From drawing board to shop floor – the inspiration and design process behind our new collection
The design process may have begun many months ago but we’ve now completed our range for Autumn / Winter 2016. At Patra our products are unique to us – all developed by our team of in-house designers. With over 50 years of experience, we’ve learnt a lot about what makes the prefect piece of clothing – and we are always looking for new inspiration, to make our next collection even better than the last.
Here we give you an insight into the process behind the collection and what we’ve used as inspiration for our latest range.
Catwalk trends
Although being dedicated followers of fashion isn’t our primary goal, we like to stay contemporary. By looking at the Autumn / Winter shows from the global fashion houses we can get a good feel of what the biggest trends for next season will be. We don’t necessarily adopt all of the runway styles but we like to use them in a way that will work best for you in your everyday life.
The runway shows had a few themes that we felt would translate well into the new Patra collection. Layering and wrap-up details are something we’ve included in our new range and it was also a favoured look on the catwalks. Wrapped styles were showcased on many runways, with designers including Vera Wang and Burberry adding wrap detailing to outfits. Fendi and Phillip Lang featured higher necklines and this is something that Patra and our customers can relate to.
Knitwear
It was great to see knitwear on the runways as it always has been both an integral part of our Autumn / Winter ranges and also a practical way to stay warm come the colder months.
(from left to right) Patra striped tunic, Trussardi at Milan Fashion week, Patra’s long line cardigan
Longer length cardigans and capes were firm favourites with designers and this is a look we too have been developing. Flowing knee-length cardigans and oversized sweaters are set to be popular choices for next season. On the runways, Gucci showcased outfits with knitted capes and Balenciaga models wore woolen sweaters. Our range will include contemporary new styles in soft cotton knits and longer line cardigans in a mixture of colours. This longer alternative to traditional knitwear makes it an even more versatile look than ever – adding the option to wear pieces as a tunic style dress over tights or as a long sweater with jeans or trousers.
Patterns
(From left to right) New York Fashion Week, Patra’s new patterns for Autumn / Winter 2016
Many major designers featured bold vibrant patterns on their runways, and we’ve taken a similar tack here at Patra. We’ll be using fresh, new geometric and nature-inspired prints to brighten up your wardrobe on cold winter days.
For the coming season designers, including Victoria Beckham and Stella McCartney, used tartan, gingham and houndstooth, whilst Gucci produced bold florals and abstract patterns. Our prints are exclusive – developed in-house by a talented team, these patterns take months to create. For Autumn / Winter 2016 we’ve put together a collection that reflect some of the catwalk themes ,as well as prints that combine abstract checks and patterns with the natural flow and colour of flora and fauna.
Colour palettes
The runways were awash with colour. Deep vibrant tones such as crimson, mulberry and peacock blue stood alongside more muted tones. Big trends were purples, including violet and lavender. And there were also a lot of calmer tones, such as ivory and beige on the runways.
(From left to right) Patra roll-neck knit dress, Elena Shiplova, Patra sweater, Moscow fashion week
Reflecting these colour trends, our next collection will feature colours that complement our prints in a range of beautiful deep winter tones. We’ve focused on three main palettes; warm shades, cool colours and pastel tones. The first brings together those woody hues such as chestnut and nutmeg, the second adds depth with such tones as olive, peacock and navy. The final palette gives our looks a certain softness – sand, stone, creams and heather. Together they can be used to create clothing that can easily be mixed and matched.
Design process
By designing everything ourselves we can keep a close eye on quality, incorporate your valuable feedback, to make clothes that reflect our ethos and that you’ll want to wear time and time again.
We’re passionate about fabrics. It is something we believe makes us stand out from the crowd – high quality, natural fabrics make for long-lasting, comfortable clothes that flatter and hang beautifully. This coming season will see the softest cashmere mixes, comfortable cottons and our trademark fabric – smooth pure silk.
Once fabrics, colours and exclusive prints have been finalized, our team starts creating the garments. When we’re designing each piece, we strive to deliver clothing that have the perfect balance of comfort and style, clothing that is effortless yet chic. Each item should be wearable and accessible to real women, and also be able to withstand the demands of British weather – so you always feel great, whether you are sitting by a fire or out for a bracing walk.
The finished collection
(left to right) Patra Hazel Leaf Skirt, Patra Cotton Polo Neck Top, Patra Silk Gillet
Our Autumn/ Winter range is full of everything you love about Patra clothing – comfort, style and all-natural fabrics. As well as rejuvenating some ever-popular Patra classics, we’ve also brought styles up-to-date by using more modern palettes and cuts. We are very proud of what our hard-working design team has produced for next season and we’re certain you’ll love it as much as we do.
Watch this space for more news and the launch of our exciting new Autumn / Winter Collection.
Images: Feature image -Draping and wraps – Loewe – FashionStock.com / Shutterstock.com MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK RUSSIA – Dmitry Abaza / Shutterstock.com
Colour palettes – Elena Shipilova – Dmitry Abaza / Shutterstock.com, MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK RUSSIA – Dmitry Abaza / Shutterstock.com
Knitwear – Trussardi, FashionStock.com / Shutterstock.com
Patterns – New York Fashion Week- Sam Aronov / Shutterstock.com
