Despite the influx of foreign high-street labels and imports from neighboring countries that are nearly killing the local fashion world, designer Patrick “Pat” Santos bravely launches his own label. To be launched at selected SM stores in August, Black Velvet is a sporty, alluring yet comfortable collection that caters to the modern woman.
“It’s got a lot of mesh, which is very Pat Santos,” he says. Aside from mesh, the designer’s signature style has been influenced by British designer Stella McCartney, the Italian team Dolce & Gabbana and Asian-American designer Alexander Wang.
The dominant black-and-white color palette, references to the Italian cinema in the ’40s and marsala, a deep burgundy suggestive of red wine, are influences of Dolce & Gabbana. Spliced fabrics, contrast color blocking and lines that follow the contour of the body have been inspired by McCartney. The cropped sweatshirts and neoprene, a soft rubber material conventionally used in wet suits, were introduced by Wang.
The influences on his looks include the motorcycle jacket, the tennis outfit and the fencing jumper.
Jumpsuits, a trend that has been ongoing for the past three years, are softened with lace and mesh inserts. In keeping with the current bohemian trend, Santos combines lace with fabric patterns.
Trend meets practicality
Santos has positioned Black Velvet at a profitable niche, where trend meets practicality.
“The clothes are sexy but very wearable. There are no plunging necklines or anything too revealing or vulgar,” says Santos. The debut collection features soft but structured silhouettes that gracefully outline the body instead of clinging to it, giving an instant slimming effect. Linear prints, lace and polka dots add texture and character. Roomy pants and versatile jackets can be worn over dresses to change a look.
“I’m teaching the Filipina how to mix and match, wear prints and combine a plain separate with a color-blocked piece while adopting the global trends,” says Santos.
One can wear a color-blocked top with a printed skirt or wear a plain pair of slacks with a blouse and jacket in different textures such as georgette and jersey. Santos adds that a Black Velvet jacket can transform a look from casual to either businesslike or dressy.
Santos credits his alma mater, the Madonna School of Fashion and Costume Design, for his discipline, where he learned fashion design. He further honed his technical skills at Golden Hands Fashion and Arts Schools. He and his sisters ventured into producing shirts for department stores and corporate uniforms.
In 1996, Santos became a supplier for SM Department Store, offering clothes that were better fitted to the Filipina compared to its cheaper, imported counterparts. The clothes are made in his factory and in other subcontracted factories under strict quality control.
