PMA Fashion Doubleheader Part II

So on Tuesday we began our tour of the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s current fashion exhibitions with their Silver and Gold Fashions Since 1960.  Today we tackle their showstopper: Patrick Kelly: Runway of Love.  It’s such a big deal, in fact, that they have a second supporting exhibit of another designer inspired by Kelly.  They’re not fooling around with this.

And nor should they—Kelly’s work is amazing!  Bright, fun, and playful, Kelly doesn’t shy away from being a little outré, but you never get the sense that he’s doing it just to be weird—he’s doing it because it genuinely makes him smile.  And I mean really, how can you not smile at this:

This is from Kelly’s fall/winter 1988-89 collection, playing off how a bridal gown usually finished a runway show.  Look at all the red tulle!  It’s like Valentine’s Day come to life!

The Tulle Peep Toe by Diva Lounge has the same spirit of Kelly’s body suit, but perhaps in a more wearable way for day-to-day.  The body is red satin topped in tulle, with a half-inch platform and zipper up the back to let you in. Also available in black; your choice for $15 (on sale!) from Cici Hot.

This glamournaut is from Kelly’s spring/summer 1989 collection.  Look at that dress, people—LOOK at that dress.  I love how it’s cut around the feet, but also, it’s essentially made of starlight.  Gorgeous.

Why this shoe out of all silver shoes?  For starters, it’s by Celeste.  (Get it?  Celestial?  …I am a nerd.  Apologies.)  Second, the rhinestones around the shoe are aurora borealis, so they shimmer in many colors just like the dress!  Perfect.  The upper is actually covered in a fine net fabric, which is a little interesting. It has a four-inch heel and half-inch platform and is also available in black, which has its own charms.  Find them at Overstock for $43.

D’aww, this dress from Kelly’s spring/summer 1989 collection is like the ultimate garden party dress.  It’s so fluffy!

Normally I sort of hate high-top sneakers, but I sort of love the Floral Dreams by Shakuhachi.  I love the gentle print; I love the jute trim (so unexpected!).  Dare I even say it?: this would be cute with a skirt.  And “No sneakers with skirts” is a rule enshrined in the Shoe Fairy pantheon.  If this is what change looks like, then I’m down with change.  Yours for $168 from Lyst.

This strapless silver gown is from July 1989.  Meow-squerade?  No—glamourpuss!  Bahaha.

Me-OW, baby.  The Harrahly by Guess has an upper made of sparkling snow leopard fabric, and a 4.5-inch heel and three-quarter-inch platform in metallic silver.  Trimmed in silver, too—around the foot and up the back of the heel. Yours for $100 from Heels.com.

So head on over to the PMA and get your fashion on!  Both shows run through the fall.

Sales this weekend:

Sorry ladies; the Shoe Fairy is running around with company at the moment and wasn’t able to check the sales.  But it’s Memorial Day!  So I think I’m pretty safe in guessing that every shoe in the world is on sale.