Keith graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Business Management. After his graduation pursuit of his real dream began; Keith moved to Los Angeles to become a fashion designer. While studying at the Los Angeles Trade and Technical College, he met and became an assistant designer to his mentor the late Bill Whitten. With the help and support of Bill Whitten, Stella Ruata, Bessie Nelson, Warren R. Caton- he reached his goal rather quickly. Keith was working with entertainers such as Don Cornelius, Dolly Parton, Jermaine Stewart, Chico Debarge, Blair Underwood, Bobby Brown, Whitney Huston, Michael Jackson, Heavy D, Boyz II Men, GUY, New Edition, Johnny Gill, LSG, Patti Labelle, The Body Sisters, Sam Kinison, Little Richard, The Temptations, Surface, Barry White, Chante Moore and Latin super star Juan Gabriel. Some of his memorable and stylish pieces were displayed for “A Renaissance Gypse Affair” gala at Cielo Celeste Farm hosted by Celeste Huston and attended by Angelica Huston, Bo Derek, Jacqueline Stallone and other celebrities and dignitaries from around the world. Recently at Keith Holman Presents “7 Decades in Hollywood,” costumes and archives were presented from Michael Jackson, Dame Elizabeth Taylor, the 1939 Judy Garland version of “The Wizard of Oz” and other legendary performers. The next natural step for Keith was to branch out and produce a clothing line, Holman Harper Designs, which was picked up by major retailers and specialty boutiques including Macy’s, H. Lorenzo, Exclusive, Fred Siegel and others. Shortly after, Keith took his creativity to music, television and movies. He designed clothing and wardrobe for more than two hundred music videos designed for special episodes of hit TV shows, such as LA Law and Doogie Howser, M.D., for various award shows including the Grammy’s, Soul Train Music Awards, Academy Awards, and American Music Awards. Keith’s designs also were showcased on major artists’ tours including Michael Jackson’s, Victory, Bad, Dangerous and History tours; Dolly Parton’s Treasures tour; New Edition’s Tours; Bobby Brown; Johnny Gill; L.S.G; Heavy D and Boys to Men; Guy; Cassandra Pierson “Elvira Mistress of the Dark;” the late Sam Kinison and others. Wanting to strengthen and expand his talent and creativity into the interior/exterior design industry, Keith studied at Thomas Schoos Designs. His unerring eye moved from the body to the home in the design of custom water features, indoor and outdoor furniture pieces, furniture accessories and landscaping. The list of celebrities that have put their home decorating into Keith’s capable hands includes Bernadette Peters, Eddie and Nicole Murphy, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Jamie and Steven
Tisch, Tracey Bregman-Recht, Kim Novak, Mrs. John Huston, Will and Jada Smith, and Countess Maria Cortez. During this time, he also began facilitating the sale of antiques and designing meditation gardens for his top clients. Effortlessly moving between personal and commercial spaces, Keith’s restaurant
designs include Koi Restaurant in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Working alongside Icrave Design, Keith decorated and designed for casual elegance One Sunset on the Sunset Strip, STK Restaurant in West Hollywood, Coco De Ville in West Hollywood and Boudoir West Hollywood. During this time, Keith
continued to create costume masterpieces for his celebrity clientele for events, premiers and their personal wardrobes.
Keith has been featured in television and radio on shows like Entertainment Tonight, the Arsenio Hall Show and more. He's been written about in articles for Ebony Man, GQ, Boston Globe, LA Times, The London Mail, and more. He has received several awards such as the coveted Gold Thimble Award and the humanitarian NAACP Image Award for Black Designers, Humanitarian Award “Kids Feeding The World,” RSMA Legends Award, and the 30th Anniversary Thriller Award. Keith donates his time and money to various charities and foundations.
