Podcast Summary: "Inside the Brand Making Magic from Designer Leftovers"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Let's Get Dressed
- Host: Liv Perez
- Episode: Inside the Brand Making Magic from Designer Leftovers
- Release Date: July 21, 2025
1. Introduction
In this episode of Let's Get Dressed, host Liv Perez delves into the innovative world of sustainable fashion by interviewing Patricia Voto, the visionary founder of a unique fashion studio based in a townhouse atelier on the Upper East Side. Patricia is renowned for her commitment to sustainability, utilizing dead stock fabrics from iconic brands to create bespoke, made-to-order pieces. This conversation explores the intricacies of running a sustainable fashion brand in 2025, emphasizing the rejection of traditional fashion norms.
2. Origin Story and Brand Philosophy
Patricia Voto shares the inception of her brand, which officially launched in 2021 after 15 years in the fashion industry. Her motivation stemmed from observing the industry's rampant wastefulness and the declining emphasis on quality and craftsmanship. She observed that major luxury houses were contributing to overconsumption and sameness in fashion, leading her to dream of a brand that prioritizes individuality and sustainability.
"We make things that just fit people, no matter what their measurements are," Patricia explains at [06:07], highlighting her brand's dedication to personalized fashion over standardized sizes.
3. Sustainable Practices and Use of Dead Stock
A central theme of Patricia's brand is the utilization of dead stock fabrics—materials that are leftover from other brands' production runs and would otherwise be discarded. She meticulously sources these fabrics from reputable mills worldwide, ensuring that each piece is both unique and environmentally responsible.
"Dead stock often means the end of a roll or finished fabric that won't be produced anymore," Patricia elucidates at [08:41], shedding light on the origins of these materials.
Patricia prefers working with known mills to maintain the integrity and provenance of her fabrics, distinguishing her approach from third-party brokers who often aggregate assorted dead stock without regard for brand lineage.
4. Challenging Traditional Fashion Systems
Patricia's business model starkly contrasts with conventional fashion practices. She operates without holding inventory, sample sizing, or an e-commerce platform. Instead, her approach revolves around intimate, in-person connections with clients, fostering a collaborative environment where each garment is thoughtfully created to suit individual needs.
"We do not have inventory. We make samples that people can try on and call them suggestions," Patricia states at [25:10], emphasizing her brand's commitment to intentional creation over mass production.
5. Customer Experience and Customization
The personalized experience at Patricia's atelier is a cornerstone of her brand. Clients engage in one-on-one consultations where they can customize their pieces, ensuring that each garment not only fits perfectly but also resonates with their personal stories and preferences.
"Our clients become addicted to the experience. This is where I only want to shop," Patricia notes at [33:04], underscoring the deep connection her clients feel with the brand.
6. Understanding and Utilizing Dead Stock Fabrics
Patricia provides an in-depth explanation of dead stock, detailing how these fabrics originate from various sources, including leftover materials from VIP projects or discontinued textile lines. She navigates the challenges of sourcing high-quality fabrics, often using tools like reverse image search to trace the origins of specific materials.
"With reverse image search, everything's much easier to find out now," she mentions at [11:04], illustrating how technology aids her in maintaining the quality and uniqueness of her offerings.
7. The Importance of Proper Fit and Underpinnings
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the critical role of proper fit and underpinnings in achieving sustainable fashion. Patricia advocates for investing in well-fitted undergarments, such as bras, as they transform how clothing fits and feels, ultimately enhancing confidence and comfort.
"Good underpinnings, people often undervalue. Go for a good bra. Fitting like that can change the way all of your clothes fit and feel," she advises at [35:22].
8. Perspectives on Sustainability in Fashion
Patricia offers a nuanced view of sustainability, critiquing the prevalent issue of greenwashing in the industry. She believes in practicing sustainability with honesty and integrity, focusing on responsible sourcing, fair wages, and building a local economy. Her approach encompasses environmental, social, and economic sustainability, striving to create heirloom-quality pieces that last a lifetime.
"Heirloom products just couldn't be more of a sustainable thing. If it's going to be with you forever, that's great and it's well made so it will be with you forever," Patricia emphasizes at [18:47].
9. The Future of Patricia Voto's Brand and Sustainability
Looking ahead, Patricia is excited about expanding her bespoke services, allowing for greater creative freedom and deeper client relationships. She envisions scaling her business through satellite ateliers, maintaining her core values while reaching a broader audience.
"We've grown 200% year over year. We've got our own atelier in our building. We're bursting at the seams," Patricia shares at [31:20], indicating organic growth without compromising her sustainable ethos.
Additionally, she expresses optimism about wider industry shifts towards sustainability, citing initiatives like Chanel's recycled materials business and the importance of sharing resources among brands to foster a more sustainable fashion landscape.
"I think it's incredibly smart to really use what's already there, as we said, but also to share that with other brands. I hope it goes a far way," Patricia remarks at [41:56].
10. Practical Advice for Customizing Wardrobes
To listeners interested in sustainable fashion but unable to afford bespoke services, Patricia offers practical advice on customizing existing wardrobes. She recommends simple alterations like tailoring garments for a better fit and investing in quality undergarments to enhance overall appearance and comfort.
"Simple tailoring, it's like the reproportioning of something. You'll stand a little bit taller, you'll look a little bit better," she advises at [35:40].
Conclusion
Patricia Voto's approach to fashion embodies a harmonious blend of sustainability, craftsmanship, and personal connection. By utilizing dead stock fabrics and fostering intimate client relationships, her brand not only reduces waste but also champions individuality in a saturated market. This episode of Let's Get Dressed offers invaluable insights into building a sustainable fashion brand that prioritizes quality, fit, and meaningful storytelling over conventional industry practices.
Notable Quotes:
- Patricia Voto [06:07]: "We make things that just fit people, no matter what their measurements are."
- Patricia Voto [08:41]: "Dead stock often means the end of a roll or finished fabric that won't be produced anymore."
- Patricia Voto [25:10]: "We do not have inventory. We make samples that people can try on and call them suggestions."
- Patricia Voto [35:22]: "Good underpinnings, people often undervalue. Go for a good bra. Fitting like that can change the way all of your clothes fit and feel."
- Patricia Voto [18:47]: "Heirloom products just couldn't be more of a sustainable thing. If it's going to be with you forever, that's great and it's well made so it will be with you forever."
- Patricia Voto [31:20]: "We've grown 200% year over year. We've got our own atelier in our building. We're bursting at the seams."
- Patricia Voto [41:56]: "I think it's incredibly smart to really use what's already there, as we said, but also to share that with other brands. I hope it goes a far way."