As the collaborative relationship between art and fashion has evolved into near ubiquity over the past 30 years, so have questions around the cultural and commercial impacts of their entwinement. Not only did Willi Smith understand this, he was a pioneering force in this new relationship.

Smith’s brand WilliWear aimed to democratize fashion by combining performing and conceptual art with affordable basics inspired by his diverse audience. Smith and collaborators such as Christo and Jeanne Claude, Juan Downey, Dan Friedman, Nam June Paik, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, Les Levine, and Dianne McIntyre experimented with dance, music, film, and installation to bring art out of the gallery and into everyday experience. While WilliWear’s clothing remained suited for the mainstream, the brand relied on collaborations with artists to signal its alignment with critical movements such as techno-utopianism, institutional critique, New Wave design, and queer liberation.

During this conversation, moderated by Dario Calmese, Jacolby Satterwhite and Bethann Hardison will discuss the potential for multidisciplinary collaboration to shift values, the shape of improvisational careers, and the nuances of creative process and presentation across media.

This virtual program is offered in conjunction with the exhibition, Willi Smith: Street Couture.

Register here. This free program will feature a moderated panel discussion followed by an audience Q&A hosted through Zoom, with the option to dial in as well. Details will be emailed to you upon registration. This program includes closed captioning. For general questions or if we can provide additional accessibility services or accommodations to support your participation in this program, please email us at CHEducation@si.edu or let us know when registering.