Blake Patterson Gains Fashion Inspiration From the Ocean

Rancho Mirage couple's scholarship allows FIDM student to pursue fashion dreams

JIM POWERS Fashion Week El Paseo, Watch & Listen - Attractions

 

The expanse of Blake Patterson's vision is not bordered by land.

An advanced program student at the FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles, Patterson found inspiration for his forthcoming graduation couture collection from the ocean.

"I got inspired by the graceful movement of jellyfish," Patterson says. "I wanted to incorporate it into the fabrics and colors, and have it all relate to the jellyfish. So there is a lot of movement, lot of lightness and flowing."

Patterson previewed three designs Feb. 25 to a gathering at the Rancho Mirage home of Victoria and John Hill, whose scholarship donation has allowed Patterson to pursue his dreams of becoming another of the school's notable fashionistas.

FIDM has been an integral part of Fashion Week El Paseo for the past few years. This year their graduating class from 2013 featuring nine designers including Project Runway Season 12's Bradon McDonald will present their first couture collections March 17. Fashion Week El Paseo begins March 16 with a Style & Beauty Bash plus Fashion Frenzy and runs through March 22 in Palm Desert.

Patterson was introduced by Mary Stephens, FIDM's director of fashion design, and Barbara Bundy, vice president of Education.

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VIDEO: View Blake Patterson's designs and hear his inspirations.