The show featured many of the vibrant hallmarks used by the late designer during his history-making career.

L&rsquo;HISTOIRE explores fashion history moments you should know, from what actors wore on&nbsp;a red carpet to celebrities who made cameos on the runway. Some are unsung, and some are better known. Each is part of the fabric of today&rsquo;s fashion world, be it barrier breakers or culture makers.
The upcoming menswear-focused <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/met-gala-2025-theme-dress-code-guest-list-co-chairs-livestream">2025 Met Gala</a> theme has many reflecting on influential Black male creatives in the fashion scene. Naturally the concept of Black dandyism made many think of Harlem&rsquo;s own <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/men/dapper-dan-harlem-influence-fashion-gucci-logo">Dapper Dan</a> and late fashion editor <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/andre-leon-talley-legacy-fashion-industry-black-history-month-naomi-campbell">Andr&eacute; Leon Talley</a>. But you simply can&rsquo;t discuss Black innovators without Patrick Kelly in the conversation. The American designer was known for expressing his chic-yet-playful vision, which was on full display during his Fall/Winter 1989 show.
The runway pulsated with charisma from the start. Models&mdash;walking both in pairs and solo&mdash;strutted with attitude and flair, each more audacious than the last. A slew of them paraded down the runway in sharply tailored ensembles. Others were draped in dramatic furs or decked out in flamboyant prints. Kelly kicked things up a notch with lace detail pieces and pantless looks that were sultry, yet still elegant. One striking redhead even channeled Jessica Rabbit in a high-slit scarlet gown and opera gloves. But Kelly&rsquo;s purpose in his work went deeper than simply flashy looks.

The designer's work centered Blackness and Black joy at its core, weaving celebration and reclamation. As a Black, queer man, Kelly sought to uplift the Black community&mdash;not just by referencing Black history in his work, but by spotlighting Black talent. He casted supermodels <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/tags/naomicampbell">Naomi Campbell</a> and <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/tags/iman">Iman</a> at a time when Black models were routinely overlooked. Kelly strategically made powerful statements about visibility, pride, and beauty, making his runways a space for affirmation and resistance.&nbsp;

During the show, an Eiffel Tower motif could be seen more than once&mdash;and this wasn&rsquo;t a coincidence. The Mississippi native seemingly utilized the emblem to signify his Parisian journey, which was a trailblazing one. He first moved to the City of Lights in 1979 and began selling his designs at trendy boutiques, which quickly became a hit. By 1988, Kelly had released 10 womenswear collections under his label&mdash;qualifying him to be accepted into the Chambre Syndicale du Pr&ecirc;t-&agrave;-Porter des Couturiers et des Cr&eacute;ateurs de Mode. He was the first American and Black designer to be accepted.&nbsp;
Patrick Kelly&rsquo;s legacy continues today through the joyful and intentional nods to Black culture. Thirty-five years after his passing, his influence remains undeniable. None other than Beyonc&eacute; is a fan, too. The 35-time Grammy winner <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/beyonce-patrick-kelly-button-dress-archive-kelly-rowland-birthday">wore one of his signature button dresses</a> to <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/art/kelly-rowland-sothebys-curator-art-auction">Kelly Rowland</a>&rsquo;s birthday party in February. Many of his pieces have also been on view at museum exhibitions around the world. With the 2025 Met Gala around the corner, one can&rsquo;t help but wonder if an attendee will pay tribute to Kelly.

Patrick Kelly Fall/Winter 1989. Getty Images.

L'HISTOIRE: Patrick Kelly's Sophisticated, Yet Provocative Fall/Winter 1989 Show

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L'HISTOIRE: Patrick Kelly's Sophisticated, Yet Provocative Fall/Winter 1989 Show

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