Rebellion in Design: Developing a Blueprint for the Future

On the surface, fashion and architecture may seem like disconnected worlds; however, the processes inherent to both regularly overlap. Designers are frequently faced with practical challenges to translate vision into reality. Through working between the fields of architecture and fashion, these visions can often be brought to life.

The subject of Willi Smith: Street Couture, fashion designer Willi Smith seamlessly connected contemporary architecture and his collections within both showrooms and retail interiors designed by SITE, using these disciplines to combat conventional modes of marketing and presentation. This exhibition is designed by SITE, in collaboration with Sam Chermayeff Architects, to recall WilliWear showrooms and boutiques.

In this conversation, Virgil Abloh (Chief Creative Director and founder of Off-White™️ and Men’s Artistic Director at Louis Vuitton) and architect James Wines (Founder, SITE; 2013 National Design Award winner) in conversation with interdisciplinary architect Oana Stănescu discuss the cross-sections of fashion and architecture as related to the making of spaces and culture, and disrupting hegemony through design.

This virtual program is offered in conjunction with the exhibition, Willi Smith: Street Couture.

ACCESSIBILITY

This free program will feature a moderated panel discussion followed by an audience Q&A hosted through Zoom, with the option to dial in as well. Details will be emailed to you upon registration. CART captioning will be provided. Please reach out to us with any information on how we can support your participation, and with requests for services by emailing CHAccess@si.edu.

Willi Smith: Street Couture is made possible by principal support from Target. Major support is provided by Gucci. Additional support is provided by the Ehrenkranz Fund and Edward and Helen Hintz. Funding is also provided by the Coby Foundation, Ltd., the Esme Usdan Exhibition Endowment Fund, The Keith Haring Foundation, the New York State Council on the Arts with support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and the Cooper Hewitt Master's Program Fund. In-kind support is provided by the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Cargo, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.