Kelly Horrigan is a Brooklyn based designer. After working in corporate fashion, she decided to escape the confines of mass production and honor the wild allure of making intricate pieces entirely by hand. Her objective: combine old world techniques with experimental finishes and urban aesthetic. Kelly descends from a family of artisans. She draws upon this rich history as the foundation for her skills.
Mainly working with organic materials like leather, suede, fish skin, feathers, metals and stones, Kelly allows the personality of each material to inspire pieces that bridge pure art and high fashion. A fondness for found objects and vintage treasures, she transforms old works into new creations. She is conscious to use every inch of raw materials to reduce waste.
Kelly is a skilled pattern maker and shoemaker. She has made custom wedding gowns, elaborate performance costumes and period pieces. As an adjunct associate professor at Pratt Institute’s fashion department, she hands down industry secrets to a new generation of designers.
Her costume design and fine art has been featured in the work and collections of Cathy Weis Projects, Jennifer Miller's Circus Amok, humanfuturedancecorps, Jennifer Monson, Jonathan Berger, J. Mandle Performance, Full Deck Collective, and at the Musee de Monoian. Her leatherwork has been featured in the pages of the Fader and Velvetpark Magazine.