The subject of today’s post, could be described as a contemporary renaissance man, William James Adams, as he is known to his Mother has his fingers in many pies. He attended the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles, which lead in 2001, to him designing his own signature clothing line. In 2011, I.T giant, Intel Corp. named him as director of creative innovation, with input in developing smartphones, tablets and laptops. He also launched a range of lifestyle products created in collaboration with Coca Cola using recycled plastic bottles, called the Ekocycle collection included garments, luggage and bikes all made using waste materials. Now if that wasn’t enough he created the Puls smartwatch, which featured special edition functions and a limited edition designed by the late architect genius, Zaha Hadid.
Still none the wiser, if I told you he had worked which recording artists as diverse as the wonderful Prince, Britney Spears, Usher, Cheryl Cole, Nicki Minaj and Micheal Jackson. Plus has acted as a judge and mentor on the TV singing talent show the Voice in both U.K. and Australia. What ! So William Adams and Black eyed Peas founding member Will-I-am are one in the same person ?!?!
They are my friend and his latest venture is very much a family affair, with shoe designer brother Carl Gilliam. MCCVIII pronounced “twelve-oh-eight” is a luxury sneaker label. So what, nothing Kanye, Pharrell, Big Sean and Tyga haven’t done before. Well maybe but, there aren’t many names who can say they did it without the backing of a major brand, but Will.i.am can.
Named after their childhood home address, 1208 Glennfield Court, MCCVIII reflects the brothers’ inimitable style and is inspired by the strong family who championed them whilst growing up in the urban neighbourhood in Boyle Heights, just East of Los Angeles’s Projects. The MCCVIII emblem – featured on the rubber soles of the shoes – was designed for global translation and recognition and shows a pyramid representing the building blocks of life, topped with a capstone, symbolising crowning achievements
Having debuted at Liberty in December 2015, MCCVIII has made its official launch at Harrods for Winter 2016. The Pharaoh Collection features three distinct silhouettes – Pharaoh High-Top Plates, Pharaoh High-Top and Pharaoh Low-Top. The slightly square-toed sneakers are a style conscious, dressier alternative to the traditional big brand style. The collection is available in a variety of colours, including : Black, Navy and Off White.
Crafted in Portugal, the Pharaoh Collection is constructed from high quality Italian calf leather and Italian nubuck leather with lambskin lining, luxe rubber soles, luxe zippers and waxed shoe laces. The Pharaoh High-Top Plates are accented with 18-carat gold-plated details for a tasteful bolder statement.
On the decision to launch and expand the brand in the UK, rather than at home in the US, designer Carl comments, “London was the obvious choice as it has always been regarded by my brother and I as the international home of fashion and creativity. So, when the opportunity arose, we jumped at it.”
