Simple But Effective with Jack Patton

Interview with Jack Patton, Words by Niamh McDevitt

I interviewed Jack Patton, a young student designer. Jack attends Glasgow Clyde College doing fashion design and they accepted to do an interview with me and gave some interesting knowledge about themselves!

We began the interview by asking what sparked their interest in fashion. They explained that they have always been interested in fashion from a very young age, Jack sees it as a way to express yourself by using clothing and accessories but they havent always been interested in pursuing fashion. When I asked him if he had considered any other job paths he mentioned wanting to study politics when he was younger.

How would you describe your personal style?

I like simple shapes and line work and also the colour black, i loves muted tones and colours, I wouldn’t consider myself to have a certain “aesthetic” but I really do like layering and draping clothing and keeping the minimalistic look. Simple but effective.

What do you like best about being a designer?

I like the creativity it is completely different from politics, wich I had previously studied. Designing is more contemporary and expressive which can be a bit of a challenge as this is all new to me, but I really do enjoy being a student designer as it is easier to express yourself more freely rather than working in politics. 

How would you describe your designs aesthetics?

Similar to my personal style, It is very dark with layering and draping. I’m also into tailoring pieces specifically androgynous womenswear.

Tell me a dream you hope to achieve?

My dream would be to have my own brand. I would also like to work with other people doing internships, with people such as  – Hayley McSporran, I love her designs and her ethos. I also like the Row, I’m really into their pieces along with – Yohji Yamamoto and like their personal style.

Favourite part about studying fashion?

I like to work in class with other people and share their ideas, you get help and opinions from friends which helps you to progress and work on feedback. Fashions very subjective – everything you make comes from your own opinions and outcomes, you can find creative solutions to problems compared to politics, it’s most likely one solution to a problem.

What do you want your designs to represent?

A modular wardrobe, pieces that are meant to last a long time and you can wear interchangeably, completely avoid excessive consumption and make sure all my products are made to last, creating a more sustainable wardrobe for people, and in the long run could inspire others to do the same to benefit our environment.

Are you inspired by anything or anyone? – if so does this show in your designs?

I have friends who are artists and love their creative processes. I like the making of garments being a process that is nice to watch as you see it all coming together, rather than the end product. Remode in Paisley is a second-hand clothes shop which I volunteers and do workshops with younger people and gets inspiration from the way they learn and the ideas they generate. The aesthetic shows in my designs from the dark minimalistic vibe and the ethos behind it all.

Do you wish to have your own brand or work for a company?

I would like to work for a company to gain skills and experience, also to meet people and create relationships with them as it is helpful to have connections in this industry. I would like to then go on and be an independent designer once I have gained enough skills and knowledge and produce my own designs for maybe one day my own company.

What is a normal day like for you as a student designer?

Lots of drawing and research, I like the process of research more as its really creative for example, looking at shows and volunteering rather than getting all your information from a book, every day is different because there’s always different inspiration around me.

Do you believe college lets you design to your full potential?

In short yes, some modules are better than others in terms of realising your own designs and being creative in your own way and some are more commercial which is good because it challenges you to design for other people and to their taste which is a different skill set. So overall it is giving us different potential to reach as we are going out our comfort zones.

What advice would you give to people who are wanting to become a student designer?

Make it part of your everyday life, follow fashion Instagram accounts and fashion journalists, buy fashion magazines – get the Vogue app. Having things on your phone is an easy way to study as you can find everything online so its good way to take in everything and get inspiration all the time. There is inspiration everywhere you just need to embrace it.