John Patrick of Organic on Sustainable Design and Shopping eBay for Antique Clothespins

By Sara James Mnookin
September 23, 2010

John Patrick Organic clothes are so pretty, the fact that they're made using wholly organic fabrics and sustainable practices developed on farm collectives from Japan to Peru is just another reason to scoop them up. Since its launch in 2003, the line's long parade of tailored, wearable separates and well-crafted knits—with lovely touches like a hint of grosgrain or lace—has earned designer John Patrick devoted (and ethically-minded) fans like model/actress Shalom Harlow and accolades ranging from the 2010 Ecco Domani Sustainable Design award to a finalist slot in the 2008 Vogue Fashion Fund Award.

Patrick, who recently unveiled his Spring 2011 collection, spoke with The Inside Source about changes in sustainable production over the last few years and his personal collection of works by female photographers, sourced in part on eBay.

The Inside Source: You were one of the first high fashion organic lines with real credibility. How has the process of making sustainable clothing changed since you launched the brand?

John Patrick: Sourcing has become more diverse, and I have more options with recycled and up-cycled fabrics. Fashion is actually a very slow process if you look at it carefully. We are in the infancy of the sustainable dialogue.

TIS: You always have very specific reference points for your collections, from Tony Duquette to American-Gothic. What inspired you for the Spring 2011 season?

JP: The environment has inspired the Spring 2011 collection. I worked with a photographer at an iconic American landmark creating imagery.

Organic Fashion

TIS: What pieces are you most proud in this collection?

JP: I did a zero waste skirt and scarf using up-cycled and recycled polyester, which is pretty amazing and fun and modern.

TIS: Is there a piece you've always wanted to make but haven't yet been able to green the process enough to produce it?

JP: Organic is in the process of introducing something that speaks to this question.

TIS: You are known for doing whatever it takes to help a mill or factory go green, be it here or abroad. Why do you think more manufacturing hasn't already converted to green?

JP: Lack of assistance and not a thorough understanding of what ethics and sustainability can achieve in the total supply chain. By making small changes, we are able accomplish big things. A great example of a truly ethical choice is shown here [an article on Knights Apparel, a pioneering garment factory]. I am so thrilled to be able to watch this progress happen.

TIS: Where is the brand headed next?

JP: Announcements for collaborations and projects will be done at the end of the year. There are several things in the works as far as product. We will go live with our own shopping site in early 2011. It will be all exclusive product for our own site.

Organic Fashion

TIS: You live upstate. How did you decorate your country home?

JP: I wanted to create a complete feeling both inside and out. Andrew Wyeths painting "Christina" is basically my idea of perfection, visually. So I look for furnishings and utilitarian things that are invisible. The only thing in the last year to enter the domicile is a "stair basket" that was made in England and purchased in London. A friend’s house in London had one on the staircase and I was obsessed. I tend to get rid of more things in the house than acquire. I also do love kitchen things, in sets of 12, glasses and any handmade pottery; including Astier de Villate. I’m also passionate about a good spoon.

TIS: Are you a collector of anything? If so, what?

JP: I collect very little at this stage in my life. I have a small collection of photographs by women: Germane Krull, Debbie Fleming Caffery, Andrea Modica, Margo Dooney. In the past, I have been a voracious collector of 18th century American antiques and vintage clothing.

TIS: Do you use eBay at all? If so, what do you buy?

JP: Recently, I bought about 500 vintage wooden clothespins.

**Photo Credits: Adrian Nina**

Shop eBay like Jon Patrick

Roll over items for details

Primitive Vintage Wooden Clothespins

(buy it now price, $1.49)

Germain Krull: Photographer of Modernity

(buy it now price, $21.31)

Debbie Fleming Caffery: The Shadows, signed

(buy it now price, $315)

Andrea Modica Autographed Photo

(buy it now price, $1,950)

Vintage Copper Washtub

(buy it now price, $82.99)

Antique Drying Rack

(buy it now price, $34.99)

John Patrick of Organic on Sustainable Design and Shopping eBay for Antique Clothespins

1. Vintage wooden clothespins were John Patrick’s most recent eBay purchase. His favorite eBay purchases include: 2. a Book by Germaine Krull 3. a Book by Debbie Fleming Caffery and 4. an Andrea Modica Autographed photo. He is currently shopping eBay for 5. a copper washtub and 6. an antique drying rack.

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