Our #blackfashion #blackhistorymonth continues with #willismith ! WILLI SMITH was a black designer who pioneered urban, sports/streetwear in the 80’s. The Coty American Fashion Critics’ Award winner (1983) was know for his use of bold colors, bright embellishments & mixing prints. His label “WilliWear” was sold in over a 1,000 stores and by 1986, had grossed $25M, making him one of the most successful black designers in history. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Source @mychaelkni

Check out my conversation with my close friend @bethannhardison at the Willi Smith: Street Couture exhibition Willi Smith was regarded as one of the most successful African-American designers in the fashion industry. His company, WilliWear Limited, launched in 1976 and was one of the first American designers to create clothing inspired by and for everyday people and what they wore on city streets – making his clothing some of the earliest examples of streetwear. Smith also sourced natural fabric