Laced with Grace

Bridal couture designer Pat Kerr designs to make a difference

by Laura Hemberger

 
Pat Kerr is chairman and owner of Pat Kerr, Inc., a distinctive clothing design firm that focuses on couture, children's couture, bridal couture/planning, and large event production. Kerr is one of the world’s leading collectors of antique laces and textiles, and is a recognized authority on these subjects. Prized pieces include four gowns of the late Princess Diana, 100 pieces of clothing of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and thousands of pieces made for Queen Victoria. “I consistently collect things that are romantic; that have a marvelous history about relationships,” says Kerr.

Pat Kerr Inc. has provided extravagant and timeless dresses for, among others, European royalty, famous film and stage stars, and beautiful brides. She fashioned both of Tennessee first lady Martha Sundquist’s inaugural gowns. The late fashion arbiter, Eleanor Lambert, called Kerr’s lace dresses “the Fabergés and the Fortunys of today.” Since selling her first pieces to Neiman Marcus 25 years ago, Kerr’s work has been showcased in prominent New York fashion retail windows and has been featured on the covers of magazines and books, including Martha Stewart Weddings. A Pat Kerr gown launched the Estee Lauder “Beautiful” perfume campaign. Bride’s magazine named Kerr Marketer of the Year, the highest award in the bridal industry.

Even though she lived for over 20 years in London with late husband and international financier John Tigrett (father of Hard Rock Café and House of Blues founder Isaac Tigrett), Kerr now resides in Memphis, where she was raised. Kerr loves Memphis and feels strongly about giving back to the city that “has given so much to me and to so many!”

She has spearheaded some of Memphis’ most memorable benefit parties, such as the lighting of the Hernando-Desoto Bridge celebration and the Pyramid “Big Dig” party, and is a supporter of the arts in Memphis. A former Miss Memphis, Kerr contributes to the pageant’s scholarship and serves in a public relations capacity. “Pageants were an early great lesson in how to win and be a gracious loser,” she says. Kerr is also a member of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Board of Directors and Governors. She is a board member of the University of Memphis, the Memphis Rock n’ Soul Museum in association with the Smithsonian Institution, and WONDERS. She also serves on the board of the International Children’s Heart Foundation, an organization dedicated to saving the lives of children with heart disease. “The more you give, the happier you are,” Kerr says.

For Kerr, the most gratifying aspect of philanthropy is giving of her time. “My parents were splendid examples of the art of giving. They both gave generously in many ways, but especially the most precious of all commodities – their time. Personally giving of my time is very meaningful to me.”

While Kerr has chaired countless charity events, especially dear to her are two events that she founded – The Blues Ball and The Jingle Bell Ball. Kerr is also president and CEO of Memphis Charitable Foundation, the Balls’ umbrella foundation. “I'm a firm believer that ‘To those whom much is given, much is required.’ Seeing others enjoy the creative efforts produced via my small involvement motivates me.” The Blues Ball is a platform for Memphis musicians and honors the city’s legendary music. With 2500 guests, the event is the country’s largest annual ball. Through the Memphis Charitable Foundation and Blues Ball, Kerr facilitates the Isaac Hayes scholarship, which annually donates music scholarship dollars in honor of Isaac Hayes to his Memphis alma mater, Manassas High School. The scholarship encourages “nurturing, from the roots up, encouragement of young children studying in schools,” according to Kerr. In 2005, scholarship money was also awarded to Memphis’ Humes Middle School, which Elvis Presley attended.

	Left: Children enjoy The Jingle Bell Ball, held at the Peabody Hotel.
	Left: Pat Kerr spends time with a special guest at The Jingle Bell Ball, at a party especially for the beneficiaries of the event.

The holiday season, when she plans and hosts the annual Jingle Bell Ball, is especially meaningful for Kerr. “It started at the Peabody Hotel; it was truly enchanting. It’s about giving memories,” says Kerr. “It’s really what Christmas is about.” The event features four separate parties for children grouped by age, and Kerr designs every detail of the event. Beneficiaries include St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and other various children’s charities. When asked what inspires her and encourages her to keep giving, she says it is “the hope that in some tiny way, I may make a difference in the life of someone who needs encouragement.”