William Palmer
Photo courtesy of William Palmer Homme
Alligator shoes, Cartier glasses, mink coats are all synonymous with Detroit’s fashion scene. As ever-evolving as the city itself, its fashion culture has undergone several shifts, but one thing remains true: Detroit’s grit to make the impossible possible.
Quandell Wright, founder of William Palmer Homme, is next up in Detroit fashion. At an early age, Wright began to hone skills that would prove to be beneficial in launching a fashion brand.
“I grew up loving fashion. From the age of eight, I really got going. I was in middle school when I learned how to hand sew. I used to take old t-shirts I used to have and cut the letters of my name out of it and sew it onto pants or denim jackets,” says Wright. “That’s how I made money in middle school.”
Taking time to perfect his craft, the budding entrepreneur would often create individualized custom pieces for classmates and other children in the neighborhood. In high school, the brand received its name, but would soon see a shift to make the name memorable.
“In high school, I came up with the name ‘William Palmer.’ At first, it was originally going to be William Wright, named after my grandfather. My grandfather’s name is William Wright, but ‘Palmer’ came from a good friend of mine in class. It was the last name of his grandfather. I just put the two together and ran with it,” says Wright.
Though the brand received its name during the founder’s high school years, it was not until 2016 when William Palmer Homme got its official start. The fashion industry, already competitive, proved to be difficult to break into. First met with adversity, the brand and its owner were forced to get creative and forge a path all their own.
“It was definitely a rough journey. I didn’t have anyone to go to. I didn’t have anyone to ask for advice. No one was sharing knowledge here, so I had to figure out my own way,” says Wright.
Bassem Souwaidan, owner and founder of the popular Dearborn clothing brand Al Wissam, played a pivotal role in the brand development for William Palmer Homme. Most noted for their embroidery on coats and popularity in the early 2000’s, Al Wissam is another iconic player in Detroit’s evolving fashion game.
“He’s a great mentor and a great brother of mine. He gave me the blueprint. He gave me great advice and guided me through a lot of obstacles throughout my journey. That’s where the William Palmer Story starts — it starts from there,” says Wright.
From a line of apparel, the William Palmer Homme brand is expanding to include one of the hottest and most timeless of women’s accessories: hand bags. The luxury handbag market in Detroit is booming and Wright is making his mark on the growing industry. Crediting his wife for helping to expand the brand, it was Wright’s father who originally introduced the idea to include womenswear.
“My father was like, ‘man you need to cater to women.’ I was like, ‘I am, but in due time.’ Women’s clothing is not difficult, but you better come right,” says Wright. “Last year, my wife suggested we make a bag. I just needed the right bag. I know bags are bags, but when I come out with one, it has to be the right bag.”
That is exactly what this founder did. Early summer 2021, William Palmer Homme debuted its first look into their concept for women’s clothing. The brand released a women’s clothing capsule collection featuring hats, dresses with custom pockets created by Wright, and shorts.
“Women started to gravitate towards me a little more. That was the bait, because I knew I was coming with this bag.”
In September, William Palmer Homme upped the ante and released its first luxury purse. The Amore handbag is unlike any other in that it is a uniquely designed pyramid shaped bag. After having a discussion with manufacturers, Wright knew the bag was meant for his brand. It sold out in its first release.
“I got a sample [of the bag] and I posted the sample and it went nuts from there. I ordered a certain amount and had a release date for September 3rd, then September 3rd came and we sold out in two hours,” says Wright.
Continuing to create a name for himself and William Palmer Homme, Wright has several high- profile projects in the works, including a collaboration with Jimmy Choo in Somerset Collection in Troy. Celebrities such as Chris Brown have also been sighted rocking merch from the brand.
Raised on the eastside of Detroit, Wright continues to carry the city and the Black community with him. Investing in other brands, the founder is a supporter of Black-owned businesses and uplifting fellow entrepreneurs. Like popular Black brands of the past, William Palmer Homme was created for African Americans who are expelled from large luxury brands. Moreover, the line was made for Detroit.
“I’m here for the long run. I’m a conqueror. William Palmer is for everyone, of course, but I want my people to be proud. When you throw on William Palmer, I want you to be proud,” says Wright.
In the months to come, the brand will debut its winter collection, more handbags, and a golf line is teed up for next year.
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