Sarah Khan

A news article. On the left is a black and white photo of a Willi's shop. Two women hold a mannequin draped in a pattern dress. The headline of the article reads "Willi Wear in London"

It was around 1991 or ’92, and I was a student at Farnham College of Art and had a Saturday job in Covent Garden, London. It was a great area to work in with amazing designer shops, including Michiko Koshino, John Richmond, and Willi Smith.

The WilliWear shop was opposite the shop that I worked in. On my lunch break, I went in for a look and spotted an oversized black sweatshirt embellished with squares. The assistant told me that the squares were fluorescent. I bought it immediately. It was the height of House music culture, and I went out that night—probably to Shoom or Love Ranch—and wore the sweatshirt. Loads of people asked me where my top was from. I was so proud to say, Willi Smith.”

A news article. On the left is a black and white photo of a Willi's shop. Two women hold a mannequin draped in a pattern dress. The headline of the article reads "Willi Wear in London"

Women’s Wear Daily article on the opening of the first WilliWear shop in London, March 23, 1981