While most visitors to Salem in early October are here for Halloween, the Peabody - Essex museum housed an unexpected fashion exhibition, Patrick Kelly: Runway of Love.
Patrick Kelly from Vicksburg, Mississippi, (1954-1990) was influential in breaking down the barriers in the fashion industry. As a self-taught designer, his passion is what helped launch him and his designs to celebrity status. In 1979 Kelly moved to Paris and worked odd jobs and soon after opened his atelier in 1985. His work is known for highlighting the Black and queer experience as well as systemic racism in a way that celebrates these aspects as well.
In 1988 Kelly was the first American designer that was invited to the Chambre Syndicale du Prêt-à-Porter des Couturiers et des Créateurs de Mode (Trade Union of Ready-to-Wear Couturiers and Fashion Designers). The exhibition shares 75 full ensembles that highlight Kelly’s creative vision.
