Harlem Bespoke: A lot of millennials now know about Dapper Dan in Harlem because of the recent resurgence of press in the media but most have forgotten about the black 7th Avenue designer who was the first to come up with the artist collaboration and combine it with his original streetwear design. Willi Smith finally gets some recognition at the current exhibit at the
Cooper Hewitt museum along with pieces designed with artists Keith Haring, Christo, Barabara Kruger and choreographer Bill T. Jones.
There is actually part of the set by Keith Haring designed for the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company production of
Secret Pastures that premiered in 1984 and a video shows the costumes by Willi Smith within the presentation. Keith Haring artwork would also be part of tee shirt collaborations alongside the now familiar works of Barbara Kruger. Artist Christo wrapped the Little Island with Willi Smith on board to provide the workwear for all on the crew who made it happened. Posthumous artist collaboration abound with designers today but WilliWear was the first to do it when everyone was still around.
Willi Smith was also the first to do a film presentation for one of his collections which premiered at the Ziegfeld and the exhibition has the full video playing in rotation along with seats for viewers to situate themselves in. We also especially enjoyed the hand drawings on the display which harken back to the time when designers actually sketched there own work to get their ideas across. The Willi Smith exhibit will be up until October 24th and free to visit with online RSVP to the Museum:
LINK
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