Kathleen Kirkwood, a fashion entrepreneur and QVC star who was known as “the diva of shoulder pads”, passed away on November 5, 2021 at the age of 62 in New York, according to Heavy.com. The exact cause of death has not been determined yet, but her sister Joann Kirkwood said that she became sick suddenly in September and needed prayers, according to her Instagram post.
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A Passionate and Innovative Fashion Designer
Kathleen Kirkwood was born in Laurelton, New York, and moved to Manhattan as a teenager. She started her career as a showroom salesperson for Gil Aimbez Static, an acid jeans manufacturer, and later for Philippe Adec. She attended night school to learn how to speak French fluently, according to Yahoo News.
In 1983, she created her own company, Kirkwood International, and launched one of her signature products, “Pints of Pads”, clip-on shoulder pads that were popular among working women in the 1980s. She also developed other items such as the Socksystem, a single style of socks in 14 colors, and Soles to Go slippers, a single style of slippers in 11 colors. She told WWD in 1988 that she was an item designer who focused on one design and updated it with new colors.
She made her debut on QVC in 1992 and became a regular guest on the shopping channel, selling her collection of camisoles and intimate apparel solutions. She also appeared on Oprah Winfrey’s talk show in 1989 for a segment on women in business. She was visited by Steve Jobs from Apple in 1992, who shared some tips and resources with her that influenced her product and packaging marketing ever since, according to her LinkedIn profile.
A Dedicated Environmentalist and Community Member
Kathleen Kirkwood was not only a successful businesswoman, but also a committed environmentalist and community member. In 2010, she founded the B.R.A. Recycling Agency, a company that created a process to recycle bras, especially polyurethane foam bras and pads, which were turned into carpet cushion. She also donated a portion of her profits to breast cancer research and worked with the Girl Scouts and the New York City Department of Sanitation to promote recycling.
She was also a past chairwoman of East Hampton Town’s litter and recycling advisory committee and a member of the Montauk Historical Society, according to The East Hampton Star. She loved her dogs and enjoyed spending time at her Montauk home.
A Beautiful Friend and Sister
Kathleen Kirkwood was mourned by her friends and family, who remembered her as a tireless worker, a wonderful sister and daughter, a passionate dog mom, and a most beautiful friend. Kathy Levine, a former QVC host, wrote on Facebook that Kathleen loved her Starbucks cappuccino and brainstorming different business ideas. Her mind never stopped noodling how to create clever new items and how to make a difference in the world.
Her sister Joann Kirkwood said that Kathleen was amazing at sales and a go-getter who lived and breathed fashion. She said that Kathleen had a fighting spirit since she was young and always wanted more from life. She also said that Kathleen was very generous and helped many people along the way.
Kathleen Kirkwood’s legacy will live on through her innovative products, her environmental efforts, and her inspiring story. She will be missed by many who admired her talent, passion, and kindness.
