Deb Harrison

My parents were stylish, and they passed that love of clothes down to me. My mom made all of our clothes and would let us choose the fabric and patterns. She taught me how to sew, and I liked to make clothes that made me stand out! At that time, Butterick featured patterns designed by groundbreaking new talents: Kenzo, Jane Tise, Betsey Johnson, and, of course, Willi Smith. I just loved his playful, flowy silhouettes. I made many outfits from his patterns, including a patchwork print swing jacket with emerald green wide-leg pants—using Butterick pattern 4091—and a mauve forties-inspired peplum top and skirt—Butterick pattern 3246—to name a few. I’ve held on to those Willi Smith patterns all these years because of how much I loved the experience of making and wearing those clothes. Those bold outfits got me nominated for best dressed two years in a row at my high school in Phoenix.


My father was a successful officer in the Air Force, so even though we were Black, we grew up somewhat undaunted by race, believing we could become anything we wanted if we did the work. I had been drawing and sewing from a very early age, and I wanted to become a fashion illustrator or designer. Although I didn't really believe my race would determine my success, I was the only Black girl at my art school in Denver at the time, and seeing successful Blacks like Willi Smith was a huge encouragement for me. I feel so fortunate to have a career in fashion—first illustration, and later design and art direction—and so much of my early work and experience was influenced by making clothes from those Butterick patterns and Willi Smith’s beautiful designs.



Deb Harrison at portfolio review for fashion illustration, 1979