Men Like Daniel Patrick: On Design, Work Ethic & Simple Pleasures
Born and raised in Sydney, he runs his eponymous streetwear empire from the famed Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. Shorts for Justine Bieber, shoes worn by Steve Aoki, a track suit in a Bad Bunny editorial. It’s just another day at the Daniel Patrick office. Celebrities are lining up for his athleisure looks which he champions himself on the brand’s very personable Instagram account. It looks as if your favorite pro athlete became an in-demand DJ with a flawless sense of color. It sounds almost too much, but it works; in the way most improbable success stories do.
The journey from the proverbial zero to full-on American Dream took nine years of the daily grind. Now that the (West) coast is clear, the brand is aiming higher, farther, bigger. From Down Under to the Top of the World, I caught up with the designer for a quick round of questions to better understand the man behind the emerging phenomenon.
Who is a Daniel Patrick guy?
Individual and aware. I think everyone is different and has their own take on things.
What influences you as an influencer, in a broad sense?
I'd like to think there is a delicate balance between influencing your environment and being influenced by it. Creatively, the brand has a lot to do with what I'm about and what I'm into. I was brought up in Australia with a heavy sporting background. So, it’s basketball, rugby, architecture.
How does sportswear impact men’s fashion?
It must be simple, comfortable and functional. Athletic uniforms make your actions effortless. It's that go-anywhere and be-anything type of style. I like it to be worn in everyday life. Sport yet street. It’s somehow very American, too: wearable and laid back. I look up to those that came before me in menswear like the Ralph Laurens and Tommy Hilfigers of the industry.
How do you start a collection? What element is key?
Honestly, I never sit down and go, I'm gonna design a collection. I'll get an idea while I'm driving or even going for a run. It usually comes on the move and snowballs from there. It might be one piece or a concept and one design begets another and before you know it you have a collection. It’s a very organic process.
Who would you want to collaborate with?
I like to partner with brands that I have a genuine interest in. I really enjoyed working with Adidas and James Harden, Starter, Coffee Manufactory. The drive and the product are authentic. I would love a Land Rover Defender or Range Rover collaboration. Rolex would be great as well.
How do you spend your limited free time?
I keep it pretty simple and just hang out with my wife and kids. Whether that be at home or picking up groceries at Whole Foods or going out to our favorite Japanese restaurant Shin Sen Gumi or grabbing a coffee at the nearest Blue Bottle. I actually enjoy all that simple stuff together.
How do you cope with fear?
For me the best way to handle fear is to face those fears. I usually find that what I was afraid of was just all in my head and afterwards I'd be like, That wasn't so bad. That said, I am not a big fan of talking in front of people.
Favorite bad habit?
Being a perfectionist. Not necessarily a bad habit but it can get in the way at times and annoy those around me. Especially my wife. It's a gift and a curse.
What is the ratio of business savvy and alchemy in success?
It definitely takes some business savvy to succeed. The creative side may come quite easily. However, if you can't nail the business side, it doesn't matter how creative you are. It's also good to know when to pivot and when not to pivot. There will always be plenty of you're never gonna make it and other negative stuff. Good advice is to stay true to yourself and your own goals.
What is the most important question on your mind at this stage of your career and life?
What's next? Always looking for the next thing.
About the author: Stephan Rabimov, Editor-at-Large.
Stephan Rabimov is an award-winning American journalist and fashion critic.
Picture by Sarah Jane Barnes
