Smith

Willi (1948-1987). American designer. With a wealth of talent and sensitivity, he was heralded at the time of his death as the most successful black designer in the history of fashion. It is, in particular, his summer clothing and sportswear that stand out among all his collections. In 1976 he founded the Willi Wear Company with Laurie Hallet. He also used his creative talents to design collections for men and anticipated many of the elements that later came to characterize the American casual look of the 1980s and 1990s.