Peter Goldfarb
I first met Willi in 1969 at a Young Design America meeting. Then, Chippy Irvine wrote a Mickey Rooney + Judy Garland style musical put on at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in 1969 by Celenese Corp.
Willi and I auditioned, and I got the “Mickey” role. The show was a 1940s musical called “P.X., I Love You,” and the cast was all from 7th Avenue. We worked very hard, and raised money for something, and did about five sold-out shows.
Willi was a lot of fun, and with clunky shoes, pleated pants, ribbed sweaters, cropped hair, and round glasses, Willi’s sister Toukie said she could hardly tell us apart except for our color.
We were both loft-dwellers and antiquers. When I would find an Aunt Jemima or “Negro” salt and pepper shaker, I would send it to Willi to add to his collection. I was also friendly with Clovis Ruffin and Claude Montana. Doing children’s clothing, I was not competition to these talented friends.
I am glad I saved these newspaper clippings, along with many other clippings from my years in the fashion industry from 1966–1979. I then switched to interior design and left New York City in 1985, as AIDS was taking many of my friends. After six months in California, I discovered the beauty of Skagit County, 60 miles north of Seattle, where I found and renovated an old farmhouse and became an inn keeper. I am now retired, with some great memories of some wonderful times and friends from my fashion days.
Women’s Wear Daily article, “Modern Clothes for Modern Kids,” February 19, 1974
A handwritten note from Willi Smith reads,
“You think I haven’t been keeping up with you. I’m so happy that all this is happening. Willi Smith.”
Courtesy of Peter Goldfarb
New York Times article, “Design America,” August 29, 1970
Article text: “The Young Individualist is in the Design America Circle. They’re our favorite group of young, united designers who help to shape the American fashion scene. We admire them so much, we’ve created a special Design America Shop where you can see all the excitement.”
Included on the list of participating designers are Peter Goldfarb and Willi Smith.
Courtesy of Peter Goldfarb.
Women’s Wear Daily article, “The State of Children’s Wear,”March 25, 1974
A handwritten note from Willi Smith reads, “You are more than great. Why didn’t I know it before. I love you. Willi Smith” Courtesy of Peter Goldfarb
Newsday article (Nassau Edition), “To a Designer, the Play’s the Style,” January 17, 1969
