Flint fashion designer Tyrone Kirkland has died at the age of 56

FLINT, MI — A Flint man well known to the fashion industry, receiving widespread attention, has died aged 56.

Tyrone Kirkland died December 31 according to his obituary.

Kirkland was only 21 years old in 1988 when he was hired to produce dresses for the Ebony Fashion Fair. His design appeared on the runway alongside creations by Bill Blass, Christian Dior and Gianni Versace, according to a 2004 MLive article.

Later, he became known for the Flint clothing store, TKO Designs.

Related: Designer Flint returns to cyberspace after an absence of 8 years

She is best known for designing outfits — and making dresses — for high school proms and brides.

His flagship business, TKO Designs, made local, national, and international waves to the fashion industry due to his quirky and one-of-a-kind designs seen on supermodels, celebrities, in television commercials, runways, magazines, and newspapers across the state, according to his obituary. If you have a TKO design, you are a stopper for whatever room you enter. The slogan is this, For the best in unique and custom designs, just contact Tyrone!

A funeral service is planned for 11 a.m. January 7 at Hand of God Ministries, 3408 Miller Road, Flint.

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