Katie Gallagher Legacy Fund
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The Katie Gallagher Legacy Fund was created to celebrate the life and work of the late artist and designer, Katie Gallagher, by providing support for artistic initiatives that align with her vision and for fellow artists in pursuit of their hopes, dreams and goals.
Kathryn Marie "Katie" Gallagher was born on Aug. 15, 1986, in DuBois, Pennsylvania. She attended State College Area High School, where she became both a talented artist and athlete, excelling at cross country and becoming a state-qualifying long distance runner. Running continued to be an important outlet for Katie throughout adulthood. After graduating from high school, Katie attended the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) where she honed her skills in painting and fashion design.
After graduating from RISD in 2009, Katie established her own fashion line, Katie Gallagher, in New York City’s Chinatown – her home for more than a decade. Described by Vogue as “fiercely independent and sure of her vision,” Katie utilized her deep understanding of textiles and construction to create original garments that were both long-lasting and form-fitting, following a body’s natural curves and outlines. Throughout her career, she never wavered from her vision.
Between 2009 and 2021, despite her modest means, Katie completed 26 collections that premiered during New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week. Her work has been celebrated by Vogue, The Cut, Elle, Glamour, Refinery 29, W, Interview and Nylon, among many others.
Through her self-made success, she has been described as a great influencer in the fashion industry and an inspiration for fellow designers and labels, widely regarded for her original aesthetic, tenacity and innovative pattern making.
Katie’s creativity extended beyond fashion design. She was also a skilled illustrator, painter and florist, spending recent years perfecting her crafts in both New York and Los Angeles. She was preparing her 27th collection in Summer 2022 when she died.
Katie was murdered on July 23, 2022, by being drugged during an attempted robbery in Manhattan. Her death is part of a series of drug facilitated thefts involving fentanyl that occurred throughout New York City in 2022. The criminal investigation into her death is ongoing with a trial forthcoming.
Contributions to the Katie Gallagher Legacy Fund will support the future of the fund as a resource for art initiatives, artists and other efforts that seek to celebrate Katie’s life, work, values and vision.
To learn more about Katie’s life and work, visit katiegallagher.com.