for who they want to be and how they want to be perceived at that moment. I’ll go with it, if they’re not rude or harmful to others. Let me attract you and THEN, let my gentlemanly style gently pull out of you, your UNIQUENESS.”
If you could offer one piece of advice to anyone about life, what would it be?
“…each of us are UNIQUE … look it up … and know that the synonyms; Distinctive, Individual, Special, et al have great definitions themselves and each of those words and definitions define us. This isn’t our last stop for experiences, we’re here for only a moment in time, so lets bump it up a notch. Don’t break the law, but RISK something … take it to the edge … and smile all the while.”
Now I ask you, could you expect answers less bold than Dave’s style and personality? I think not.
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