Honoring Patrick Kelly: My Handmade Button Dress Tribute

Fashion history has always been a part of my creative heartbeat. Every now and then, I come across a designer whose story feels like a mirror—reflecting the kind of joy, boldness, and freedom I want in my own sewing journey.

For me, Patrick Kelly is one of those designers.

In this post, I’m honoring his life, his work, and the story that inspired me to create my very own Patrick Kelly–inspired button dress. I’ve also embedded my full Stitched Story video below so you can watch the process, learn about his legacy, and see my handmade dress come to life.

Who Was Patrick Kelly?

Patrick Kelly was a groundbreaking American fashion designer who brought joy, humor, and bold color to the runways of Paris. Born in Mississippi and later embraced by the French fashion world, he built a career on:

• Playful, body-conscious silhouettes
• Bright, saturated colors
• His signature buttons and embellishments
• References to his Southern Black roots and culture
• A fearless, rule-breaking approach to fashion

He didn’t follow fashion rules—he wrote his own. His designs were joyful but powerful, often carrying deeper meaning about identity, race, and representation in the fashion industry. Decades later, his work still inspires creatives like me to be bold, playful, and unapologetically ourselves.

Watch the Full Patrick Kelly Stitched Story

In this video, I share Patrick Kelly’s story and sew a dress inspired by his iconic button designs. Grab a cup of tea, settle in, and enjoy the journey from history to handmade.

Creating My Patrick Kelly Inspired Button Dress

Sewing this dress was more than just a project—it was a tribute. I started with a simple bodycon silhouette and transformed it into a statement piece using bright, oversized buttons as my main design element.

I used:

• Soft black knit fabric with a clean, body-hugging shape
• Multicolored buttons to echo Patrick Kelly’s playful aesthetic
• A neckline and cuff design that nods to his original button dresses while still feeling like “me”

Each button felt like a tiny love letter to his legacy. As I stitched, I kept thinking about how he brought joy and boldness into spaces that weren’t always welcoming to Black designers.

What Patrick Kelly Taught Me as a Sewist

Working on this project gave me time to reflect on what Patrick Kelly represents to me—not just as a designer, but as a creative soul.

• Create boldly without waiting for permission. Patrick Kelly didn’t dilute his vision for anyone.
• Let joy lead the way. Sewing this dress reminded me that making should feel good, not stressful.
• Use your work as a story. Every button, every seam can say something about where you come from and what you love.

Want More Stitched Stories?

If you enjoyed this blend of fashion history and sewing, I’d love to have you join me for more projects like this. On my YouTube channel, House of Lady J, I share:

• Stitched Stories highlighting fashion designers and sewists from history
• Behind-the-seams footage from my sewing room
• Custom dressmaking projects and creative experiments

You can subscribe here: @HouseOfLadyJ on YouTube .

Thank You for Reading

Thank you for taking the time to explore this creative moment with me. Patrick Kelly’s life reminds me that fashion isn’t just about clothing—it’s about courage, culture, joy, and making something beautiful with your hands.

I hope my handmade tribute adds just a little more love to the legacy he left behind.

Manners and RESPECT to the Button King,
🤓 Lady J ✂️
House of Lady J Boutique