T: The New York Times Style Magazine recently put together a special issue devoted to New York City from 1981-1983, a time of profound cultural change and development. This was also the time when the AIDS epidemic began, and the magazine wanted to pay tribute to some of the greats who were lost to the disease. I was so honored to be able to speak about my father, fashion designer Perry Ellis, for this story. The interview was accompanied by a computerized image of what he may look like today.
Reading these powerful words brought up many emotions—sadness, anger, grief—but upon reflection, it’s so incredible that these special people who passed away over 30 years ago are still remembered and respected amongst the all-time greats.My father was and still is an American genius and I am so honored to be his daughter. -Tyler Ellis