We are extremely sad to share the news that our dear friend William Yeoward passed away this morning after a long and very courageous battle with cancer.
Willie's contribution to the design world was as giant as his personality. Every meeting with Willie left you feeling more upbeat, more positive and more convinced of the fun of life. He believed so passionately in his work and his people, designing with flair and fun, and always with great style.
His vision over the years was unwaveringly confident and ensured that his brand was every bit as original as he was. In recent years, Willie was mostly called 'brave' because of the fearless way he approached his illness, but he has always been brave. It takes bravery to start a business as he did so many years ago, bravery to expand it and enormous bravery to continue working until the end, as well as launching his website – characteristically called Screw Cancer – for those suffering from the same cruel disease that has taken this ebullient, waspish, brilliant man from us before his time.
Even when very ill, he would seize on pockets of energy to host bridge evenings, insisting everyone must leave by 9pm but inevitably staying up until midnight. Willie refused to go gently, spending his last weeks having fun with the people he loved most. This love of friends and passion for life is what we shall remember and, of course, his brilliant work, which will be continued by his loyal team. Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.
