Interview With John Patrick, Ethical Designer and Creator of Organic by John Patrick
1. Tell us about Organic by John Patrick.
Organic by John Patrick is an American heritage brand. For two decades, we have been designing and producing organic and sustainable fashion. We have opened many doors for the worldwide conversation about ethics and sustainability since 2002.
2. What was your journey to becoming a designer like?
The journey is still happening! The ride is fantastic if you keep your eyes open and learn new things every day.
3. What was the journey to creating the brand Organic like?
I started in upstate New York and Organic led me to Peru where we produced the initial collections (with love and care). The Peruvian organic cotton taught me so much, the archeologist James Yreeland and the color grown cotton blew my mind, and Ricardo Calmet (whom I wrote about in the fashion white pages) was an incredible inspiration. We were all pushing the boundaries, working in the shantytowns and the jungle at the same time. Convincing the industrialists that they needed to make organic textiles was also a challenge, but we did it. I made the world’s first organic oxford cloth with Creditex in Peru.
4. How did you decide you wanted to create a sustainable clothing brand?
My quasi hippie roots reappeared in 2001-2002 after the 9/11 disaster. I felt I had to say something, and it slowly grew. Then, I showed in Paris and it just grew more and more, but I had to explain things to people and push their minds. Even people who later adapted were initially skeptical.
5. How do you ensure your clothes are being made sustainably?
My production is small and done with trusted partners in Peru, New York, Scotland, Japan, and Nepal. I travel to each facility and trust and develop rigid standards, so I feel comfortable. Corporate greenwashing has destroyed the concept in many ways. They just robbed the "ideas" and marketed them, but still make and push trash, so the true beauty is even rarer now.
6. Where do you hope to take the brand from here?
We are here, we are happy, we do as we believe, and we have a backbone. Watch our web digital space and it’s just enough to learn and see.
7. Do you think fashion will ever switch to complete sustainability?
Sustainability and fashion are not compatible. Craft and art are compatible. Fashion has many merits but is often misunderstood. It has the attention of people’s minds but not their hearts.
8. Describe the style of Organic by John Patrick.
The JP Organic is very happy and fresh; made of easy simple utilitarian shapes with honest fabrics. I design useful garments that are beautiful and make people happy.
9. What kind of person are your clothes intended for?
The followers of my brand are loyal and actually drive the design. They are active, interested, engaged, and intelligent people who favor integrity and honesty in design. Organic is a modern classic heritage brand
10. How do you hope your brand influences the fashion industry?
Since 2002, I have personally influenced many educators, designers, and brands to go higher and reach deeper. Having set a new and honest standard, it is my wish that people truly make better and more truthful designs, not just copy and regurgitate old ideas. When I started, I felt as if I was Johnny Appleseed starting it all. Let’s see what grows!
11. Website and Social Media?
www.organicbyjohnpatrick.com
Instagram: @jporganic
12. Current Book?
FutureFashion White Pages
FutureFashion White Papers, is a collection of essays by a diverse and international group of contributors. Designers, manufacturers, farmers, professors, models, business owners, and creative directors add their experiences and wisdom, producing a unique and multifaceted view of the apparel and textile industries.
Edited by Diane Von Furstenberg.
John Patrick
Article by Alison Hernon, Editor-In-Chief, PhotoBook Magazine
Style With A Cause highlights designers who support a cause such as sustainability, charities, and fair trade.
