Stephanie thanks for some goode food for thought. What do Michael Knight, Patrick Kelly, Aaron Goode, and Willi Smith have in common besides the first and last names of celebrities? Well these gentlemen are celebrities in their own right, or at least they dress them.

In the ever so demanding industry of fashion and designing minorities are far and between. These African-American designers have taken the industry of fashion by storm from Bravo’s “Project Runways” to formulating their very own companies, these designers are stitching together an enormous resume of talent and cliental.

Fashion design is the applied art dedicated to clothing and lifestyle accessories created within the cultural and social influences of a specific time. In the 19 century credit was given to Charles Frederick Worth who was the first person to sew their label into the garments that they created. Since then many inspiring minds have ventured to obtain such skills and 28-year old German born and ATL based designer Michael Knight, has undoubtedly earned his respect in the fashion industry from the days of watching Soul Train in his Montgomery, Alabama home.

After graduating from Georgia Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design & Merchandising, Michael relocated to become part of the burgeoning urban entertainment industry…as ATL greeted him with open arms. Michael soon gains notoriety and celebrity clients like Jagged Edge, 112, Ciara, Free (formerly of BET’s 106 and Park) and Queen Latifah. With all of these great achievements Michael biggest achievement most would say would be being selected to compete as the very first African-American designer on Bravo’s “Project Runway.” This opportunity has made Michael Knight a household name one that people can’t get enough of.

Designer Patrick Kelly, was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi on September 24, 1954. Kelly is well known for his innovative form fitting dresses and larger-than-life multicolored buttons, and bows. In his adult years, Kelly followed his heart and moved to Atlanta where he sold re-engineered used clothes while working without pay for the Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Boutique. He later relocated to the New York where he briefly attended the acclaimed Parsons School of Design. A close friend and model Pat Cleveland soon suggested to Kelly that he should move to Paris and so Kelly picked up and went off to Paris to start his career.

Kelly’s career commenced with the selling of dresses on the streets of Paris while working as a costumer for a nightclub, Le Palais. As his work became more recognizable, he signed a designing contract with Warnaco. Kelly eventually moved into high-end stores such as Henri Bendel, Bergdorf Goodman and Bloomingdale. The year 1985, marked Kelly’s officially entry into the Paris fashion limelight as his striking ready-to-wear women’s collection helped him become a key figure in the fashion scene throughout the world. Kelly’s garments adorned the bodices of many celebrities including actress Cicely Tyson, vocalist Grace Jones, Bette Davis, and Josephine Baker.

Although Kelly had a great sense of styling fashion, his own personal anti-fashion “uniform” did not reflect his talent as he was often critiqued for his own wardrobe. Kelly was always seen in enormous custom-made denim overalls, with a biker’s cap, bright colored high top sneakers, and cotton turtlenecks. But in the end what he wore didn’t seem to matter so long as what he designed continued to be in high demand.

Kelly was the first American to become a member of the governing body of the prestigious French ready-to-wear industry, the Chambre Syndicale du Prêt-à-Porter, Kelly created many flamboyant garments that celebrated his southern roots and complimented his vibrant personality. Kelly is a true pioneer of fashion and will immortally remain an inspiration for young designers like Knight, Goode, and for young designers of today and tomorrow.

Fashion designer Aaron Patrick
Goode has revamped the word of good service literally. Aaron Custom Clothier specializes in the finest custom attire in addition to full service image consulting, you can be sure that your clothing is tailor made for your body, your image, and your lifestyle. By taking over 30 exacting measurements, Goode ensures the best fit possible. Aaron allows clients to define their own distinct wardrobe with luxurious fabrics, flawless construction, and outstanding customer service. Clients can make appointments contrary to their schedules and convenience in their homes, Goode’s showroom, or clients’ offices as they accommodate any busy business schedule. If you already buy and dress custom, BNz encourages you to explore Aaron’s customary blends.

Goode’s highly trained wardrobe specialists are qualified to assist clients in selecting the perfect combinations for their body, coloring, and personality. Aaron’s custom attire is expertly measured to ensure the perfect fit and color to accentuate each client’s personal features. A Wardrobe Analysis is also offered to help refresh ideas on the client’s current wardrobe. Many of Goode’s clients include IT personnel, Doctors, Lawyers, Insurance and Pharmaceutical Sales Execs, and Real Estate Professionals.

Long before our urban, up market creators, like Knight, Kelly and Goode designer Willi Smith – was and still is considered “the most successful black designer in fashion history.” Smith’s clientele included the prominent and wealthy, but his main focus was providing stylish yet affordable clothing that people would enjoy wearing.

Willi Donnell Smith was born on February 19, 1948 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Smith studied commercial art at Mastbaum Technical High School and in 1962 enrolled at the Philadelphia College of Art to study fashion illustration. Later, Smith determined that fashion design was his calling and in 1965, he earned two scholarships to the Parsons School of Design in New York. While in school, he began doing freelance work with the Bobbie Brooks Sportswear Company and designer Arnold Scaasi. In 1967, Smith quit school to pursue designing full-time and by 1969 his name was on a sportswear label called Digits.

In 1973, Smith and his sister, Toukie started a clothing company which soon failed. Smith continued doing freelance until 1976, when he co-founded WilliWear with a former colleague, Laurie Mallet. Having limited resources, Smith and Mallet went to India to purchase materials and design their collection. The first collection of wrap-around coats became the trademark for WilliWear designs, simple, colorful and eye-catching along with an affordable price tag.

Smith’s creativity went far beyond just designing clothes. In the early stages, WilliWear could not afford a runway show, so his models were posed throughout the showroom, “which featured brick walls, parking meters, fire hydrants, and wrought-iron fencing.”

Although WilliWear never did major advertising, Smith’s unique and diverse designs caught the attention of fashion editors and buyers for department stores and even clothing chains like TJ Maxx. The clothing line was well received, and soon the company became industry established. Smith noted that his designs were worn by everyday people, but he wanted his style to be distinguished as “real clothes” with a sense of designer fashion.

WilliWear first started out producing solely women’s clothing, but a men’s line was added in 1978. In 1983, Smith was awarded a Coty American Fashion Critics’ Award for women’s fashion and in 1985, a Cutty Sark Menswear Award.

In February 1987, while working in India on fabrics and designs, Smith contracted a parasitic disease and fell ill. By April, his health had rapidly declined and Smith soon died.

Prior to his death, WilliWear was grossing over 25 million dollars a year. Although the WilliWear clothing line is now gone, Africn-American designers will always remember the mark and legacy left behind. Willi Smith, Patrick Kelly, Michael Knight, and Aaron Goode have paved the way for tomorrow’s Africa-American designers.

Portions of this article were provide by the Black Fashion Designers Assocation.