On April 29, 1948, Willi Smith—one of the most influential Black designers in American fashion history—was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Co-founder of the iconic brand WilliWear Limited, Smith revolutionized streetwear by merging high fashion with affordability and accessibility. By the early 1980s, his label was generating over $25 million annually in sales, bringing bold, unisex, and urban-influenced designs to the global stage. He worked with artists, filmmakers, and performers to make fashion a multidisciplinary experience, decades ahead of its time. Willi Smith’s legacy endures as a pioneer who made fashion for the people—by the people.
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