Originally from Liechtenstein, Patrick de Pádua is a designer living in Portugal. He focuses on sporty menswear, which can be easily worn by women too and has just released his latest collection.
In this exclusive InCompany by Attire Club interview, Patrick shares insight into the way he sees clothes, his customers and more!
What can you tell us about your background? How did you grow up and how did you interest in fashion develop? Did you find fashion or did it find you?
Patrick de Pádua: I was born in Vaduz, Liechtensten. In 2000, I moved to Portugal, which turned out to be a little complicated afterwards. In the first year of high school, in Portugal that I had to choose between science and mathematics, languages and communication, business and sociology or art. I chose art.
I was focused on what was being taught, but I soon noticed that fashion was what really interested me. I moved to Lisbon and applied to the Modatex School to study fashion design. I graduated from there in 2014.
In March 2014, I was chosen by ModaLisboa to present my creations on the New Blood platform. As part of ModaLisboa’s partnership with FashionClash, I was chosen to present my collection to represent Portugal in the famous Modefestival in Maastricht in June 2015 and I even received an award from FashionClash.
In March 2016, I was chosen by the New Blood jury to showcase my collections each season. In January 2017 I was named by Time Out Lisbon the Brand of the Year.
I think I have found my way in the fashion world…
What inspires you in your creative process?
PP: Usually day-by-day things. I really love the streetwear concept. For me, it is naturally easy to create in that area. I can use an object as inspiration, or a line or pattern and then create around it: and to translate it into a piece of clothing that is beautiful and easy to wear. In the end, I need to be able to look at the piece and want to wear it, otherwise something is not right!
How would you describe your aesthetic?
PP: I like the streetwear and sportswear aesthetics, which I combine with traditional elements and military details. This is my signature.
Basically, my clothes are fundamentally street and the silhouettes are often oversized.
Who are the men for whom you design?
PP: I usually say that my clothes are rather unisex. My line is mostly masculine, but this does not mean that women can’t wear it too – basically, if you enjoy oversized clothes, you are my customer.
When you think about your clothes, do you think of them more as works of art or functional items?
PP: My designs are ready to wear pieces, it’s all about what works on a day-to-day basis. What I look for with my designs is that people feel comfortable and relaxed when they are wearing them. That is the most important thing for me.
On what are you working at the moment?
PP: Right now I am working at a school, teaching design and also work for a Portuguese label. The little time that I have left is dedicated to putting my collection together and to try to keep my name out there and make it culturally relevant.
It’s not easy to concentrate only on my own label, because this would involve a big financial investment, which is why I can’t dedicate all of my time to my brand and work as much as I can to be able to do it.
Outside of your work, what are your daily interests?
PP: The little time I have outside my work I use to practice sports and to hit the road – I always like to discover new places and to do new things. It’s important to me to always be preoccupied with something.
Thank you!
Fraquoh and Franchomme
P.S. We want to hear from you! What is your opinion on Patrick’s designs? Where would you wear them? How would you accessorize them? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!