Liverpool-born, East London-based fashion designer Patrick McDowell is redefining luxury fashion through a sustainable lens. Since launching his eponymous label in 2018 at London Fashion Week, the Central Saint Martins graduate has garnered acclaim for innovative use of reclaimed materials and commitment to circular design. His couture creations, worn by Lady Gaga, Keira Knightley and Sarah Jessica Parker, blend responsible fashion with the avant garde.
Just winning the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design (presented by the Duchess of Cambridge) and named Forbes Europe 30 Under 30, McDowell’s influence also grew last year when he spoke at the United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Annual Forum in New York, discussing innovative solutions to advance sustainability and community rights in fashion. His contributions to the industry have been recognised with nominations for the British Fashion Council Change Maker Award and the Stella McCartney Today for Tomorrow Award by none other than Anna Wintour.
Based in Stoke Newington, East London, Patrick draws inspiration from the city’s dynamic energy and diverse culture. Beyond fashion, he finds solace in London’s green spaces, historic landmarks, and fitness scene. He’s also found a second home in Venice, Italy, where he enjoys exploring the city’s rich tapestry of art and architecture.
Favorite local fitness spot?
Blok – it keeps me sane and I love the diversity of options.
Go-to East London neighborhood ritual?
My favourite is to start the day is an early morning at the gym, with maybe a hot and cold sauna session afterwards. I love Esters in Stoke Newington for breakfast — super friendly and delicious food.
Best spot in London for fashion lovers?
I love the V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum), it’s the first place I visited in London as a child and their exhibitions always impress.
Favorite local restaurant?
Dalla in Hackney is an incredible Italian with a wonderful atmosphere, it’s the perfect example of modern Italian with all of the charm.
Where do you go when you need a creative reset?
Venice, Italy. I’m there all the time, and I’m forced to slow down and think differently there. It’s a very mystical place. I think because it’s on water – it feels almost unreal.
How does Venice inspire you creatively?
It’s a magical space, it’s on the water which really allows you to think freely, Venice is also a hub for craftsmanship, artists and free thinkers which I love to explore. Once you get beneath the skin of the city a whole secret world opens up.
Hidden art gems in Venice?
The Victoria Miro outpost there has wonderful and interesting exhibitions and Peggy Guggenheim never disappoints. For me the real gems are hidden inside workshops all over the city where you’ll discover a master tailor, or glass maker. I love the De Santillana Foundation which celebrates the work of Laura de Santillana and Ocean space, celebrating ocean conservation through the arts. Casa Yali is a super cool space showcasing their own collection , that of other artists and a cute cafe and Casa dei Tre Oci from the Berggruen Institute puts on a great selection of programming that really makes you think and question the world around you.
Dream location for a fashion show.
There are so many and they change often, but I’d love to show them at Dumfries House in Scotland, it’s a beautiful stately home managed by the Kings Foundation, which supports scholarship programmes for various crafts.
Most inspiring city you’ve visited recently?
Bangkok, I’m actually writing this from three weeks working there. It’s been such a dream. The pace, people, food and culture are all incredible. The city is so dynamic. I’ve been exploring local crafts and been blown away by Thai silks.
Travel splurge you’ll never regret?
Anything that supports local craftspeople , over the years I’ve collected beautiful things that are special to the region I bought them from. In Bangkok, I bought a wonderful silk shirt created from silk woven in the East of Thailand and a miniature basket woven by the Queen Sirikit Institute – A foundation established by the Queen mother to revive Thai traditional crafts
Where do you go for stimulation and creative energy?
Big cities, I love the pace and energy. New York City, Hong Kong, London, Bangkok all make me feel really alive.
Where do you travel for pure escapism
Anywhere in nature, I feel really grounded and happy around ancient woodland and animals. We recently visited The Newt in Somerset in the UK and the incredible landscape and nature there was truly relaxing.
Favourite hotel in the world?
Hotel Du Couvent in Nice is quite special, we went last year just after it opened and as a former altar boy, the glamorous nunnery chic really spoke to me.
Dream travel destination, not yet fulfilled?
Antarctica! I’ve always wanted to go and explore the serenity of the ice.
