/Museums
Patrick Kelly: Runway of Love
Event WebsiteAbout
This exhibition celebrates the career and legacy of Black fashion designer Patrick Kelly (1954–1990). First presented by the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 2014, the exhibition presents eighty fully accessorized ensembles, dating from 1984 to 1990, from the Philadelphia Museum’s archive of Kelly’s work. Kelly drew upon his childhood in the United States South, his African American heritage, his experiences in the club and gay cultural scenes in New York and Paris, and muses from fashion, art, and Black history to create light-hearted yet sophisticated designs that pushed racial and cultural boundaries. The exhibition situates Kelly and his work in the broader context of art and fashion history by exploring the inspirations behind his designs, his significant collection of racist memorabilia (whose images he wrested to tell his own story), and footage from his exuberant and groundbreaking fashion shows.
SF/Arts Curator Insight
For the first time on the West Coast, the groundbreaking fashion of Patrick Kelly will be on display at the de Young museum. Make sure to come to the museum on the opening night, October 23, because entry to the exhibition will be free to the public.
Kelly’s 80 original designs can be seen next to footage from his actual shows. The fashion, and the show, stitch together the joys and love of Black empowerment that Kelly embodied. Patrons will not only be able to see Kelly’s incredible work but also roam around the museum to see the indomitable Judy Chicago show and the enormous permanent collection as well. Stay late for a community celebration that is sure to be an amazing Golden Gate Park late night at the de Young. See you there!
Dr. Luke Williams
Contributing Writer
de Young museum
Golden Gate Park/50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
San Francisco
CA, 94118
[email protected]deyoung.famsf.org