Summary
- Matthew M. Williams’ protégé, Myles Henrik Hall, launches his new brand, DIARY 1999
- Following the “for the youth, by the youth” ethos, Hall has his finger on the pulse, tapping into his community inspirations for the debut collection
- His first collection features jersey pieces and Japanese denim, rooted in Americana
Myles Henrik Hall, a 26-year-old multidisciplinary creative and long-time protégé of Matthew M. Williams, is stepping into his own spotlight with the launch of his new personal project, DIARY 1999. This brand is built on a clear ethos: for the youth, by the youth — reflecting a deep connection to his community across music, clothing and photography, all grounded in Americana and the authentic style of his peers in Harlem. Looking at the way he and his peers dress on a daily basis, DIARY 1999 is casual, wearable and focuses on an array of outerwear, jerseys and Japanese denims for its debut collection. This endeavor isn’t just a new label, it’s an accumulation of his experiences from a young age, distilling decades of observation and immersion into a cohesive vision.
Hall’s journey in fashion and visual arts has been remarkable. At just 14, he began working under Matthew M. Williams, steadily becoming his right hand, absorbing invaluable lessons in creative direction. Later, at 18, Hall spent three years in London with legendary image-maker Nick Knight, honing his skills in fashion film, image-making, and creative direction. These experiences have allowed him to build a strong global community, spanning America, Japan, Paris, and London.
Speaking exclusively to Hypebeast, Hall recounted his lifelong knack for anticipating trends, an intuitive sense that has propelled his journey. He reminisced about being among the first to queue for iconic releases, citing the moment he stood in line for the revered Kate Moss Supreme shirt. Hall told Hypebeast he was obsessed with being part of the culture and developed his inherent eye for trends by cultivating different perspectives from his youth. Hall’s observation of street culture and subcultures has been a driving force, preparing him to launch a brand that resonates with his generation’s pulse. In a joint conversation with Hypebeast, Williams shared that following two decades in the industry, he wants to give back to young designers and is doing so step-by-step and by backing new fashion brands like this one from Hall.
The inaugural DIARY 1999 collection is a testament to Hall’s unique perspective. It features a strong lineup of jersey pieces, adorned with details and prints inspired by the visual lexicon of Americana and the clothing codes he grew up with. A key focus is innovative outerwear, particularly a zip-detailed pillow neck that offers a twist on the classic hooded jacket. The collection also includes hand-made jeans crafted from Japanese denim, reflecting his admiration and deep respect for the nation’s artisanal quality.
Beyond clothing, Hall’s photography practice has fostered strong connections within the new generation of American musicians, including artists like Ken Carson, Destroy Lonely, and Playboi Carti, who are part of Carti’s Opium collective. This interdisciplinary approach—weaving together music, fashion and visual art is what truly defines DIARY 1999. Not just a brand, it’s a reflection of a vibrant, interconnected culture poised to shape the future of fashion.
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