KISS DRESS INSPIRED BY PATRICK KELLY

Patrick Kelly was a celebrated African American fashion designer who rose to fame in France and was known for playful his ready-to-wear designs into which he unapologetically incorporated his Southern roots, racial imagery, and expressions of Black joy. Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, he was raised by his mother and his grandmother, Ethel Rainey, who became his greatest muse. Kelly’s signature use of buttons referenced the mismatched buttons his grandmother used to mend into his family’s clothing. Our Kiss Dress is a reproduction of his designs constructed the year of his passing, a contribution to his design legacy. Made from black lycra knit material, the short dress is a one-piece fitted style with a basic round neckline trimmed with a bias, center back zipper closure, and long set-in sleeves. Fifteen design signature lip buttons are attached to the dress on the front chest in the form of a triangle. The textiles and designer buttons were donated from the original designer’s collection.