In 1976, Willi Smith created the popular Williwear, a colorful and youthful sportswear line. Many of his designs were featured in the Spike Lee Film, School Daze.
Williwear never undertook corporate advertising campaigns, but Smith's eclectic, whimsical, and inventive designs attracted the attention of fashion editors and buyers from department stores and clothing chains such as TJ Maxx. Customers responded favorably, and the fledgling company soon became established in the industry.
At first Williwear produced only women's clothing, but in 1978 the Williwear Men's line was added. Smith won a Coty American Fashion Critic's Award for women's fashion in 1983 and a Cutty Sark Menswear Award in 1985. Sadly, Willi Smith lost his battle with AIDS at age 39. He remains one of the most successful African-American fashion designers in history. Many of his outfits are current hot items in vintage clothing shops and on the net.
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