patrick kelly
Fall 1988 Patrick Kelly Black Knit Fitted & Flared Skirt Dress
The Philadelphia Museum of Art recently hosted an exhibit of the work of Patrick Kelly. The show notes state: "“I want my clothes to make you smile”—that was the goal of late African American designer Patrick Kelly in creating his bold, bright, and joyful creations. Kelly achieved this on the streets, nightclubs, and runways of New York, Paris, and beyond in the heady, inventive, and often-subversive urban milieu of the 1980s....Kelly’s work pushed racial and cultural boundaries with golliwog logos, Aunt Jemima bandana dresses, and his ubiquitous black baby-doll brooches. His playful looks were inspired by his muse, Josephine Baker, and admiration for couturiers Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Yves Saint Laurent, among others."
This super sexy black knit Patrick Kelly dress is wonderful. It is made from a black knit that hugs the body to show every curve. Kelly has squared off the shoulder and kept the sleeves long and lean. The cut through the body hugs every curve and the dress is molded to just past the hip. At that point the skirt flares out dramatically and when you lay it out flat you realize that he has built in an entire circle of fabric into this low, dropped skirt. This is what give it the tremendous movement and volume that is has as soon as you move. It also offers a striking contrast to the super fitted cut through the body. I love the curved seaming that sits discreetly across the bust - this is what gives us the clue to the collection date and makes the dress a more subtle version to his famous heart dresses. Excellent condition.
The dress is wool knit jersey with some stretch. It closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. Light padding in each shoulder. Appears to have never been worn. The fabric does have stretch and the measurements provided are the comfortable range when laying flat. Tagged a US8. FR40, GB12
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist:13.5-15 " flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3104
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Please review all measurements carefully. More often than not, vintage garments do not fit any size category exactly. If in doubt, measure a garment of your own that fits and is a similar cut and compare it's measurements to the listed measurements below.
