In light of all of the news we, as a generation (Z), have been absorbing, internalizing, and putting out, I decided now would be a great time to highlight a prominent yet still underrated fashion designer from the 1980s era.
Patrick Kelly, an American black designer, rose to fame in the 1980s. He built his empire on the fact that he discovered the lack of black women in magazines and wanted to design and represent them in his work.
I learned about him through Annette Baker, current director of the Texas Fashion Collection hosted by the University of North Texas
She has made it her business to bring light to his work and have the collection include more prominent designers of color that made a genuine contribution to the couture industry and under her direction, she has now collected three of his wildly rare and sought after pieces and plans to collect more.
Everything you need to know about this designer can be found in this video, along with more resources for your entertainment. Below I have highlighted key points that stood out to me.
Some Key facts
First American to be in Chambre Syndicale du Pret a Porter
Went on to also include clingy dresses for curvier women
Known for the button dress and the button shirt
Started off making costumes for dancers (Paris)
Found jersey fabric and put buttons in ode to his grandmother and her mismatch button habit
He styled for French Elle magazine and Princess Diana
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