Patrick Kelly

Patrick Kelly was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi to an African American working class family. His grandmother was his most influential muse, her use of mismatched buttons inspired what would become a signature element of his designs. Kelly passionately confronted racist iconography by re-purposing and incorporating it into his designs in an effort to destigmatize it.

Kelly was the first American designer ever to be admitted to the Chambre Syndicale du Prêt-à-Porter, the governing body of the Ready to Wear industry in France. His first show at the Louvre Palace was a spoof on the Mona Lisa, featuring models carrying oversized gold frames in front of their faces.

"I want my clothes to make you smile!" -Patrick Kelly