1 00:00:01,920 --> 00:00:07,040 Speaker 1: Hey listeners, Niminy here, host of historical records. Get ready 2 00:00:07,080 --> 00:00:10,640 Speaker 1: to hear about a historical hero through hip hop although. 3 00:00:10,440 --> 00:00:11,559 Speaker 2: Parents and teachers. 4 00:00:11,840 --> 00:00:15,120 Speaker 1: You can download a free activity related to today's episode 5 00:00:15,160 --> 00:00:20,000 Speaker 1: by visiting story pirates dot com slash Historical Records, and 6 00:00:20,320 --> 00:00:22,880 Speaker 1: now onto the show. After a few words for the 7 00:00:22,920 --> 00:00:31,319 Speaker 1: grown ups, Hi listeners, Niminy here in the ballroom of 8 00:00:31,400 --> 00:00:35,159 Speaker 1: the Secret Bunker, reporting to you live from fashion's biggest 9 00:00:35,280 --> 00:00:38,120 Speaker 1: night of the year. In just a moment, Tina and 10 00:00:38,159 --> 00:00:40,600 Speaker 1: the other raccoons are going to try on all my 11 00:00:40,800 --> 00:00:43,720 Speaker 1: clothes and hit the runway. We're expecting a lot of 12 00:00:43,760 --> 00:00:46,559 Speaker 1: different looks out of my closet tonight, and we're hopeful 13 00:00:46,680 --> 00:00:48,839 Speaker 1: that we'll find at least one outfit that I am 14 00:00:48,960 --> 00:00:53,560 Speaker 1: still willing to wear. I've just received word from Tina 15 00:00:53,640 --> 00:00:54,880 Speaker 1: that the show is starting. 16 00:00:56,160 --> 00:00:58,360 Speaker 2: Oh and here comes the first model down the runway. 17 00:00:58,680 --> 00:01:02,360 Speaker 1: It's Tina on top of four other raccoons, so they're 18 00:01:02,400 --> 00:01:03,280 Speaker 1: the same height as me. 19 00:01:03,600 --> 00:01:04,280 Speaker 2: And look at this. 20 00:01:04,560 --> 00:01:11,200 Speaker 1: They're wearing my favorite simple black dress. Now, this dress 21 00:01:11,280 --> 00:01:13,600 Speaker 1: is very special to me. I got it during my 22 00:01:13,680 --> 00:01:16,160 Speaker 1: junior year of college. I wear it to eighty percent 23 00:01:16,200 --> 00:01:18,240 Speaker 1: of the nice events I have to attend, and it's 24 00:01:18,280 --> 00:01:21,160 Speaker 1: honestly starting to get a little scratching in the shoulders. 25 00:01:21,480 --> 00:01:24,280 Speaker 1: It is pretty, but it's also pretty tired and should 26 00:01:24,280 --> 00:01:29,600 Speaker 1: probably be cut up and repurposed into kitchen rags. Sorry, Tina, 27 00:01:29,800 --> 00:01:31,000 Speaker 1: that one is not happening. 28 00:01:31,319 --> 00:01:32,640 Speaker 2: But don't worry, listeners. 29 00:01:32,760 --> 00:01:37,560 Speaker 1: We've got two more, hopefully passable options to see, and 30 00:01:37,880 --> 00:01:39,000 Speaker 1: here they come again. 31 00:01:39,440 --> 00:01:40,000 Speaker 2: Wow. 32 00:01:40,080 --> 00:01:43,720 Speaker 1: This next piece coming down the runway is a real stunner, 33 00:01:44,080 --> 00:01:46,840 Speaker 1: also being worn by five raccoons standing on top of 34 00:01:46,880 --> 00:01:51,960 Speaker 1: each other. This one is a floral pants suit, and 35 00:01:52,040 --> 00:01:54,280 Speaker 1: it looks like the raccoons are having some fun up there. 36 00:01:54,480 --> 00:01:57,080 Speaker 1: We love to see it, But does this dress still 37 00:01:57,160 --> 00:02:02,400 Speaker 1: work for me? I'm not so sure it does, Tina. 38 00:02:02,640 --> 00:02:05,480 Speaker 1: This is an outfit that I wore once for my 39 00:02:05,560 --> 00:02:07,360 Speaker 1: cousin's wedding and then never wore again. 40 00:02:07,640 --> 00:02:08,480 Speaker 2: Did it look good. 41 00:02:08,360 --> 00:02:12,200 Speaker 1: At the time, Absolutely? Can I bring myself to wear 42 00:02:12,240 --> 00:02:19,160 Speaker 1: it again? Absolutely not. No one said fashion was easy. 43 00:02:19,760 --> 00:02:22,200 Speaker 1: Side note. Is there anything more adorable than the sound 44 00:02:22,280 --> 00:02:24,160 Speaker 1: of a crowd of raccoons being bummed out? 45 00:02:24,520 --> 00:02:26,440 Speaker 2: I think not. Now. 46 00:02:26,480 --> 00:02:29,799 Speaker 1: This last outfit coming down the runway, once again being 47 00:02:29,840 --> 00:02:32,200 Speaker 1: worn by five raccoons standing on top of one Another 48 00:02:32,520 --> 00:02:33,040 Speaker 1: is a. 49 00:02:33,000 --> 00:02:36,240 Speaker 2: Vampire cape, vampire tape, and. 50 00:02:36,160 --> 00:02:39,760 Speaker 1: A vampire wig. It's my Halloween costume from last year 51 00:02:40,560 --> 00:02:48,359 Speaker 1: I was a vampire. It's not the music, Tina. None 52 00:02:48,400 --> 00:02:51,880 Speaker 1: of these options work. I have a confession to make. 53 00:02:52,320 --> 00:02:56,640 Speaker 1: Scientists International Magazine is doing a big feature on scientists 54 00:02:56,680 --> 00:02:59,840 Speaker 1: who live in top secret underground bunkers, and they're sending 55 00:02:59,880 --> 00:03:03,800 Speaker 1: a photographer here today to how our top secret underground 56 00:03:03,800 --> 00:03:04,680 Speaker 1: bunker to take a. 57 00:03:04,600 --> 00:03:06,840 Speaker 2: Picture of me. I agree. 58 00:03:07,280 --> 00:03:09,880 Speaker 1: The reason I ask you and the other raccoons to 59 00:03:09,960 --> 00:03:12,080 Speaker 1: do this fashion show is because. 60 00:03:12,320 --> 00:03:14,840 Speaker 2: I have absolutely nothing glamorous to wear. 61 00:03:20,440 --> 00:03:27,040 Speaker 3: Its Historical Records. You are now listening to Historical. 62 00:03:28,080 --> 00:03:31,080 Speaker 1: To make history, you got to have struggles to make history. 63 00:03:31,240 --> 00:03:34,079 Speaker 1: You got to show poise. Cannot be quiet loud as 64 00:03:34,120 --> 00:03:37,120 Speaker 1: a riot to make history, you gotta make some noise. 65 00:03:41,080 --> 00:03:45,680 Speaker 1: Welcome back to Historical Records, where we conduct highly experimental 66 00:03:45,720 --> 00:03:50,080 Speaker 1: experiments combining history and hip hop. Today's episode is about 67 00:03:50,120 --> 00:03:53,160 Speaker 1: the pioneering fashion designer Willie Smith. 68 00:03:53,560 --> 00:03:56,040 Speaker 2: But we'll get to Willy in a minute. Right now, 69 00:03:56,080 --> 00:03:58,360 Speaker 2: I'm in the middle of my own fashion Sasser. 70 00:04:00,360 --> 00:04:03,960 Speaker 1: I agree, the vampire costume is funny, but I need 71 00:04:04,040 --> 00:04:08,200 Speaker 1: to impress my fellow scientists, not make them laugh. My 72 00:04:08,320 --> 00:04:12,800 Speaker 1: boring black dress, my floral pantsuit, my vampire Halloween costume. 73 00:04:13,080 --> 00:04:16,400 Speaker 1: None of these outfits feel like they're really gonna wow anyone. 74 00:04:16,520 --> 00:04:21,960 Speaker 2: I want to wow people. What do you mean you 75 00:04:22,040 --> 00:04:28,080 Speaker 2: have just the thing? Tana? Where are you calling? Oh? Okay, 76 00:04:28,360 --> 00:04:31,039 Speaker 2: the spotlight on the runway is back. Uh. 77 00:04:31,120 --> 00:04:33,719 Speaker 1: Our next model is about to come down the runway 78 00:04:33,760 --> 00:04:37,120 Speaker 1: wearing what she assures me is the greatest outfit of 79 00:04:37,240 --> 00:04:41,880 Speaker 1: all time. Yes, there she is, Tana the Raccoon, and 80 00:04:41,920 --> 00:04:46,120 Speaker 1: it appears that she is wearing a dress made entirely 81 00:04:46,480 --> 00:04:48,760 Speaker 1: of garbage. 82 00:04:49,440 --> 00:04:54,280 Speaker 2: Okay, no raccoons. 83 00:04:54,400 --> 00:04:56,400 Speaker 1: Thanks for your help, but I can't wear a dress 84 00:04:56,400 --> 00:04:59,400 Speaker 1: made of trash for my big photo shoot. This is 85 00:04:59,520 --> 00:05:04,000 Speaker 1: Science Tists International magazine we're talking about. It's like the 86 00:05:04,040 --> 00:05:08,119 Speaker 1: biggest publication amongst scientists who are international and who also 87 00:05:08,240 --> 00:05:09,280 Speaker 1: read magazines. 88 00:05:11,040 --> 00:05:14,080 Speaker 2: Repeat, thanks, Tina, I knew you'd understand. 89 00:05:14,360 --> 00:05:16,279 Speaker 1: Let's look in my closet one more time in case 90 00:05:16,320 --> 00:05:22,080 Speaker 1: I missed something. Hello, cute and fancy clothes, where are you? 91 00:05:22,880 --> 00:05:23,040 Speaker 2: Hm? 92 00:05:26,080 --> 00:05:29,479 Speaker 1: Nope, no fancy, impressive clothes in here, just a bunch 93 00:05:29,560 --> 00:05:33,039 Speaker 1: of useless junk. Wait a minute, how have I never 94 00:05:33,160 --> 00:05:38,320 Speaker 1: noticed this hidden door before. Just as I suspected, this 95 00:05:38,480 --> 00:05:43,240 Speaker 1: door leads to a gigantic closet. Closet, Oh nope, this 96 00:05:43,360 --> 00:05:46,799 Speaker 1: is a library. That tiny door just led to the library. 97 00:05:47,160 --> 00:05:50,120 Speaker 1: Wait a second, maybe one of the historians can. 98 00:05:50,040 --> 00:05:55,960 Speaker 2: Help me find something to wear. Gabe, lay anyone in here. 99 00:05:56,160 --> 00:05:59,560 Speaker 1: I need a historian who also has the fashion sends 100 00:05:59,560 --> 00:06:00,000 Speaker 1: it possible? 101 00:06:00,080 --> 00:06:04,800 Speaker 2: Well what was that? And where is all this smoke 102 00:06:04,920 --> 00:06:05,719 Speaker 2: coming from? 103 00:06:06,000 --> 00:06:09,960 Speaker 4: Oh? Hi, niminy, Gabe, what was that huge kaboom sound? 104 00:06:10,520 --> 00:06:13,640 Speaker 4: Sorry about that. I've just been testing out the latest 105 00:06:13,680 --> 00:06:16,320 Speaker 4: design for my history simulator. Want to give it a try? 106 00:06:16,480 --> 00:06:18,760 Speaker 4: Well I kind of need Come on, it'll just take 107 00:06:18,800 --> 00:06:20,400 Speaker 4: a second. Here, put on this helmet. 108 00:06:20,600 --> 00:06:24,680 Speaker 2: Hmm okay, I guess this helmet is kind of cute. 109 00:06:24,839 --> 00:06:27,520 Speaker 4: Now climb up here and slide down this tube. God 110 00:06:27,600 --> 00:06:30,080 Speaker 4: New love a slade, and get ready to get blasted 111 00:06:30,120 --> 00:06:33,279 Speaker 4: off in this gigantic old timey cannon like the kind 112 00:06:33,279 --> 00:06:34,440 Speaker 4: they have at the circus. 113 00:06:34,760 --> 00:06:37,360 Speaker 2: I thought you said this was a history simulator. 114 00:06:37,600 --> 00:06:39,960 Speaker 4: It is. It just so happens to be shaped like 115 00:06:40,000 --> 00:06:42,800 Speaker 4: a gigantic old timey cannon like the kind they have 116 00:06:42,880 --> 00:06:45,880 Speaker 4: at the circus. But instead of launching the space. It 117 00:06:45,960 --> 00:06:47,200 Speaker 4: launches you through time. 118 00:06:47,640 --> 00:06:48,240 Speaker 2: Gabe. 119 00:06:48,480 --> 00:06:51,719 Speaker 1: You and I both know I love traveling through history, 120 00:06:51,880 --> 00:06:54,200 Speaker 1: but I don't know that I want to be launched 121 00:06:54,279 --> 00:06:55,080 Speaker 1: through history. 122 00:06:55,360 --> 00:06:57,359 Speaker 4: Don't worry about it. I'll do it with you. 123 00:06:59,360 --> 00:07:00,919 Speaker 2: Hut of a tight fitting. 124 00:07:01,000 --> 00:07:04,440 Speaker 4: Here, an astute observation, and an improvement I'll make in 125 00:07:04,520 --> 00:07:05,640 Speaker 4: version two point zero. 126 00:07:05,760 --> 00:07:08,600 Speaker 2: Wait, this is only the first draft of your time cannon. 127 00:07:08,880 --> 00:07:13,280 Speaker 4: I prefer history simulator shape like a gigantic old timey cannon, 128 00:07:13,400 --> 00:07:16,480 Speaker 4: like the kind they have at the Circus. But yes, 129 00:07:16,960 --> 00:07:20,360 Speaker 4: this is the first draft. Now let's simulate history. 130 00:07:21,200 --> 00:07:23,240 Speaker 2: This is safe, right, Gabe. 131 00:07:23,400 --> 00:07:25,200 Speaker 4: Honestly, I'm still working out the kinks. 132 00:07:25,320 --> 00:07:30,880 Speaker 2: Wait, what what's. 133 00:07:32,240 --> 00:07:35,080 Speaker 4: Look beneath us? That's all of human history and it's 134 00:07:35,120 --> 00:07:36,680 Speaker 4: flying right by us. 135 00:07:36,920 --> 00:07:40,400 Speaker 2: Kind of feels like we're flying right by next Now 136 00:07:40,440 --> 00:07:41,120 Speaker 2: you're getting it. 137 00:07:41,280 --> 00:07:44,280 Speaker 4: Remember to tuck and roll when you land, tucking roll 138 00:07:44,280 --> 00:07:49,160 Speaker 4: when you boo. I was saying, never mind you, Okay, Gabe. 139 00:07:48,880 --> 00:07:51,600 Speaker 1: Can I give you some constructive feedback on your history 140 00:07:51,640 --> 00:07:54,320 Speaker 1: simulator shaped like a gigantic old timey cannon, like the 141 00:07:54,400 --> 00:07:55,640 Speaker 1: kind they have at the circus. 142 00:07:55,800 --> 00:07:58,200 Speaker 4: It's a long name. I know, I'm working on it. 143 00:07:58,440 --> 00:08:01,040 Speaker 1: That's not what I was gonna say, look, there is 144 00:08:01,120 --> 00:08:03,200 Speaker 1: that a fashion show? 145 00:08:03,520 --> 00:08:04,360 Speaker 4: Let's take a look. 146 00:08:04,520 --> 00:08:07,480 Speaker 1: Oh, wait a minute, where are we This doesn't look 147 00:08:07,560 --> 00:08:08,920 Speaker 1: like a normal fashion show. 148 00:08:09,160 --> 00:08:11,800 Speaker 4: You're right. It's the early nineteen eighties and we're at 149 00:08:11,840 --> 00:08:15,240 Speaker 4: the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City. 150 00:08:15,360 --> 00:08:17,360 Speaker 2: A dance studio. Yep. 151 00:08:17,520 --> 00:08:21,640 Speaker 4: Alvin Ailey was a famous choreographer who fused ballet, jazz theater, 152 00:08:21,840 --> 00:08:24,400 Speaker 4: and modern dance with narratives about black life. 153 00:08:24,640 --> 00:08:27,600 Speaker 2: Well, Alvin Ailey sounds cool, But if we're doing. 154 00:08:27,400 --> 00:08:30,920 Speaker 1: A fashion show in a dance studio, the designer probably 155 00:08:30,960 --> 00:08:31,760 Speaker 1: isn't that good. 156 00:08:32,160 --> 00:08:34,600 Speaker 4: Are you sure about that? Take a closer look at 157 00:08:34,640 --> 00:08:35,120 Speaker 4: the crowd. 158 00:08:35,440 --> 00:08:39,400 Speaker 1: Wait a minute, is that Spike Lee, the famous film director? 159 00:08:39,679 --> 00:08:42,640 Speaker 2: M h and keep harrying. Oh, he's one of my 160 00:08:42,720 --> 00:08:43,960 Speaker 2: favorite artists. 161 00:08:44,120 --> 00:08:47,920 Speaker 4: And sitting right next to him is Andrew Whitten aka Zephyr, 162 00:08:48,040 --> 00:08:49,760 Speaker 4: a legend in the graffiti world. 163 00:08:50,120 --> 00:08:52,520 Speaker 2: Is everyone in this audience somewhat interesting? 164 00:08:52,960 --> 00:08:55,440 Speaker 4: Yep? Each of them is a luminary in their field, 165 00:08:55,720 --> 00:08:57,880 Speaker 4: most from the New York fashion scene. 166 00:08:58,120 --> 00:09:00,800 Speaker 2: So whose fashion show is this going down? 167 00:09:01,040 --> 00:09:02,480 Speaker 4: Let's watch him find out together. 168 00:09:02,920 --> 00:09:08,559 Speaker 1: Oh my goodness, these models are all so beautiful and unique. 169 00:09:08,920 --> 00:09:11,480 Speaker 1: Some of them are tall, some of them are short, 170 00:09:11,720 --> 00:09:13,600 Speaker 1: some are bigger, some are smaller. 171 00:09:13,920 --> 00:09:17,680 Speaker 2: I see different shades of skin men and women. Is 172 00:09:17,720 --> 00:09:20,599 Speaker 2: this what every fashion show was like in the nineteen eighties? 173 00:09:20,840 --> 00:09:24,040 Speaker 4: Not at all for the nineteen eighties. This is incredibly 174 00:09:24,080 --> 00:09:25,040 Speaker 4: diverse and. 175 00:09:25,120 --> 00:09:29,959 Speaker 1: These clothes, shapes and colors and fabrics. I love everything 176 00:09:30,000 --> 00:09:32,600 Speaker 1: I'm seeing. I have to know who the designer is. 177 00:09:33,040 --> 00:09:34,040 Speaker 4: Well, here he comes. 178 00:09:34,080 --> 00:09:34,320 Speaker 1: Now. 179 00:09:34,559 --> 00:09:36,679 Speaker 4: His name is Willie Smith and we're at a show 180 00:09:36,720 --> 00:09:39,320 Speaker 4: for his popular fashion brand, Willie Ware. 181 00:09:39,960 --> 00:09:45,840 Speaker 2: So that's Willie Smith. He's such a talented designer. Uh hey, Gabe, 182 00:09:46,160 --> 00:09:48,120 Speaker 2: do you hear that sizzling sound? 183 00:09:48,480 --> 00:09:51,560 Speaker 1: Like someone lit a long wick and it's slowly burning 184 00:09:51,600 --> 00:09:53,439 Speaker 1: its way towards something gigantic? 185 00:09:53,800 --> 00:09:56,360 Speaker 4: I do That means it's time to head back into 186 00:09:56,360 --> 00:10:00,320 Speaker 4: the jis or can hiss you later? Huh uh? The 187 00:10:00,400 --> 00:10:05,040 Speaker 4: Gigantic Circus canon history simulator. I'm workshopping the name. 188 00:10:06,720 --> 00:10:08,960 Speaker 2: Remember that when you wear? 189 00:10:13,200 --> 00:10:16,960 Speaker 1: Where are we now? And what's that delicious smell? 190 00:10:17,400 --> 00:10:22,079 Speaker 4: I believe you're smelling fresh doses because we're in Mumbai, India. 191 00:10:22,160 --> 00:10:23,040 Speaker 2: What are we doing here? 192 00:10:23,400 --> 00:10:25,839 Speaker 4: This is one of the places where Willie Smith got 193 00:10:25,880 --> 00:10:28,839 Speaker 4: his inspiration. While traveling the world in search of the 194 00:10:28,920 --> 00:10:32,520 Speaker 4: right fabrics for his clothing, Willie didn't look to Paris 195 00:10:32,600 --> 00:10:33,120 Speaker 4: or Milan. 196 00:10:33,559 --> 00:10:36,720 Speaker 1: But that's where all the fashion designers find the fabrics 197 00:10:36,720 --> 00:10:38,600 Speaker 1: with all the fun colors and patterns. 198 00:10:38,720 --> 00:10:43,000 Speaker 4: Right, not exactly. WILLI was looking for colors and patterns, sure, 199 00:10:43,240 --> 00:10:46,080 Speaker 4: but he was also looking for durable fabrics that could 200 00:10:46,080 --> 00:10:48,920 Speaker 4: give his clothes a flowing feel in looser shapes. 201 00:10:49,280 --> 00:10:51,280 Speaker 2: Woo, look at the price. 202 00:10:51,040 --> 00:10:54,840 Speaker 1: Tag on this fabric. It's lavish, but it's also affordable. 203 00:10:55,040 --> 00:10:58,920 Speaker 4: That's exactly what brought Willy to India. He wanted fabrics 204 00:10:58,920 --> 00:11:01,280 Speaker 4: that weren't just pretty look at, but that you could 205 00:11:01,320 --> 00:11:04,200 Speaker 4: actually live and work in, and it helped him make 206 00:11:04,240 --> 00:11:06,839 Speaker 4: sure that everyone could afford his pieces. 207 00:11:07,160 --> 00:11:09,280 Speaker 1: So he didn't want to look in all the same 208 00:11:09,320 --> 00:11:13,520 Speaker 1: place as all the other designers were looking exactly smart. 209 00:11:14,160 --> 00:11:17,920 Speaker 1: Oh man, that dosa looks tasty. Maybe I'll just snag 210 00:11:17,960 --> 00:11:18,199 Speaker 1: a bike. 211 00:11:18,320 --> 00:11:22,599 Speaker 4: No time, there's more history to simulate to the historical 212 00:11:22,720 --> 00:11:24,760 Speaker 4: circus blaster three thousand. 213 00:11:26,120 --> 00:11:29,720 Speaker 2: That's not it either, Hey, can we go slower this time? 214 00:11:29,960 --> 00:11:33,120 Speaker 4: Sorry? Gigantic old timy cannon like the kind they have 215 00:11:33,200 --> 00:11:35,240 Speaker 4: at the circus only has one speed. 216 00:11:35,559 --> 00:11:47,840 Speaker 1: Here we go, man, I keep landing wrong, and now 217 00:11:47,880 --> 00:11:48,640 Speaker 1: I'm hungry. 218 00:11:49,040 --> 00:11:53,439 Speaker 4: I really wanted that dosa nimony. It was a simulated dosa. 219 00:11:53,840 --> 00:11:57,480 Speaker 2: Well, it made me simulated hungry. Where are we now? 220 00:11:57,800 --> 00:12:01,439 Speaker 4: We're in Harlem, New York City. There's the Abyssinian Baptist Church, 221 00:12:01,720 --> 00:12:04,240 Speaker 4: and there's the Apollo Theater, and over there is one 222 00:12:04,280 --> 00:12:07,559 Speaker 4: hundred and twenty fifth Street, lined with vendors selling everything 223 00:12:07,600 --> 00:12:11,000 Speaker 4: from T shirts to community newspapers to incense. 224 00:12:11,400 --> 00:12:16,080 Speaker 1: Em Let me guess that's stylish. Young man over there 225 00:12:16,120 --> 00:12:19,080 Speaker 1: with the loose fitting dress clothes, looking at all the 226 00:12:19,080 --> 00:12:22,200 Speaker 1: people and sketching in his notebook is a young Willie 227 00:12:22,320 --> 00:12:23,440 Speaker 1: Smith bingo. 228 00:12:23,880 --> 00:12:27,240 Speaker 4: Before he started, williwaere. Willie Smith would walk the streets 229 00:12:27,240 --> 00:12:30,720 Speaker 4: of New York, strolling past black churches on Sundays, taking 230 00:12:30,760 --> 00:12:34,559 Speaker 4: inspiration from the women wearing their Sunday best. While other 231 00:12:34,640 --> 00:12:38,240 Speaker 4: fashion designers were trying to dress celebrities and the ultra rich, 232 00:12:38,480 --> 00:12:42,080 Speaker 4: Willy was inspired by the style of everyday working class people. 233 00:12:42,400 --> 00:12:43,959 Speaker 2: Hey look at that park. 234 00:12:44,280 --> 00:12:47,760 Speaker 1: Those breakdancers have some pretty funky moves. 235 00:12:48,000 --> 00:12:50,040 Speaker 4: This is the kind of park where Willy would watch 236 00:12:50,200 --> 00:12:54,079 Speaker 4: office workers in their old stuffy business suits walking past 237 00:12:54,120 --> 00:12:57,640 Speaker 4: those breakdancers in their hip street wear, and wonder how 238 00:12:57,640 --> 00:12:59,680 Speaker 4: can I bring these two worlds together? 239 00:13:00,240 --> 00:13:03,920 Speaker 1: So streetwear hasn't always been a part of high fashion. 240 00:13:04,200 --> 00:13:06,840 Speaker 4: Willie was one of the first fashion designers to bring 241 00:13:07,040 --> 00:13:10,040 Speaker 4: influence from the streets, the clubs, and black culture in 242 00:13:10,120 --> 00:13:13,360 Speaker 4: general into high fashion. Without him, a lot of today's 243 00:13:13,360 --> 00:13:15,880 Speaker 4: streetwear brands probably wouldn't be what they are. 244 00:13:16,280 --> 00:13:20,480 Speaker 1: So Before Willie Smith, high fashion was only for the rich, 245 00:13:20,840 --> 00:13:24,480 Speaker 1: and his work helped make fashion more accessible for everybody. 246 00:13:24,840 --> 00:13:25,160 Speaker 5: Yes. 247 00:13:25,520 --> 00:13:28,160 Speaker 4: In fact, one of his most famous quotes is, I 248 00:13:28,280 --> 00:13:31,240 Speaker 4: don't design clothes for the queen, but for the people 249 00:13:31,280 --> 00:13:33,160 Speaker 4: who wave at her as she goes by. 250 00:13:33,640 --> 00:13:34,440 Speaker 2: I love that. 251 00:13:35,160 --> 00:13:39,520 Speaker 1: But so far we're just talking about businessmen and bee boys. 252 00:13:39,880 --> 00:13:42,640 Speaker 2: Did Willi Smith design any clothing for women? 253 00:13:42,920 --> 00:13:47,040 Speaker 4: Actually, Willie Smith wasn't interested in designing solely for men 254 00:13:47,200 --> 00:13:49,920 Speaker 4: or for women. His brand, Williware was one of the 255 00:13:49,960 --> 00:13:54,480 Speaker 4: first major fashion brands to design both and even include 256 00:13:54,520 --> 00:13:56,400 Speaker 4: plenty of gender neutral designs. 257 00:13:56,559 --> 00:13:59,720 Speaker 1: Sounds like Willie Smith was really ahead of his time. 258 00:14:00,200 --> 00:14:01,880 Speaker 1: Is this the neighborhood where he grew up? 259 00:14:02,160 --> 00:14:04,920 Speaker 4: Not at all? He grew up in Philadelphia, want to see? 260 00:14:05,440 --> 00:14:08,720 Speaker 1: Oh no, not more time blasting time blasting. 261 00:14:08,800 --> 00:14:13,400 Speaker 4: That's pretty good. Let's keep spitballing off that. Look, I 262 00:14:13,440 --> 00:14:15,360 Speaker 4: can do a backflip where we're flying. 263 00:14:17,160 --> 00:14:18,920 Speaker 2: Ooh, we're in a house. 264 00:14:19,400 --> 00:14:21,600 Speaker 1: Maybe I can find some cool clothes in one of 265 00:14:21,640 --> 00:14:22,520 Speaker 1: these closets. 266 00:14:22,560 --> 00:14:25,920 Speaker 4: Wait, wait, wait, first, look around this bedroom we're in. 267 00:14:26,280 --> 00:14:29,920 Speaker 1: Hmm, there are a lot of drawings on the walls, 268 00:14:30,400 --> 00:14:32,480 Speaker 1: like a lot of drawings. 269 00:14:33,080 --> 00:14:34,640 Speaker 2: Is this Willie Smith's room? 270 00:14:34,960 --> 00:14:38,320 Speaker 4: Yes, it's his childhood bedroom in Philadelphia in the early 271 00:14:38,440 --> 00:14:39,440 Speaker 4: nineteen sixties. 272 00:14:39,920 --> 00:14:44,440 Speaker 1: Look at this notebook. These drawings have so much imagination 273 00:14:44,640 --> 00:14:48,720 Speaker 1: in them. Oh, look at all these people wearing elegant costumes. 274 00:14:49,200 --> 00:14:51,720 Speaker 4: Even from a young age, Willie loved to draw in 275 00:14:51,760 --> 00:14:55,080 Speaker 4: design clothes. His mother even told him that she knew 276 00:14:55,200 --> 00:14:57,880 Speaker 4: he was born to be an artist or a designer. 277 00:14:58,280 --> 00:14:59,720 Speaker 2: Is Willy here right now? 278 00:15:00,080 --> 00:15:02,320 Speaker 4: He's not home. His mom and grandma have taken him 279 00:15:02,360 --> 00:15:05,680 Speaker 4: to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, something they did frequently. 280 00:15:05,920 --> 00:15:07,760 Speaker 2: Oh, I love that museum. 281 00:15:07,960 --> 00:15:11,440 Speaker 4: So did Willy's family. They encouraged his love of drawing 282 00:15:11,520 --> 00:15:14,240 Speaker 4: clothing and took him to the museum to sketch. They 283 00:15:14,240 --> 00:15:16,760 Speaker 4: didn't have a lot of money, but they did have style, 284 00:15:17,120 --> 00:15:20,680 Speaker 4: and after his parents divorced, Willy's grandma encouraged him to 285 00:15:20,720 --> 00:15:23,960 Speaker 4: continue pursuing his dreams of working in fashion design. 286 00:15:24,480 --> 00:15:28,000 Speaker 1: Sounds like his upbringing was a really big influence on him. 287 00:15:28,280 --> 00:15:32,600 Speaker 4: Indeed, Willy's friend, former neighbor and fashion editor Kim Hastrider 288 00:15:32,680 --> 00:15:36,120 Speaker 4: once said what would make Willy proud was not when 289 00:15:36,120 --> 00:15:39,360 Speaker 4: a movie star wore his clothes. He would burst with 290 00:15:39,480 --> 00:15:42,440 Speaker 4: pride when he'd see black kids on the street running 291 00:15:42,480 --> 00:15:45,240 Speaker 4: around in his stuff, or those black ladies at the 292 00:15:45,240 --> 00:15:46,760 Speaker 4: bank wearing it to work. 293 00:15:47,200 --> 00:15:50,400 Speaker 2: How sweet? Okay? Now about those. 294 00:15:50,160 --> 00:15:55,160 Speaker 4: Closets nimity, their simulated closets full of simulated clothes. 295 00:15:54,880 --> 00:15:56,680 Speaker 2: Well, I can still try them on, can't I? 296 00:15:56,960 --> 00:15:59,800 Speaker 4: But there's so much more to see to the super big, 297 00:15:59,840 --> 00:16:04,120 Speaker 4: super old circuits, reminiscent history, simulating blasting machine. 298 00:16:04,680 --> 00:16:10,280 Speaker 1: That's an even worse and longer name than before. Wait, 299 00:16:10,560 --> 00:16:12,560 Speaker 1: why are we in a comic book shop? 300 00:16:12,840 --> 00:16:16,480 Speaker 4: Well, I wanted to talk about Willy Smith's legacy. Sadly, 301 00:16:16,720 --> 00:16:20,400 Speaker 4: as his company was making record profits, Willie's success in 302 00:16:20,440 --> 00:16:23,000 Speaker 4: the fashion world was cut short when he passed away 303 00:16:23,040 --> 00:16:25,640 Speaker 4: in nineteen eighty seven at the age of thirty nine 304 00:16:25,720 --> 00:16:27,320 Speaker 4: due to complications from AIDS. 305 00:16:27,720 --> 00:16:28,920 Speaker 2: That's so young. 306 00:16:29,440 --> 00:16:33,440 Speaker 4: Unfortunately, yes, the AIDS epidemic of the nineteen eighties took 307 00:16:33,480 --> 00:16:36,800 Speaker 4: away many of our best artists and leaders, especially those 308 00:16:37,000 --> 00:16:40,680 Speaker 4: in the LGBTQ community, But Willy's influence can still be 309 00:16:40,720 --> 00:16:45,240 Speaker 4: felt everywhere. His designs were worn by famous dancers in 310 00:16:45,320 --> 00:16:47,920 Speaker 4: Spike Lee movies like School Days, and even in the 311 00:16:47,960 --> 00:16:49,640 Speaker 4: pages of this comic. 312 00:16:49,320 --> 00:16:51,920 Speaker 2: Book Spider Man Yep. 313 00:16:52,120 --> 00:16:55,160 Speaker 4: In the issue where Peter Parker and Mary Jane finally 314 00:16:55,240 --> 00:16:58,600 Speaker 4: get married, Mary Jane's wedding grace was designed by none 315 00:16:58,640 --> 00:17:04,520 Speaker 4: other than Willie Smith. Now follow me outside. This bronze 316 00:17:04,560 --> 00:17:08,040 Speaker 4: plaque right here on the seventh Avenue Fashion Walk of 317 00:17:08,119 --> 00:17:11,359 Speaker 4: Fame in New York City commemorates Willie Smith in his 318 00:17:11,440 --> 00:17:14,960 Speaker 4: contribution to fashion in nineteen eighty eight. One year after 319 00:17:15,000 --> 00:17:19,040 Speaker 4: his death, New York City's first black Mayor, David Dinkins 320 00:17:19,160 --> 00:17:22,879 Speaker 4: proclaimed February twenty third as Willie Smith Day in New 321 00:17:22,960 --> 00:17:23,520 Speaker 4: York City. 322 00:17:23,880 --> 00:17:25,879 Speaker 2: February twenty third. 323 00:17:26,359 --> 00:17:30,200 Speaker 4: That's today, Well it is here in the simulation Oh boy, 324 00:17:30,440 --> 00:17:34,199 Speaker 4: speaking of look at the time space, we really should 325 00:17:34,240 --> 00:17:40,719 Speaker 4: be heading back home. Yun hey, nice landing. 326 00:17:40,920 --> 00:17:42,360 Speaker 2: Thanks, I've had. 327 00:17:42,240 --> 00:17:45,199 Speaker 1: Lots of practice with the gigantic old timey cannon, like 328 00:17:45,240 --> 00:17:45,840 Speaker 1: the kind they. 329 00:17:45,760 --> 00:17:46,879 Speaker 2: Have at the circus. 330 00:17:47,080 --> 00:17:49,320 Speaker 4: I believe you mean the time cannon. 331 00:17:49,840 --> 00:17:51,359 Speaker 1: That's the official name you're going with. 332 00:17:51,960 --> 00:17:52,280 Speaker 4: Yep. 333 00:17:52,840 --> 00:17:54,840 Speaker 1: Isn't that what I called it the very first time 334 00:17:54,840 --> 00:17:57,439 Speaker 1: I got in Yep? And didn't you tell me you 335 00:17:57,480 --> 00:17:59,680 Speaker 1: prefer gigantic, old timey cannon, like the kind they have 336 00:17:59,680 --> 00:18:00,560 Speaker 1: at the circus. 337 00:18:00,920 --> 00:18:05,720 Speaker 4: I've grown and I've changed fair Anyway, that was fun. 338 00:18:05,920 --> 00:18:08,560 Speaker 2: Yeah, I had a blast, literally. 339 00:18:08,400 --> 00:18:10,600 Speaker 1: But also I learned how to look at fashion in 340 00:18:10,640 --> 00:18:11,920 Speaker 1: a totally different way. 341 00:18:12,160 --> 00:18:14,800 Speaker 2: Maybe I was thinking about my photo shoot all wrong. 342 00:18:15,520 --> 00:18:19,200 Speaker 1: I wonder what Willie would suggest I wear something practical 343 00:18:19,240 --> 00:18:20,679 Speaker 1: and yet somehow still cool. 344 00:18:20,880 --> 00:18:22,399 Speaker 4: Don't you have a song to record? 345 00:18:22,600 --> 00:18:23,440 Speaker 2: Oh? You're right. 346 00:18:23,600 --> 00:18:28,880 Speaker 1: I nearly forgot to the recording studio. Bye Gabe. Wow, 347 00:18:29,600 --> 00:18:33,360 Speaker 1: All right, listeners, check out this brand new song all 348 00:18:33,440 --> 00:18:34,960 Speaker 1: about Willie Smith. 349 00:18:39,000 --> 00:18:41,240 Speaker 6: When people hear the name Willie Smith, I went in 350 00:18:41,320 --> 00:18:46,680 Speaker 6: to think that this is a person who cares enough 351 00:18:46,760 --> 00:18:50,919 Speaker 6: about them that he's taking the time to design and 352 00:18:51,000 --> 00:18:52,960 Speaker 6: create and thank for them. 353 00:18:53,400 --> 00:19:00,439 Speaker 7: Like America, I could say, you would say I was 354 00:19:00,480 --> 00:19:02,760 Speaker 7: supposed to fail, but then I ended up sailing with 355 00:19:02,840 --> 00:19:05,320 Speaker 7: all the boats and whales. Before I was selling clothes 356 00:19:05,359 --> 00:19:07,800 Speaker 7: I had hope for sale, and even at a discount. 357 00:19:07,920 --> 00:19:10,000 Speaker 7: It was so for real. Grew up in Hill of Deelf, 358 00:19:10,119 --> 00:19:11,919 Speaker 7: had a little health, Nope, a lot of help. My 359 00:19:11,960 --> 00:19:13,159 Speaker 7: mother and my father. 360 00:19:12,960 --> 00:19:14,280 Speaker 4: Told me to go for sale. 361 00:19:14,480 --> 00:19:16,600 Speaker 7: Got it, be yourself, do your best, get it going 362 00:19:16,840 --> 00:19:19,840 Speaker 7: and you can get coins. But true freedom is the wealth. Willie, 363 00:19:20,200 --> 00:19:20,640 Speaker 7: that's my. 364 00:19:20,680 --> 00:19:22,720 Speaker 4: Name, came into game. We'll get into all. 365 00:19:22,600 --> 00:19:26,200 Speaker 7: Of that, but for now I'm saying I'm conveying my joy, struggle, 366 00:19:26,280 --> 00:19:29,320 Speaker 7: my joy not different from so many other black boys. 367 00:19:29,320 --> 00:19:31,280 Speaker 7: And I knew there was a world that was almost 368 00:19:31,320 --> 00:19:33,240 Speaker 7: had a reads, but I had to learn lessons that 369 00:19:33,280 --> 00:19:36,720 Speaker 7: nobody could teach. Tablets full of design and fabric colors. 370 00:19:36,800 --> 00:19:47,000 Speaker 7: Your fashion is one thing, with styles another. My joys 371 00:19:47,119 --> 00:19:58,320 Speaker 7: no freedom to love, imagine over brand news, but it's 372 00:19:58,359 --> 00:19:59,120 Speaker 7: still classing. 373 00:19:59,720 --> 00:20:00,959 Speaker 4: Yes, I made clothes. 374 00:20:01,040 --> 00:20:03,679 Speaker 7: Yes, I love to sew. I possessed the passion that 375 00:20:03,800 --> 00:20:05,920 Speaker 7: I ain't even know. I knew I had to grow 376 00:20:06,000 --> 00:20:08,680 Speaker 7: and you know I love Philly, but New York City, Yeah, 377 00:20:08,680 --> 00:20:11,400 Speaker 7: I knew I had to go. My best decision him 378 00:20:11,480 --> 00:20:14,800 Speaker 7: lines crafted with so much precision you could see the fishing. 379 00:20:15,080 --> 00:20:17,320 Speaker 7: A few people mentioned that it wasn't up to snuff. 380 00:20:17,359 --> 00:20:20,720 Speaker 7: But eventually everybody was loving my stuff. My mind went 381 00:20:20,880 --> 00:20:24,440 Speaker 7: to another place to create something live, colors, more vibrant, 382 00:20:24,520 --> 00:20:27,120 Speaker 7: my own little island where I could spend time on the. 383 00:20:27,080 --> 00:20:29,400 Speaker 4: Shore, getting close to the source. And I'm smiling. 384 00:20:29,520 --> 00:20:29,680 Speaker 6: Now. 385 00:20:30,000 --> 00:20:32,600 Speaker 7: Got a new clothing line. Yeah, it's finally out. Will 386 00:20:32,640 --> 00:20:35,560 Speaker 7: he ware get it is? Get it there everywhere, I swear. 387 00:20:35,920 --> 00:20:38,359 Speaker 7: I think back to the famous line clothes don't make 388 00:20:38,400 --> 00:20:47,879 Speaker 7: the man unless you wear in mind my joy. The 389 00:20:47,920 --> 00:20:58,320 Speaker 7: scene is overdone. It's supposed to be fun. Now they 390 00:20:58,359 --> 00:21:00,639 Speaker 7: want to say, let's go on give I walked the 391 00:21:00,680 --> 00:21:03,960 Speaker 7: line from the harle of Renaissan syd Boys origin. Now 392 00:21:04,040 --> 00:21:07,399 Speaker 7: for the culture. No decoys, street bustle and loud crown, 393 00:21:07,600 --> 00:21:09,800 Speaker 7: sweet noise. These are the things I mean when I 394 00:21:09,840 --> 00:21:12,760 Speaker 7: speak joy. In twenty five mail offt designs. I chose 395 00:21:12,760 --> 00:21:14,160 Speaker 7: so you can chill or if you. 396 00:21:14,119 --> 00:21:15,439 Speaker 4: Want to profile and pose. 397 00:21:15,640 --> 00:21:17,920 Speaker 7: And I don't make clothes for the queen. I'm making 398 00:21:17,960 --> 00:21:20,480 Speaker 7: for the people on the street who way better limousine. 399 00:21:20,760 --> 00:21:22,960 Speaker 7: I did it for us, those kids on the front, 400 00:21:22,960 --> 00:21:25,600 Speaker 7: stoopid beautiful ladies who need a cute news suits. You 401 00:21:25,680 --> 00:21:28,080 Speaker 7: don't have to be safe to have taste, make it 402 00:21:28,080 --> 00:21:31,920 Speaker 7: oversize plus neon green and at lace. Whatever. I lived 403 00:21:31,920 --> 00:21:34,600 Speaker 7: my life with no regrets. Being true to myself meant 404 00:21:34,640 --> 00:21:37,159 Speaker 7: more than my success. I never claimed to be the 405 00:21:37,200 --> 00:21:39,159 Speaker 7: greatest of the best. I just wanted you to be 406 00:21:39,280 --> 00:21:49,520 Speaker 7: well dressed, and it's my pleasure. Joy stretch your arms 407 00:21:49,520 --> 00:22:00,560 Speaker 7: out as far as you can, clad hands right there. 408 00:22:00,400 --> 00:22:25,160 Speaker 8: You stay, We'll be right back after a few words 409 00:22:25,200 --> 00:22:26,200 Speaker 8: for the grown ups. 410 00:22:29,600 --> 00:22:34,560 Speaker 2: What a song? The intercom is buzzing. 411 00:22:35,080 --> 00:22:40,119 Speaker 1: Well, I guess that means the photographers here don't worry, Tina. 412 00:22:40,400 --> 00:22:42,040 Speaker 2: I figured it all out for. 413 00:22:42,160 --> 00:22:46,679 Speaker 1: My big photo shoot to be featured in Scientists International magazine. 414 00:22:47,000 --> 00:22:50,080 Speaker 1: I've decided that I'm just going to wear my normal, 415 00:22:50,320 --> 00:22:51,560 Speaker 1: everyday lab coat. 416 00:22:52,520 --> 00:22:52,840 Speaker 2: Yep. 417 00:22:53,080 --> 00:22:56,760 Speaker 1: High fashion doesn't always mean the most expensive or exclusive thing. 418 00:22:57,119 --> 00:23:00,159 Speaker 1: Fashion is about expression, and my lab coat is the 419 00:23:00,160 --> 00:23:03,840 Speaker 1: truest expression of me. It's comfy, it's functional, and a 420 00:23:03,920 --> 00:23:06,120 Speaker 1: nice uniform reminds me of what I do and why 421 00:23:06,160 --> 00:23:06,720 Speaker 1: I love it. 422 00:23:06,800 --> 00:23:10,400 Speaker 2: OK. Of course, I. 423 00:23:10,320 --> 00:23:13,200 Speaker 1: Want to impress my colleagues, and I think this lab 424 00:23:13,240 --> 00:23:15,800 Speaker 1: coat might do the trick. And I don't need to 425 00:23:15,840 --> 00:23:18,160 Speaker 1: spend a bunch of money on something over. 426 00:23:18,000 --> 00:23:18,959 Speaker 2: The top to do that. 427 00:23:21,080 --> 00:23:24,800 Speaker 1: No, you go, girl, to answer the door. I need 428 00:23:24,880 --> 00:23:26,680 Speaker 1: you to answer the door and tell them I'll be 429 00:23:26,800 --> 00:23:28,360 Speaker 1: just a minute. I have an interview. 430 00:23:29,160 --> 00:23:30,400 Speaker 2: Thanks Tina. 431 00:23:31,680 --> 00:23:34,280 Speaker 1: All right, yeah, this helmet hair probably isn't good for 432 00:23:34,280 --> 00:23:41,280 Speaker 1: a photoshoot or an interview for that matter. Today we're 433 00:23:41,400 --> 00:23:46,120 Speaker 1: joined by fashion designer Umberto Leon and an amazing kid 434 00:23:46,240 --> 00:23:47,280 Speaker 1: named Olivia. 435 00:23:47,400 --> 00:23:49,000 Speaker 2: Can you too introduce yourselves? 436 00:23:49,240 --> 00:23:49,400 Speaker 1: Hi? 437 00:23:49,560 --> 00:23:52,080 Speaker 9: I'm Olivia. I'm eight years old and I live in 438 00:23:52,119 --> 00:23:52,639 Speaker 9: New York. 439 00:23:52,880 --> 00:23:56,120 Speaker 5: I'm in Berte Leon and I'm co founder of Opening 440 00:23:56,200 --> 00:24:00,359 Speaker 5: Ceremony and was the former creative director of Kenzo and 441 00:24:00,640 --> 00:24:02,679 Speaker 5: I live in California, Amberta. 442 00:24:02,760 --> 00:24:04,560 Speaker 9: Did you know I'm half Chinese too? 443 00:24:04,840 --> 00:24:05,199 Speaker 1: You know what? 444 00:24:05,320 --> 00:24:07,520 Speaker 5: I have daughters that are nine years old and they 445 00:24:07,600 --> 00:24:09,239 Speaker 5: look a little bit like you. So I was going 446 00:24:09,320 --> 00:24:12,240 Speaker 5: to ask you, if you are half Chinese, do you 447 00:24:12,280 --> 00:24:12,679 Speaker 5: speak it? 448 00:24:13,400 --> 00:24:13,720 Speaker 1: I know? 449 00:24:13,880 --> 00:24:14,320 Speaker 9: A B. 450 00:24:15,000 --> 00:24:17,320 Speaker 3: Yeah, what dialect does your family speak? 451 00:24:17,480 --> 00:24:19,280 Speaker 9: I think we speak Cantonese. 452 00:24:19,560 --> 00:24:20,960 Speaker 3: Whoa, That's what I speak. 453 00:24:21,000 --> 00:24:24,280 Speaker 2: Actually, So, Olivia, what's your first question? From Berto? 454 00:24:24,560 --> 00:24:26,480 Speaker 9: Why'd you become a fashion designer? 455 00:24:26,760 --> 00:24:27,639 Speaker 3: That's a great question. 456 00:24:27,920 --> 00:24:31,040 Speaker 5: When I was younger, I didn't know that being a 457 00:24:31,040 --> 00:24:34,600 Speaker 5: fashion designer was a job, you know. I just went 458 00:24:34,640 --> 00:24:37,280 Speaker 5: to the mall and I saw clothing. I didn't really 459 00:24:37,320 --> 00:24:41,119 Speaker 5: think anything about that, and so I got my first 460 00:24:41,200 --> 00:24:42,800 Speaker 5: job working at a store. 461 00:24:43,280 --> 00:24:44,960 Speaker 3: Have you ever heard of the store called The Gap? 462 00:24:45,320 --> 00:24:45,879 Speaker 9: Yeah. 463 00:24:45,960 --> 00:24:49,960 Speaker 5: I started selling clothes and then my manager said, you 464 00:24:50,040 --> 00:24:53,080 Speaker 5: look like you would really like dressing the mannequins. So 465 00:24:53,119 --> 00:24:56,560 Speaker 5: then I started dressing the mannequins, and then I started 466 00:24:56,600 --> 00:25:01,080 Speaker 5: to do other stores mannequins and windows, and through that 467 00:25:01,200 --> 00:25:06,080 Speaker 5: experience it led me to eventually becoming a fashion designer. 468 00:25:06,200 --> 00:25:08,520 Speaker 9: Did you ever make clothes for your own parents? 469 00:25:09,040 --> 00:25:12,760 Speaker 5: So, growing up, my mom had three kids and the 470 00:25:12,800 --> 00:25:15,800 Speaker 5: only job she could take was to sew clothing for 471 00:25:15,880 --> 00:25:17,399 Speaker 5: a factory at home. 472 00:25:17,280 --> 00:25:18,800 Speaker 3: So that she could watch the kids. 473 00:25:18,880 --> 00:25:22,120 Speaker 5: And so she actually made clothes for me growing up 474 00:25:22,160 --> 00:25:25,520 Speaker 5: because I would see all these clothing and magazines and 475 00:25:25,560 --> 00:25:27,639 Speaker 5: I really loved it, but I couldn't afford it at 476 00:25:27,680 --> 00:25:30,800 Speaker 5: the time. So my mom decided to make all this 477 00:25:30,920 --> 00:25:33,840 Speaker 5: clothing for me, and so as I got to be 478 00:25:33,880 --> 00:25:36,840 Speaker 5: an adult, I wanted to repay that by doing things 479 00:25:36,880 --> 00:25:39,640 Speaker 5: for her. So I started to design clothing for her, 480 00:25:39,760 --> 00:25:41,320 Speaker 5: which was really really fun. 481 00:25:41,560 --> 00:25:45,880 Speaker 1: Wow, that's so cool. How did you become interested in fashion? 482 00:25:45,880 --> 00:25:49,080 Speaker 9: Olivia and my family's related to fashion a lot too, 483 00:25:49,119 --> 00:25:53,919 Speaker 9: because my great grandmother she was a seamstress, and my 484 00:25:54,160 --> 00:25:57,280 Speaker 9: grandmother she makes me dresses. And my mom used to 485 00:25:57,359 --> 00:25:59,320 Speaker 9: work for Vera Wang before I was born. 486 00:25:59,640 --> 00:26:03,160 Speaker 5: Did your mom save a lot of her clothing that 487 00:26:03,280 --> 00:26:06,320 Speaker 5: she got from your grandmother or that she made. 488 00:26:06,400 --> 00:26:07,840 Speaker 3: Did she save a lot of it for you? 489 00:26:08,320 --> 00:26:10,840 Speaker 9: Yeah? And my mom told me a long time ago 490 00:26:11,040 --> 00:26:14,000 Speaker 9: that Vera Wang made Mommy her wedding dress and she's 491 00:26:14,040 --> 00:26:16,080 Speaker 9: going to pass it on to me for my wedding. 492 00:26:16,320 --> 00:26:18,679 Speaker 3: That is so so special. 493 00:26:19,080 --> 00:26:23,520 Speaker 5: And Vera Wang is such a special designer because she's 494 00:26:23,720 --> 00:26:27,359 Speaker 5: one of the first Asian women to really make it 495 00:26:27,400 --> 00:26:28,439 Speaker 5: in the fashion world. 496 00:26:28,600 --> 00:26:31,879 Speaker 1: Olivia, do you have any questions for Umberto about Willie Smith? 497 00:26:32,200 --> 00:26:34,440 Speaker 9: So when you were younger, did Willie Smith have any 498 00:26:34,440 --> 00:26:35,679 Speaker 9: influence on your work? 499 00:26:36,040 --> 00:26:40,520 Speaker 5: You know, I grew up loving Willie Smith's work so much. 500 00:26:40,840 --> 00:26:43,960 Speaker 5: Willie was really inspired by what people wore on the streets, 501 00:26:44,240 --> 00:26:46,000 Speaker 5: and you know, at the time, I think a lot 502 00:26:46,000 --> 00:26:48,640 Speaker 5: of people were looking towards what they called high fashion, 503 00:26:48,920 --> 00:26:51,520 Speaker 5: and high fashion was interesting and it was cool, but 504 00:26:51,560 --> 00:26:54,200 Speaker 5: it was exclusive. Do you know what that word exclusive means? 505 00:26:54,400 --> 00:26:56,400 Speaker 9: I don't think so, not really, Okay. 506 00:26:56,320 --> 00:26:59,480 Speaker 5: So exclusive means like, it's only for a really small 507 00:26:59,520 --> 00:27:02,280 Speaker 5: group of peas people who could afford it or who 508 00:27:02,280 --> 00:27:06,560 Speaker 5: could find it. So Willie went out to create fashion 509 00:27:06,600 --> 00:27:09,400 Speaker 5: and clothing for everybody. One of the things that is 510 00:27:09,520 --> 00:27:12,920 Speaker 5: super super big that he did is he created clothing 511 00:27:13,200 --> 00:27:17,000 Speaker 5: that was genderless. And I think that type of thinking 512 00:27:17,280 --> 00:27:20,160 Speaker 5: when he was doing this in the seventies and eighties 513 00:27:20,480 --> 00:27:23,880 Speaker 5: was really really big because at this time people were 514 00:27:23,880 --> 00:27:27,199 Speaker 5: making clothes specifically like girls had to wear this and 515 00:27:27,280 --> 00:27:28,199 Speaker 5: boys had to wear this. 516 00:27:28,480 --> 00:27:29,280 Speaker 3: So he was. 517 00:27:29,280 --> 00:27:33,240 Speaker 5: Really breaking the boundaries in terms of what clothing means. 518 00:27:33,320 --> 00:27:35,480 Speaker 5: I mean, I'll ask you, should a T shirt be 519 00:27:35,840 --> 00:27:37,160 Speaker 5: for boys or for girls? 520 00:27:37,200 --> 00:27:37,280 Speaker 4: Like? 521 00:27:37,320 --> 00:27:37,920 Speaker 3: What do you think? 522 00:27:38,119 --> 00:27:39,560 Speaker 9: I think they should be for both? 523 00:27:39,840 --> 00:27:43,080 Speaker 5: I totally agree with you. Why can't boys wear dresses? 524 00:27:43,400 --> 00:27:46,560 Speaker 5: Or why is pinka color for girls? I think that 525 00:27:46,680 --> 00:27:49,280 Speaker 5: a lot of the world has kind of put things 526 00:27:49,280 --> 00:27:52,800 Speaker 5: into buckets that don't need to exist. Everybody should be 527 00:27:52,840 --> 00:27:55,320 Speaker 5: able to wear anything they want to wear, and I 528 00:27:55,359 --> 00:27:59,800 Speaker 5: think that was Willy's idea. Willie Smith really changed what 529 00:28:00,080 --> 00:28:03,800 Speaker 5: fashion is and how people could participate in fashion. 530 00:28:04,000 --> 00:28:07,200 Speaker 1: Olivia, is there anything else you'd like to ask Comberto 531 00:28:07,280 --> 00:28:08,360 Speaker 1: before we say goodbye? 532 00:28:08,640 --> 00:28:11,040 Speaker 9: What's your favorite part of being a fashion designer. 533 00:28:11,320 --> 00:28:13,800 Speaker 5: One of my favorite things that I get to do 534 00:28:14,320 --> 00:28:17,800 Speaker 5: is I get to create something from nothing. I also 535 00:28:17,960 --> 00:28:20,800 Speaker 5: love clothing from all around the world. I feel like 536 00:28:20,840 --> 00:28:23,600 Speaker 5: there's so many amazing kind of clothing that you see 537 00:28:23,640 --> 00:28:25,320 Speaker 5: people wear for function. 538 00:28:25,840 --> 00:28:27,400 Speaker 3: So I love to think about function. 539 00:28:27,720 --> 00:28:29,720 Speaker 5: You know, where are you going to put your pockets, 540 00:28:29,840 --> 00:28:31,600 Speaker 5: what are you going to be carrying when you're wearing 541 00:28:31,640 --> 00:28:33,719 Speaker 5: those pants, or what are you going to be carrying 542 00:28:33,760 --> 00:28:36,359 Speaker 5: when you're going on that hike. So it's almost like 543 00:28:36,400 --> 00:28:38,800 Speaker 5: a puzzle piece where you're designing, where you're thinking about 544 00:28:38,840 --> 00:28:41,400 Speaker 5: all these things that you want to make sure it does. 545 00:28:41,760 --> 00:28:44,120 Speaker 9: I think fashion takes like a lot of work. Like 546 00:28:44,200 --> 00:28:46,480 Speaker 9: for me, I sit down in fashion clocks and two 547 00:28:46,600 --> 00:28:49,840 Speaker 9: minutes later, my hands are covered in glue and I'm 548 00:28:49,920 --> 00:28:53,120 Speaker 9: sweating and there's fabric all over the place. And if 549 00:28:53,160 --> 00:28:55,480 Speaker 9: I ever made clothes, what style of advice did you 550 00:28:55,480 --> 00:28:56,960 Speaker 9: have for me? Other kids my. 551 00:28:56,960 --> 00:29:00,200 Speaker 5: Age, It's okay when you're designing to think a little 552 00:29:00,200 --> 00:29:03,880 Speaker 5: bit more wild and crazy, like don't hold back. And 553 00:29:03,920 --> 00:29:06,160 Speaker 5: I think that's the best advice I could. 554 00:29:06,000 --> 00:29:06,440 Speaker 4: Give to you. 555 00:29:06,800 --> 00:29:09,920 Speaker 9: Well, you and your career sounds so awesome, and thank 556 00:29:09,920 --> 00:29:10,960 Speaker 9: you for talking with me. 557 00:29:11,320 --> 00:29:11,880 Speaker 3: Thank you. 558 00:29:12,240 --> 00:29:15,200 Speaker 5: I honestly loved all these questions you asked. You seem 559 00:29:15,240 --> 00:29:18,640 Speaker 5: like you're so well informed, and I hope to one 560 00:29:18,720 --> 00:29:22,080 Speaker 5: day meet you and maybe help you with your fashion ideas. 561 00:29:22,200 --> 00:29:25,080 Speaker 3: It sounds like you have a lot. Yeah, I love that. 562 00:29:25,240 --> 00:29:27,360 Speaker 5: And I think that anything that you could take away 563 00:29:27,360 --> 00:29:30,440 Speaker 5: from this conversation that inspires you means a. 564 00:29:30,360 --> 00:29:30,840 Speaker 3: Lot to me. 565 00:29:31,160 --> 00:29:33,160 Speaker 9: Thank you, Bertel, goodbye. 566 00:29:33,080 --> 00:29:35,200 Speaker 3: Thank you so much, Olivia, see you later. 567 00:29:38,080 --> 00:29:39,360 Speaker 2: What a great interview. 568 00:29:39,720 --> 00:29:42,440 Speaker 1: I can't wait to see the designs that Olivia comes 569 00:29:42,520 --> 00:29:46,520 Speaker 1: up with someday. And I already love Humberto Leone's designs, 570 00:29:46,680 --> 00:29:49,560 Speaker 1: so I really loved getting to hear more about where 571 00:29:49,560 --> 00:29:55,440 Speaker 1: he gets his inspiration. Thanks Tina, tell the photographer. I'll 572 00:29:55,440 --> 00:29:57,480 Speaker 1: be there in a minute. Let me just put on 573 00:29:57,600 --> 00:30:02,880 Speaker 1: my trusty lab coat and say thank you to the 574 00:30:02,920 --> 00:30:06,440 Speaker 1: listeners for learning all about Willie Smith with me today 575 00:30:06,640 --> 00:30:10,240 Speaker 1: and the extra special thank you to today's guests Humberto 576 00:30:10,400 --> 00:30:14,520 Speaker 1: and Olivia. Remember parents and teachers. You can download a 577 00:30:14,600 --> 00:30:18,600 Speaker 1: free activity related to today's episode by visiting story pirates 578 00:30:18,640 --> 00:30:22,840 Speaker 1: dot com slash historical Records. We'll be back next week 579 00:30:22,920 --> 00:30:26,880 Speaker 1: with another historical record. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've 580 00:30:26,880 --> 00:30:29,840 Speaker 1: got a photoshoot to do. Oh and one last thing. 581 00:30:30,360 --> 00:30:34,520 Speaker 1: Remember to make history, You've got to make some noise. 582 00:30:35,160 --> 00:30:46,680 Speaker 10: Fine Historical Records is produced in partnership with Story Pirates Studios, 583 00:30:46,960 --> 00:30:52,040 Speaker 10: Questlove's two on five Entertainment, John Blickman and iHeart Podcasts 584 00:30:52,640 --> 00:30:57,760 Speaker 10: Executive produced by Emir Questlove, Thompson, John Glickman, Lee Overtree 585 00:30:57,960 --> 00:31:02,760 Speaker 10: and Benjamin Salga. Executive produced for iHeart Podcasts by Noel Brown. 586 00:31:03,120 --> 00:31:07,200 Speaker 10: Producers for Story Pired Studios are Isabella Riccio, Sam Bear, 587 00:31:07,640 --> 00:31:11,920 Speaker 10: Eric Gerson, Andrew Miller, Lee Overtree, Peter McNerney, Denisa Wharton 588 00:31:12,000 --> 00:31:15,280 Speaker 10: Bey and niminy Ware. Producers for two one five are 589 00:31:15,320 --> 00:31:20,040 Speaker 10: Sean g Brittany Benjamin and Sarah Zolman. Hosted by niminy Ware. 590 00:31:20,280 --> 00:31:23,840 Speaker 10: Our head writer is Duke Doyle. Our historians are Gabe 591 00:31:23,840 --> 00:31:27,760 Speaker 10: Pacheco and Lee Polus. Music supervision for two one five 592 00:31:27,880 --> 00:31:31,720 Speaker 10: by Stroe Elliott. Scoring and music supervision for Story Pirate 593 00:31:31,760 --> 00:31:35,360 Speaker 10: Studios by Eric Gerson. Sound designed and mixing by Sam 594 00:31:35,400 --> 00:31:38,000 Speaker 10: Bear at the Relic Room in New York City, song 595 00:31:38,120 --> 00:31:41,640 Speaker 10: mastering by Josh Hahn, Theme song by Dan Foster and 596 00:31:41,760 --> 00:31:45,720 Speaker 10: Eric Gerson, and produced by Eric Gerson, Production coordination by 597 00:31:45,760 --> 00:31:50,120 Speaker 10: Isabelle Riccio, Production management by Maggie Lee. The line producer 598 00:31:50,160 --> 00:31:53,600 Speaker 10: for Story Pired Studios is Glennis Brault. Pr for Story 599 00:31:53,640 --> 00:31:57,560 Speaker 10: Pired Studios is provided by Naomi Shaw. Episode artwork by 600 00:31:57,560 --> 00:32:02,000 Speaker 10: Camilla Franklin. This episode was written by Mike Cavalon. The 601 00:32:02,080 --> 00:32:05,080 Speaker 10: song Willie Smith was written and produced by Micah James. 602 00:32:05,560 --> 00:32:10,320 Speaker 10: Special guests Umbert Leone and kid interviewer Olivia. This episode 603 00:32:10,320 --> 00:32:14,520 Speaker 10: features performances by Micah James, Peter McNerney Lee Overtree, and 604 00:32:14,600 --> 00:32:15,360 Speaker 10: Gabe Pacheco. 605 00:32:16,120 --> 00:32:17,240 Speaker 4: Special thanks to J. T. 606 00:32:17,440 --> 00:32:18,719 Speaker 10: Sue and Dan Foster.