Cover Photography: Kathryn Huang
With tenacity and creative passion that stems from “curiosity,” William Lockhart (also known as “Moody”) has emerged as a formidable presence on the New York club—and ballroom—scene.
Hailing from Wilmington, Delaware, Lockhart owns and operates the powerhouse “Mood Is Black” (MIB) Creative Studio and serves as the International Father of the House of Chanel. The 39-year-old creator has since relocated from his hometown and now resides in Brooklyn, New York, and has collected an NYU Tisch School of the Arts program certificate along the way!
Speaking exclusively to BROTHER about his journey to self-expression and his rise to the top of his field, Lockhart shared: “I’ve always viewed creativity as a way to make people feel something. Whether it’s a photograph, a film, a ball, an event, a styling project, or even a social media post. I want people to feel beautiful, seen, inspired, and empowered.”
Read more below to discover the inner workings of Lockhart’s “moody” world.
BROTHER:
How would you describe your unique approach to creativity and self-expression?
WILLIAM LOCKHART:
My creativity comes from curiosity, and I’ve always viewed it as a way to make people feel something. Whether it’s a photograph, a film, a ball, an event, a styling project, or even a social media post. I want people to feel beautiful, seen, inspired, and empowered. And I think that’s why I’ve never limited myself to one medium, because I’m chasing the same thing every time—creating a feeling that stays with people long after the moment is over.
I’ve always been interested in people and the stories they carry, and I’m fascinated by the way culture, identity, fashion, music, and community shape how we see ourselves and each other. I think that’s why so much of my work exists at the intersection of different worlds: fashion meets Ballroom, Ballroom meets nightlife, nightlife meets film, and film meets music.
I’ve never been interested in staying in one lane because life itself doesn’t exist in one lane. At the core of everything I create is connection, and if someone can see themselves in something I’ve made, then I’ve done my job.
Additional Photography: Kathryn Huang + Hoshi Joell
When did you first realize that you were different from others, as you were growing up?
I realized it pretty early. Growing up, I often felt misunderstood, especially in school—I struggled to focus on subjects that didn’t capture my interest. But the moment something involved art, music, film, or creativity, I was completely engaged.
Also, I was fascinated by movies in general. Horror films were definitely a part of that, but so were fantasy, drama, comedy, and anything that transported me into another world. I was equally drawn to filmmaker Tim Burton’s imagination, pop art, cartoons, music videos, and Andy Warhol’s approach to documenting life. What fascinated me wasn’t just the entertainment. It was the fact that these creators built entire worlds and invited people into them.
I remember sitting in front of the television watching The Box, a music video television channel where viewers could call in and request videos to be played. I would spend hours watching whatever came on and teaching myself the choreography. Long before social media, YouTube tutorials, or streaming platforms existed, that was one of my windows into music, performance, and culture. I was always imagining stories, creating worlds in my head, and viewing life almost as if I were watching a movie unfold in real time.
Looking back, I realize that’s something I’ve spent my life trying to do through Ballroom, events, film, photography, fashion, and creative work. I don’t think I was different because I was queer; I think I was different because my imagination was always turned on.
What is it about Ballroom Culture that inspires you and keeps you invested in its lifestyle?
Ballroom gave me permission before the rest of the world did. Before I became an International Father—before producing balls, before any title or recognition—Ballroom gave me a place where I could experiment with who I wanted to become.
What keeps me invested, now, is much bigger than competition; it’s legacy. Whether it’s “The Mood Is Ball” or “The World of Red Ball,” mentoring the next generation, or documenting moments within the culture, I understand that I’m helping create pieces of history that will outlive me. Legacy isn’t just what you leave behind; it’s who you help along the way.
Who do you lean on for motivation?
Honestly, I motivate myself. But there are certainly people who inspire me, and my mother is one of them. She taught me resilience long before I understood the word. Watching her navigate life taught me that strength isn’t about never struggling, but continuing despite the struggle.
I’ve been broke, and I’ve had money; I’ve been in and out of love, and I’ve experienced some of the highest and lowest moments of my life. Every prior version of William—that survived difficult moments—motivates the current version of me standing here today.
Why did you decide on New York as your creative home base?
New York felt familiar before I ever lived here. As a kid, I constantly dreamed about New York—the movies I loved were based here, and the energy I admired came from here. New York helped me become who I am, but I never speak negatively about my hometown, Delaware, because that’s where the story started; it gave me my foundation. My work ethic, imagination, and ability to make something out of nothing came from Delaware.
When people ask why I’ve stayed in New York for so long, the answer is simple: because New York never asked me to shrink. I packed up everything I owned in Delaware, found a room for rent in NYC on Craigslist, got a job at Dallas BBQ, and started building relationships.
Through nightlife, producing events, and community building, I’ve learned from incredible people, including Michou Metta Jones—the Director of Nightlife Operations at Le Bain at The Standard High Line hotel. Le Bain has also been a major part of my growth, and has become more than a workplace for me—it has become a classroom.
Where has your creativity taken you so far—career-wise? And is there more that we can expect from you?
Over the years, my creativity has opened doors I never imagined. From appearing on FX’s Pose and CBS’s The Equalizer to working with brands like Marc Jacobs Fragrances. Every experience has taught me something different about storytelling and being seen.
“The Mood Is Ball” started as a simple idea, but watching it grow into something people genuinely look forward to has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. And “The World of Red Ball” is another project that’s incredibly special to me. What started as a vision (alongside my uncle, Icon Yohan Tisci, and The Center) has grown into something much larger than I ever imagined. I’ve also been fortunate enough to have mentors who saw things in me before I fully saw them in myself. One of those people is Icon Thaddeus Gorgeous Gucci. He’s reminded me not to think small and to recognize my own value.
Music has also always been there. For years, I’ve been studying artists, performances, visuals, production, storytelling, and sound, and that answer eventually became MOODY. Beyond music, I’m continuing work on a film project with director Steven Laxton.
Any final thoughts or words of encouragement for your tribe?
Most importantly, I’m grateful. I often tell people to connect the dots because everything in life is connected, and it rewards those willing to become themselves.
I’m grateful for my partner, Deon Flowers—who continues to build, dream, and create alongside me—our Yorkie “Prince” (who somehow manages to be the center of our household and a daily reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment), and the Floreo 9 brand that we’ve built together. Beyond any title, accomplishment, or recognition, those are the things that matter most to me.
And if there’s one thing that I want people to remember about me long after I’m gone, it’s that I never stopped creating. Creativity gave me a purpose as I’ve worn many names throughout my life: William. Moody. Mood Is Black. Will Chanel. And I’ve been fortunate enough to live out some of my dreams.
TALENT TEAM
Cover Star: William Lockhart
Talent Grooming: Albert Mejia (using Floreo 9 products)
PRODUCTION TEAM
Cover Photography + Editorial Photography: Kathryn Huang
Additional Photography + Cinematography: Hoshi Joell
Movement Direction + Styling Assistance: Smokiijaii L. Marc Jacobs
Creative Styling + Accessories Direction: Nick Swain
Wardrobe Design: Carlton Jones Collection
Executive Production, Post-Production Editing + Graphic Design: MIB Creatives
Video Music: Aqutie, featuring Tenisha The Wordsmith
Music Courtesy of: Native Rec Management
*Music approved by the artist for editorial video use.
Production Assistance + Behind The Scenes: Janard Williams
BROTHER MAGAZINE STAFF
Founder + Editorial Director: Avon Dorsey
Creative Director-at-Large: Kelvin Williams
Editorial Projects Manager: Latease Lashley
Partnerships, Planning + Promotions Manager: Chanel Clemons
Community Manager: Tyler Harris
Editorial Team Lead: Dami Ariyo
Styling + VIP Team Lead: Jada Adkins
West Coast Team Lead: Imari Gabrielle
West Coast Coordinator: Marché Dorsey