Kelly, Patrick, 1954-1990

African-American fashion designer who came to fame in the fashion houses of Paris, Patrick Kelly was voted into the Chambre Syndicale du Prêt à Porter des Couturiers et des Créateurs de Mode, the prestigious French organization of fashion designers in 1988. He was the first American to be so honored. Although he produced collections only from 1985 until his death from AIDS in 1990 at the age of 35, his exuberant, witty garments proved to be potent and original contributions to the field of fashion. For more biographical information see the Patrick Kelly Archives record.

An African-American fashion designer, Patrick Kelly came to fame in the fashion houses of Paris. He was voted into the Chambre Syndicale du Prêt à Porter des Couturiers et des Créateurs de Mode, the prestigious French organization of fashion designers in 1988, the first American to be so honored.

Early in his career in Paris, Kelly worked for major designers like Paco Rabanne. In 1985 he showed his first collection, and also began his business partnership with Bjorn Amelan. Kelly's whimsical and imaginative creations attracted celebrity clients such as Bette Davis, Grace Jones and Princess Diana, and brought his fashions into the spotlight. He designed for Victoire Boutique in Paris and the Italian clothing manufacturer Benetton. His designs were sold in nineteen countries worldwide, and his apparel was carried by major department stores in the United States and in Paris. By 1988 Kelly was working with Vogue Patterns to enable women to make their own clothing based upon his designs. Kelly died of AIDS on January 1, 1990 at age 35.

African-American fashion designer who came to fame in the fashion houses of Paris, Patrick Kelly was voted into the Chambre Syndicale du Prêt à Porter des Couturiers et des Créateurs de Mode, the prestigious French organization of fashion designers in 1988. He was the first American to be so honored.

Early in his career in Paris, Kelly worked for major designers like Paco Rabanne. In 1985 he showed his first collection, and also began his business partnership with Bjorn Amelan. Kelly's whimsical and imaginative creations attracted celebrity clients, such as Bette Davis, Grace Jones and Princess Diana and brought his fashions into the spotlight. He designed for Victoire Boutique in Paris and the Italian clothing manufacturer Benetton. His designs were sold in nineteen countries worldwide, and his apparel was carried by major department stores in the United States and in Paris. By 1988 Kelly was working with Vogue Patterns to enable women to make their own clothing based upon his designs. Kelly died of AIDS on January 1, 1990 at age 35.