Autograph letter from the American fashion designer, one of the most successful African-American designers in the fashion industry, penned on the back wrapper of a portfolio of color prints titled Gita Govinda. The letter, dated Bombay, March 21, 1977, is addressed to fashion journalist June Weir and describes Smith's stay in Bombay while designing his fall 1977 collection for his new company, WilliWear, noting: "The exchange of knowledge between American sensible points of view in clothing and the simple Eastern traditional clothing combine into the formula for which I, as a young American designer have been searching." The portfolio contains six color illustrations of the 12th-century Sanskrit poem Gita Govinda, with 4 pp. of text. Softcover portfolio with strings to close. Toning and edge wear; overall very good. 15 x 10.5 inches (37.5 x 27 cm).

Full text of letter:

"Bombay, March 21, 1977

Dear June, I think is is the largest postcard I've ever sent. (But a beautiful one that I hope you'll like.) I was already here when I received your wonderful note about [Valentine's] Day. It's one of my favorite days and I'm delighted to share it with someone that I feel close to.

What an exciting time to be in India! Working like mad on my fall WilliWear Ltd. collection and after the success of two collections under my belt I know know [sic] that I'm back in touch with the modern woman of today. The exchange of knowledge between American sensible points of view in clothing and the simple Eastern traditional clothing combine into the formula for which I, as a young American designer have been searching. A true understand of clothing and making a woman look beautiful by adding to her own beauty and personality is an international one, not necessarily contemporary but modern, because contemporary living should only guide us to the next step and not confine us to the moment. The excitement throughout Bombay and Kashmir is running rampant today. The results of the elections are posted and the sudden defeat of Indira Gandhi to the Janata Party is one that has a shocking effect for me. Never have I seen the native Indian, whose colorful beauty is so solemn, become so exuberant. People are literally celebrating in the streets. All work on collection will pick up in a day or two. Making a fall collection of clothing in a country that is 85% tropical climate is more than a challenge and I'm very pleased. It's been over one year since we've seen each other and talked about our special things. When I return, please let's have lunch or dinner, I have a lot to exchange with you and I miss seeing you. I hope my 'card' find[s] you and Mr. Baron enjoying the best life can offer. Sincerely, Willi Smith."

From the collection of June Weir-Baron (1928 - 2015), fashion historian and journalist, the first woman Vice President at Fairchild Publications, a major force in her capacity as Fashion Editor and Assistant publisher of Women's Wear Daily and W, as an influential editor at Vogue, Executive Fashion Editor at Harper's Bazaar, deputy Style Editor for The New York Times Sunday Magazine and Contributing Editor at Mirabella.