Bethann Hardison

Bethann Hardison Instagram – These two…Stephen Burrows and Willi Smith were my everything as I was growing up in the garment business.
Two young, talented designers who were my bookends as I grew into my own and worked closely with each of them, separately. First I started with Willi (on the right) who eventually made Stephen aware of me.
There is a lot to say about each of them, but it will be in the book 🙂
Surely you would be more aware of Stephen Burrows, due to learning of Versailles in ‘73, then perhaps Willi Smith of WilliWear who passed away in late 80’s. Now you can learn much more about Willi due to the soon to come Museum exhibit. If only you knew how important this is to me…that both will have had a museum exhibit which adds to their legacy, acknowledges their existence and contribution to the fashion industry.
I could go on about them both but there is not enough space. They both meant everything to me. They were not friends, but liked and respected each other greatly.
So come out, tell all, learn more about this beautiful soul, an artist gone too young, and view the Willi Smith/WilliWear exhibit.
Willi Smith
Street Couture
Opens..
Friday, March 13, 2020
Cooper Hewitt,
Smithsonian Design Museum
2 East 91st Street
New York City
photo by: Bill Cunningham @bcunninghamfilm @stephenburrowsworld
#willismith #williwear #cooperhewittmuseum
@acunninghamcameron
p.s. Another designer of color
Jay Jaxon (deceased) another contemporary of ours, an exhibit is up in Queens. @queens_historical_society
Just know these exhibits in support are rare. I was instrumental in Stephen Burrows at Museum of City NY…and great aid to Willi Smith exhibit. Jay Jaxon I heard from the curator @rachelext that it has opened.
Proud of each. #excellence | Posted on 22/Feb/2020 20:00:08