Born and raised on Detroit’s west side, Rick Williams is a man best known for blending street-level storytelling, fashion, and footwear to help redefine what Detroit style looks like through his work in design, retail, and community upliftment.

A hustler from an early age, his interest in fashion started with his love of sneakers and product design, both of which served as the groundwork for his lucrative creative career to come.

Rick Williams found his initial fame as co-owner of Burn Rubber, a high-end Detroit-based sneaker boutique.

His taste was refined, yet he was also never flashy, instead leaning on his keen eye for detail, sharp color palettes, and precision.

Under his leadership, Burn Rubber became more than just a store—it served as a beloved community hub, so much so that he eventually found himself collaborating with brands like Reebok, Adidas, and New Balance.

That said, Rick wasn’t just a skilled creative; he was the man who helped put Detroit on the map when it came to sneaker culture in general, making sure Detroit sneakerheads weren’t just consumers, but industry changemakers.

Williams launched Distinct Life in 2011, a lifestyle brand and creative agency, that extended far beyond fashion.

His custom releases weren’t just exclusive; they told stories of resilience, authenticity, and power.

Whether Williams is collaborating with local brands or major ones like Beats by Dre and Foot Locker, he carries with him Detroit’s distinct spirit in all he does, never chasing clout, but instead curating identity.

Today, Rick’s influence spans everything from design to mentorship to strategy.

A beloved figure in the world of street fashion, he has been featured in publications like Hypebeast, GQ, and Complex, all while never losing his Detroit grounding.

Whether he’s designing a shoe, crafting an entire brand from scratch, or advising the next creative to rise from the ashes of 7 mile, he does it all with clarity, vision, and heart.

In short, he’s not just a designer; he’s Detroit’s style mastermind—one always one step ahead of the curve.

Victoria Jackson (Editor In Chief)

Victoria Jackson is a lifelong student and sharp-eyed documentarian of all things Detroit, from its rich musical roots and cultural icons to its shifting neighborhoods, storied architecture, and underground legends. With her finger firmly on the pulse of both the city’s vibrant past and its rapidly unfolding future, she brings a deeply personal, historically grounded lens to every piece she writes.

Published on: September 29, 2025