The former Central Saint Martins student talks to Mission about his extravagant designs and work.
Color, distinct silhouettes and varied materials form extravagant designs at the hands of Patrick Garvey. The fashion designer and Central Saint Martins graduate does not shy away from taking risks and embracing maximalism throughout his work. Most recently, Garvey was awarded the L’Oréal Professionnel Young Talent Award for his final BA collection titled Crystalline at Central Saint Martins. Crystalline explores themes of religion and spirituality using knitwear and crystals, a process that entailed dipping his knitwear in a liquid solution to initiate a process of crystallization. He is now living in Paris and continuing his studies at the esteemed Institut Francais de la Mode.
Garvey was born in Liverpool and moved to different countries throughout his childhood, living in both Germany and Portugal. He grew up in an Irish Catholic family and attended an all-boys Catholic school for part of his childhood. Interested in fashion, he decided to enroll in the prestigious Central Saint Martins in London. Despite having no prior experience in knitwear, he chose to focus on the material in his studies. Now, knitwear is found throughout his intricate designs, speaking to his natural talent and abilities. Garvey discusses his background, work and future career aspirations with Mission.
Mission: You were born in Liverpool but moved around growing up, living in both Germany and Portugal. How has your childhood and all of the diverse places you have lived inspired your work?
Patrick Garvey: I believe this really has altered the way I approach design and creativity. I think when I start designing it’s all about world making. When I start projects I am constantly thinking about how I can evoke a sense of place or atmosphere.
Mission: What made you want to study fashion at Central Saint Martins?
Patrick Garvey: I have always been interested in creativity. From an early age I began drawing people, and my drawings gradually evolved into clothing. I remember researching fashion and the possibilities of studying it. Central Saint Martins always came up and so I decided from an early age that I was going there. It was the same when I realised my passion for textiles, I understood how the Institut Francais de la Mode and the merging of textiles and fashion was the place for me to develop as a designer.
Mission: I read that you came to Central Saint Martins with no knitting experience, but at CSM you decided to focus on knitwear which is found heavily throughout your work. What originally made you want to study knitwear?
PG: I always approach designing textiles first. Therefore, I decided to do knitwear as it places a great importance in tactility and texture which I have always loved. Although I had never knitted, I knew that this was the pathway where I could focus on these aspects of a garment equally.
“Although I had never knitted, I knew that this was the pathway where I could focus on these aspects of a garment equally.“
Mission: Your designs feature bold shapes and vibrant colors. What draws you to taking risks in your designs and not shying away from strong and bright designs?
PG: This is something I can’t say why exactly, I just think that I have always loved colors but also how important it is to match colors to enhance a design.
Mission: What are some of your biggest inspirations for your work? Do you have any artists that you take inspiration from?
PG: I would say Dries Van Noten and how he has the capability of using many different prints and textiles in the same look whilst also creating a clear sense of continuity.
Mission: You spent a placement year in New York City where you interned with the likes of Oscar de la Renta, Thom Browne, and Tom Ford. What did you learn from this experience?
PG: I learned a lot living in New York, especially about pattern cutting and textiles. Now I have a clear sense of how to create a garment and how to sew it together. I also learned how important it is to always remain yourself and to be kind as it is very easy to get lost in the world of fashion.
“At Central Saint Martins you have an opportunity to be bold and experiment, and I knew that I wanted to take this risk.”
Mission: Recently you won the L’Oréal Professionel young talent award for your final BA collection at CSM titled Crystalline. In the collection you explore themes of spirituality and use materials such as crystals. What inspired you to make this collection and what was the most rewarding aspect of it?
PG: I would say the most rewarding aspect was developing a technique that I didn’t originally know would work. Throughout the design process, however, I continued to push my technique to ensure that it would work. At Central Saint Martins you have an opportunity to be bold and experiment, and I knew that I wanted to take this risk.
Mission: What do you hope for the future of your designs and work?
PG: As I enter my time now in Paris and at Institut Francais de la Mode, I hope to keep a clear aesthetic and a focus on texture and technique. However, I now want to create garments that people have a desire to own. I hope that my BA collection is only the beginning of my successful journey as a clothing designer.
All images courtesy of Patrick Garvey.
