I have known Patti Flowers my entire life. My grandfather and her father fished together every week and as a little girl I would go to her studio and watch her design beautiful dresses. Years later when I got married she designed my wedding gown. Patti's designs have a timeless and sophisticated air while accentuating the mystery and beauty of the female form. Patti's studio is by appointment only and located at 3617 Fairmount Avenue, Dallas TX 75219, ph. 214.369.7027.
Cannon Lewis: As a clothing designer, how did you decide to move into the more niche market of bridal and evening wear?
Patti Flowers: Evening wear was my first love, with the beautiful fabrics, details and endless design possibilities. Bridal found me when I was asked to design wedding gowns for clients. Not long after, I was invited to be the In- House Designer for the Stanley Korshak Bridal Salon, and a new love began.
CL: Who is your style icon?
PF: There are so many. For designers, Coco Chanel and Edith Head. Chanel's classic yet avant-garde approach to design and Edith Head's feminine and glamorous designs for film. As for individuals (this may sound cliché), but Audrey Hepburn for her classic elegance and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy for her understated modern approach. Also Jan Strimple, with her swan like beauty, who embraces every design she wears.
CL: Name a few of your favorite fabrics to use and why?
PF: Double-Faced Silk Satin and Silk Velvet, for the richness and lush textures. These fabrics are wonderful to create interesting design lines and draping, yet embellish beautifully with beading and embroidery.
CL: If you could go back in time and design for one era or decade, which one would it be and why?
PF: The fifties (not because of Mad Men) because design was so feminine and flattered the female body. During this era, women presented themselves in a graceful, elegant manner. The designs whether day or evening were beautifully tailored. However, while I was born In 1956 I would not like to be a professional woman during that era due to the limitations placed on women by others and themselves.
CL: There are many bridal and evening wear designers, but you are consistently considered one of the best in Texas, and sought out by those who could have their pick of any designer. What is it about your designs that make them distinct and desired?
PF: Thank you for your kinds words. It is such an honor to be part of this special time in a bride and her family's life. Since you were one of my brides, I hope you agree with this, but I believe in designing for the bride, so that the bride is the focus not the design of the gown, I want every one at the wedding to say "what a beautiful bride," not "what a beautiful gown".
CL: Tell us about a business lesson you have learned from owning your own company.
PF: My father was right, I should have listened and taken business courses in college. No matter what line of work you go into or what you study, everyone needs to also study business.
CL:What advice do you have for people looking to have a career in fashion design?
PF: Get an education in design and business. Work in the industry in various capacities not just design so you have a good understanding of all the areas surrounding fashion design.
CL: If you could live anywhere for six months where would you go and what would you do?
PF: An isolated place in the mountains. No computers,television, etc. I would sketch, journal, meditate, connect with nature and be able to turn everything off and re-discover in a quiet and creative place. The only problem - my husband likes the beach.
CL: How would you describe your personal style?
PF: Classic with a current updated edge. I love to add a modern look to dresses, suits, evening gowns that have been in my closet for years with new or vintage accessories.
CL: If you could have one piece of Cannon Lewis jewelry, which one would it be and why?
PF: I am very fortunate to have several "vintage " Cannon Lewis pieces and each time I wear one I always get many compliments. I would like to have at least one piece from each of the Cannon Lewis collections, because each collection has such a different feel and speaks to me in a unique way. I particularly love the strength of the Captivate Collection and a necklace from this collection is definitely on my Christmas wish list.
Yet I also sincerely want a piece from the Life Collection with the quote from the designer's Grandmother about Willows: " Be a Willow, Not an Oak. Willows Bend, Oaks break"
It is definitely best to be a "Willow" in the Fashion Industry.
Pictured is an example of a dress designed by Patti Flowers
