Quandell Wright, founder of the fashion brand William Palmer Hommé (WPH), is a name quickly gaining momentum in the fashion world. After a defining appearance at New York Fashion Week, Wright's innovative designs and deeply personal inspirations continue to attract attention from high-profile celebrities like Chris Brown and Keri Hilson. His brand has become synonymous with bold, deconstructed styles, particularly through his signature TORN collection, which reflects his journey of self-expression and cultural homage.
In a recent interview with So FN Dope Magazine, Wright shared his experience at New York Fashion Week and its impact on him as a designer. "It was my first time attending, and it gave me a different perspective on the fashion industry," he reflected. "I’m feeling recharged and inspired."
Wright’s passion for fashion was ignited at a young age when he realized the power of clothing. Introduced to designer brands like Guess and Karl Kani by his mother, he quickly understood how clothing could change how others perceived him. “I knew right then and there people respected you more by the way you dressed,” he explained. "I wanted to make my own clothes and be accepted." By middle school, he was manipulating fabrics and hand-sewing his first pieces—skills that would become the foundation of his future career.
WPH’s TORN collection, known for its raw, ripped designs and bandana details, was born from a place of struggle and anger. “I had a major turning point in my life that caused me to second-guess my potential, feel lots of anger, but also forgotten,” Wright explained. This emotional turmoil found its way into his designs, and what started as a destructive urge became one of his most successful and defining collections. The bandanas, incorporated by accident after a shipping error, have become a signature element. “I started to incorporate more colors and dismantle the stigma associated with wearing bandanas,” he said, emphasizing the cultural significance of his work.
Wright’s designs have captured the attention of major names in the entertainment industry, but perhaps none more exciting than Chris Brown. “I remember waking up to like 200 missed calls,” Wright recalled. "My friend was like, ‘Chris Brown is wearing your ski mask bro.’ I didn’t even think he got it. I just sent it on like a Sunday or Monday, and he had it in like two or three days."
Despite his growing success, Wright remains grounded in his roots and committed to his hometown of Detroit. His collaborations with brands like the Detroit Pistons and Born in Detroit reflect this connection. "Our communities can only thrive if our businesses, big or small, continue feeding into the places we call home," he said. Wright’s passion for social justice also shines through his work, particularly in his collaboration with K-Swiss for their UNITY campaign, which addressed police brutality and inequality.
Looking ahead, Wright is excited about the future of WPH. “William Palmer Hommé is taking a new approach to luxury,” he teased, announcing the upcoming Fall/Winter TORN collection. With aspirations to collaborate with iconic brands like New Balance and even Harley Davidson, Wright’s vision for the future is as bold and fearless as his designs.
As he continues to break barriers and challenge fashion norms, Quandell Wright’s advice to aspiring designers is simple yet powerful: "Stay consistent. Believe in yourself and trust the process. Make it yours no matter what it is. Don’t be afraid to break the rules."
WPH’s journey is just beginning, and if Wright’s ambition and creativity are any indication, the fashion world will continue to feel his impact for years to come.
***For Quandell Wright's full interview stay tuned for Issue 23 of So FN Dope Magazine coming soon.***
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