Former MAC Man of the Year Makes Waves in Fashion Industry

By Dan Miller
AP Fashion Writer

MILAN, Italy (AP) -- It’s not easy to break into the insular world of high fashion, but former Morningside Athletic Club (MAC) Man of the Year, Ryan Williams, is doing just that. In a recent photo spread in Edina Magazine, Williams was named one of the tony suburb’s best dressed. Williams previously turned heads with his exploits on the soccer pitch, as a musician, and as an all-world meat smoker, and is now making waves in the world of fashion. While it is too early to suggest that the epicenter of high fashion has moved from Milan to Morningside, those in the fashion industry are taking note.

Anna Carlini, age 88, a retired fashion reporter in Milan noted with a devilish grin, “Signor Williams is handsome Americano. This MAC-a sounds-a good to me-a. I’m gonna like-a MAC-a on the Facebook.” While Williams received rave reviews from Ms. Carlini, not all observers in Milan were as generous. “Signor Ryan looks like he is dressed to go see the Hootie’s Blowfish concert,” responded Bianca Donati, who is known as the Italian Joan Rivers (RIP) for her caustic reviews of celebrity fashions.

Williams knows that criticism comes with the territory. “I realize that taking the next step to Milan and Paris is a great challenge. Right now I’m just focused on the task before me which is making sure that I am the best dressed at the MAC Pig Roast on Saturday night. I can’t control what happens in Milan, but I can ensure that I have a cooler hat than Phil Mero,” said the determined Williams.

Not surprisingly, Williams’ rapid rise in the fashion world has ruffled a few feathers in Morningside. “You know, I was named fifth best dressed in Little Canada in 1986,” said a dejected MAC mainstay Bob Cossack. A spokesman for the fashionable Morningside resident Marc Ratner reported that Ratner was “devastated” at the slight and would not be responding to media inquiries on the topic.

While some jealousies are inevitable, Williams has also received great support from many within the community. “I want to welcome Ryan to the world of high fashion,” said former J.C. Penney underwear model and Morningside resident, Jim Wilde. “It’s a tough business, but I’m highly confident that Ryan will succeed.” Williams’ unexpected success in fashion has given confidence to others in Morningside who have considered pursuing long-shot dreams. “I’m so happy for Ryan,” said Morningsider Dan Werry, “it makes me think I should pursue my dream of becoming a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter. Ryan is an inspiration for us all.”