Meet Willi Smith The Uncredited Father Of Streetwear

Willi Donnell Smith wasn't just a fashion designer; he was a game-changer. He was a visionary who believed that great style shouldn't be reserved for the rich and famous. Instead, he wanted to bring fashion to the people, creating what he called street couture.

Willi's whole philosophy was that clothes should be comfortable, cool, and accessible. He famously said, "I don't design clothes for the Queen, but for the people who wave at her as she goes by." He created ready-to-wear pieces that were stylish, relaxed, and perfect for everyday life. His designs often had a loose, oversized fit, making them easy to move in and wear. He was also a pioneer in gender-neutral fashion, creating looks that worked for both men and women long before it became a mainstream idea.

In 1976, Willi and his business partner Laurie Mallet launched WilliWear Limited. The brand quickly took off, known for its fun and functional sportswear. By the mid-80s, WilliWear was a huge success, pulling in over $25 million in sales annually. Willi's travels to places like India to oversee production often inspired his collections, bringing a global flair to his designs.

Willi was also a massive supporter of the arts and loved teaming up with other creatives. He saw fashion as a form of art and wanted to share it with the world. He collaborated with a wide range of artists, including:

• Christo and Jeanne-Claude: He designed the uniforms for their famous art installations, like the one where they wrapped the Pont-Neuf bridge in Paris.

• Keith Haring: The iconic street artist created graphics for WilliWear T-shirts.

• Spike Lee: Willi designed the costumes for Lee's movie, School Daze.

These collaborations helped break down the walls between fashion, art, and pop culture—a trend that's still huge in the industry today.

Willi Smith passed away in 1987 at the young age of 39. But even though his career was cut short, his influence lives on. He paved the way for modern streetwear and continues to inspire designers who believe that fashion should be inclusive, accessible, and, most importantly, fun.

Learn more about Willi Smith below.