Brian Howard

I first met Willi in late 1982 when I started working full time for his close friend, photographer Kim Steele. I was Kim's studio manager, black and white printer, and photo assistant. Kim had a few images of Willi that he wanted to give him, which I had printed. I was sent up to Willi's West 38th Street showroom with the photographs. It was coincidence or perhaps kismet, but we both got into the elevator at the same time. When I told him I had photos of him from Kim, he invited me into his office while he looked at them. I just remember being taken in by Willi's grace and graciousness as we chatted away about me being a born and bred New Yorker and, of course, my working for Kim. It was as though I met someone famous that had no pretense of fame. I was a kid barely out of the School of Visual Arts but was treated as a peer. I think my being gay certainly helped. He said, “come back in a couple of weeks and pick out a few things—just ring the office so I know you're coming.” Imagine what that would feel like to a young, fresh out of college, overworked photo studio manager! 

From 1982 until his death, I was dressed head-to-toe in WilliWear. Willi allowed me to raid the warehouse twice a year, which kept me well-dressed for over five years. From our first conversation, Willi set the foundation of our friendship on dignity and respect. I was very fortunate to have him in my life. His generous spirit was already deeply connected to others in my life whom I too loved and respected—Jorge Socarras, Kim Steele, Maryanne Levesque, Oliver Johnston, the list goes on. From the minute we met, I had wished I grew up with him to always have him in my life.

“We had all agreed to meet in the front of the church for the 1985 wedding of our mutual friends Kim Steele and Maryanne Levesque. Willi designed Maryanne’s stunning wedding dress, and Kim’s African print inspired bespoke suit. Willi was admiring my suit, inspecting the cut and line of the cropped black seersucker suit jacket, and said, ‘Brian, this suit is beautiful! Who made it?’ To which I replied, ‘Um, you did, Willi!” I can still hear his laugh.’”