AN EMERGING VOICE: BRITTANY BYRD’S VISIONARY IMPACT ON FASHION AND ART

AN EMERGING VOICE:
BRITTANY BYRD’S VISIONARY IMPACT
ON FASHION AND ART

Words by Shanice Gray
February 7, 2025

In this exclusive interview, Brittany Byrd reflects on the quiet evolution of her creative journey, sharing her belief that art is not something you choose but something you surrender to. She reveals her daily rituals, explores the delicate balance between discipline and spontaneity, and offers insight into her philosophy on personal style as the ultimate expression of self. With her signature blend of authenticity and passion, Byrd illuminates how creativity mirrors life—a continuous dance between light and shadow. A𝘰D sits down with Brittany Byrd—artist, stylist, designer, and gallerist—to uncover her perspective on navigating the world as a multifaceted creative force.

A𝘰D: Did you always see yourself as an artist? If not, when did you discover this side of yourself?

Byrd: I didn’t always see myself as an artist, but perhaps I felt it long before I could name it. It was there—quietly—like a whisper in the walls or a shadow in the light. It revealed itself slowly, in stolen moments: the way colors spoke to me, the way stories begged to be told, the way silence felt alive when I created. I think I truly discovered this side of myself when I realized art wasn’t something you choose—it’s something you surrender to.

A𝘰D: Walk me through your everyday creative process. From the moment you wake up to when you decide to call it a day, how does your creativity flow?

Byrd: I’m a big tea person; every day starts with tea. I pray and give thanks for a new day. I love a morning walk and rise with the sun most days. I love to start with movement. You have to move the energy through the body. From there, the day is a dance between discipline and surrender. I set intentions for what must be done, but remain open to unexpected sparks. Creativity rarely adheres to rigid timelines; it flows when given room, so I punctuate work with moments of stillness—reading, observing, stepping outside—to breathe new life into my ideas. Afternoon is for shaping—editing, refining, turning the intangible into something tangible. It’s where I ask questions of my work: Is it true? Is it alive? Does it carry weight? By evening, I reflect on the day’s efforts. Some days, the work moves mountains; other days, it barely whispers. But both are necessary. I’ve been traveling a lot lately, so the nights depend on what city I’m in.

“Chaise Lounge” designed by Brittany Byrd and Thomas Musca. Photography by Julian Budge.

A𝘰D: How do you interpret your emotions into your art? How do feelings like joy, sadness, or frustration find their way into your work?

Byrd: I’ve learned that to truly create, I must sit with each feeling, let it speak to me, and allow it to flow through my work unfiltered. It’s important to feel whole—not just focused on the positive, but to feel it all. I need some passion. When I embrace it all—the light and the dark—I become whole, and my art becomes an honest reflection of that wholeness. Art, after all, is where emotion finds its form, and it is through that form I make sense of myself and the world.

I believe personal style is the truest form of self-expression—it’s your signature, the essence of who you are. Trends, on the other hand, are fleeting—they reflect the moment, but not always the soul.

A𝘰D: Do you think it’s better to have a personal style or to keep up with trends? And how do you find balance between the two?

Byrd: To rely solely on trends is to risk losing your voice in the noise, but to cling too tightly to personal style can sometimes limit growth and exploration. The balance, I think, comes from discernment. Trends can be tools, like sparks of inspiration—moments that challenge you to step outside your comfort zone. But they should never lead; they should only complement. Personal style is the foundation, built over time, while trends are like shifting light—sometimes illuminating new possibilities, other times just passing through. To strike that balance, you have to stay rooted in who you are while remaining curious about the world. Know what feels true to you, what resonates beyond the moment. When you filter trends through the lens of your individuality, you’re not following—you’re evolving. And evolution is the most stylish thing of all. You see, I don’t follow trends—I follow energy. If it speaks to me, if it aligns with how I feel on the inside, then it’s mine. If not, I let it drift on by, like wind through the trees. Style, like spirit, is personal. You can’t fake it; you can’t force it. It has to fit—not just on your body, but on your being. And when you honor that truth—well, that’s timeless.

A𝘰D: How would you describe your personal style?

Byrd: My personal style is a reflection of my life as a living canvas—art in motion. It’s fearless, intentional, and deeply personal. I’m drawn to pieces that tell stories, that push boundaries, and that feel like extensions of my identity. Style, for me, is about self-expression without compromise. It’s mixing high and low, old and new, street and structure—finding harmony in what shouldn’t work, but does. It’s about celebrating individuality and turning the everyday into something extraordinary. Style isn’t just about what you wear; it’s about how you carry yourself, the energy you bring. “I WEAR MY TRUTH, MY CREATIVITY, AND MY VISION LIKE ARMOR.”

A𝘰D: If you had only 10 seconds to choose something from your closet, what would not be, and why?

Byrd: If I had 10 seconds to choose anything from my wardrobe, I could close my eyes and just grab random items. I’m at a good spot in my wardrobe where, even if the items didn’t go together, they would still work for me. “Reaping the benefits of taste.”