*We spoke to Atlanta-based HGTV design star Justin Q. Williams and celebrity custom clothier Dedrick Thomas about their new luxury design series “Style Kings” on aspireTV.
Per the news release, the show brings together their incredible talents, blending high-end interior design and fashion to create a unique viewing experience. With Williams’ flair for transforming spaces and Thomas’ expertise in couture, “Style Kings” delivers innovative, stylish makeovers while offering insight into the world of luxury living and design.
Here’s the official synopsis: “In Style Kings, audiences will enter the world of high fashion and interior design with two successful entrepreneurs who specialize in luxurious style. Style Kings will have open and honest conversations, sharing how their artistic minds shape their approach to fashion and design. Catering to a roster of celebrity clients and high-profile projects, these two experts will elevate the discourse on Black men’s contribution to art and culture, while inspiring viewers to define their own style and swagger in this 10-episode series.”
Watch the trailer below.
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In our exclusive interview with the duo, we unpack their creative process, collaboration, and what viewers can expect from this exciting new venture.
We asked Justin about the unique challenges and rewards of working with celebrity clients and high-profile projects.
“You know, oftentimes celebrity projects are typically rather easy for me because they typically just want it done and they want it done correctly. So we don’t really have a lot of challenges there,” he explained. “Sometimes where the challenge comes in is when the client thinks that they are the designer. That can be a challenge. You can only have one designer, right? So that can be a challenge,” Justin continued.
“I share some of the same things Justin just mentioned about some clients wanting to be the designer as well,” Dedrick added. “I just make it how I want to make it, and then they end up loving it. It’s a collaboration and that’s how I approach it.”
“Style Kings” showcases the contributions of Black men to art and culture, so we asked the hosts why it’s so important to bring this narrative to the forefront in design and fashion.
“For me, I didn’t have any Black male figures growing up that I saw on television, that I saw in interior design. I didn’t even know interior design was a job, but I just knew that I loved it,” said Justin. “And most of the people that I had to look up to were white interior designers, and that was my inspiration. I want to be the next generation’s inspiration.”
“I want them to see themselves on television. I love the Aspire slogan, which is see yourself here, because they will be able to see what we do as Black men and know that they can also do it too,” Justin continued.
Dedrick added, “I tell people I talk to all the time that for me, it was important, you know, being from a small town… in Pickens, Mississippi, I want to be able to show kids that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to if it’s what you want to do. So just being able to share my journey… I think Justin’s been able to share his journey with being that he was born in Alabama. So being able to share those stories and and people understand that they can accomplish the same thing that we have accomplished, and we still are accomplishing because we are still learning along this journey.”
Watch our full conversation with Justin and Dedrick below.
To find aspireTV on cable in your area, go to https://aspire.tv/channel. AspireTV is also available nationally on DirecTV and DISH and can also be watched on DirecTV Stream, Sling or Philo.
