Object Based Research on WilliWear Garments for the Seneca Fashion Diversity Project 2025

Abstract This research examines the garments of Willi Smith through an object-based approach, analyzing how his label, WilliWear, redefined urban fashion by blending high-style construction with everyday wearability. By focusing exclusively on the physical attributes of his designs, such as fabric choices, silhouettes, construction details, and manufacturing processes; this study demonstrates how Smith’s concept of “street couture” revolutionized accessible fashion in the 1970s and 1980s. Through the detailed analysis of select WilliWear garments, including a men’s Mandarin-collared shirt, a relaxed-fit suit, and the Pont Neuf project worker uniforms, this research explores the functional and aesthetic qualities that made Smith’s work innovative. The study situates these pieces within the broader context of 1980s fashion trends, highlighting Smith’s strategic use of oversized silhouettes, durable yet elegant textiles, and cross-cultural influences. This research also considers the impact of globalized garment production, noting how Smith leveraged offshore manufacturing hubs to democratize fashion. Keywords: Willi Smith, WilliWear, object-based fashion research, street couture, urban fashion, 1980s fashion, garment analysis, menswear, textile innovation, fashion history.