Summer Lovin’: Willie Norris Hosted an Intimate Dinner in Brooklyn

Last night, loved ones gathered for an intimate dinner to celebrate thirty-three years around the sun for Outlier’s design director, Willie Norris.

Nestled within the cozy depths of Le Crocodile underneath the Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn, the warm wood paneling and low candlelight added to the vibey atmosphere as guests took their seats. Looking around the room, it was immediately apparent this was the spot to be, a sentiment not lost on Norris, whose heartfelt birthday toast caused a few glistening tears. “Let us first stop…pause and take a minute to look around the room,” cheered Norris.

Taking a mental snapshot, the evening served as a thank you to those nearest and dearest to Norris’ fashion journey. “Tonight is a more concerted public assertion of gratitude for people that are around me, near me, that I’ve known and have said my name in a room. Gratitude and thankfulness for them–that’s what tonight is for me,” said Norris.

Guests included Aaron Rose Philip, Queen Jean, West Dakota, Christopher John Rogers, Maria Cornejo, Vogue’s Chioma Nnadi, and Hunter Abrams; also in attendance were the two founders of Outlier, Abe Burmeister and Tyler Clemens. As the creative head of the menswear brand for the past eight years, Norris has not only managed to cultivate a style language of her own but also a supernatural ability to bring an amazing group of people together.

On the topic of fashion, Norris shared what’s next for Outlier. Known for her punchy graphic tees with phrases–PROMOTE HOMOSEXUALITY, WHAT IS HETEROSEXUALITY AND WHAT CAUSES IT?, and THE WORDS ARE RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU–emblazoned on the front, Norris is switching gears. Wearing a new piece from the new collection, she shared her source of innovation. “The inspiration was quite honestly me! I love this idea of not so much a designer wardrobe but a designer’s wardrobe,” explained Norris. “I’m making my first kind of true public proper introduction to what Willie Norris’ product looks like.” Donning a fit described as a “lab coat shirt dress,” the look was a playful take on a traditional Oxford shirt. Lapels and buttons were boldly placed, creating a striking yet super-wearable look—a hard combination to harness. Completing the birthday ensemble, Norris wore SYRO boots, a queer-owned brand with inclusive sizing out of Bushwick.

Dinner came in the form of shared plates of Cacio Peppe pasta, roasted chicken, and yummy veggie medleys. Conversation flowed as easily as the freshly shaken cocktails speedily rendered in the marbled bar in the corner. Outlier clothing tags served as name cards with fun bags to take home. “To kind of find myself here now surrounded by people that support me and see my vision that really genuinely, earnestly, and publicly want me to succeed feels incredibly special,” said Norris. The magical evening came to a close well beyond everyone’s bedtime–a telltale sign of a great night.