Black Design Collective Honors Patrick Kelly at LA Fashion Week Premiere
News related to:Black Design Collective · 2 min read
Black Design Collective, a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, celebrated the life and legacy of fashion pioneer Patrick Kelly with a red-carpet premiere of the documentary "Love, Patrick: Nothing Is Impossible" at the Pacific Design Center during Los Angeles Fashion Week. The event, which honored Kelly's contributions to the fashion industry, brought together industry leaders and fashion enthusiasts.
The premiere, co-sponsored by West Hollywood, featured a proclamation from the City Council, which recognized Kelly's impact on the fashion world. Kevan Hall, President and Co-Founder of Black Design Collective, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the organization, highlighting Kelly's role in expanding the possibilities for African American designers on the international stage.
The red carpet event was headlined by Tina Knowles and celebrity stylist Law Roach, who encouraged their followers to watch the documentary. Roach, known for her work with high-profile clients, shared her thoughts on Kelly's fearless approach to fashion.
The documentary, directed by The Horne Brothers and produced by PeachSoul Productions, has already garnered five festival honors, including Best Documentary at BronzeLens and the Out On Film Audience Award. Executive producer Sergio Hudson, who credits Kelly for paving the way for his own career, moderated a talkback session with the filmmakers.
Black Design Collective's "Threads of Joy" runway showcase, which took place one week earlier, featured new work inspired by Kelly's legacy. Through the organization's signature UPCYCLE sustainability program, emerging designers turned donated and recycled materials into new garments. This year's cohort studied Kelly's work, learned hand sewing, and made button hearts in his honor.
The event was supported by various partners and sponsors, including Cannonball and Tilly Vintage, Dallas & Dae Fashion Photographers, and RearEnded Athleisurewear. The hosted bar was presented by Chris Abbott at Revel Spirits, Inc., Aphro Palm Spirit, Uka Sake, and Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Water. West Hollywood LGBTQ+ Commissioner Chiedu Egbuniwe, Deborah Byrd's Black Behind the Scenes, Doris B. Kinney of Sixty309 B.M.A., and Los Angeles Magazine also contributed to the event.
Black Design Collective, founded in 2018 by Ruth E. Carter, Kevan Hall, TJ Walker, and Angela Dean, continues to advance emerging designers and creative professionals through education, mentorship, and access to industry experts. The organization's mission is to celebrate and support the next generation of fashion innovators, ensuring that their voices are heard and their talents are recognized.