Fashion Crimes Podcast Designer Spotlight: Patrick Michael Accessories | Episode 233
🎙️ Fashion besties, buckle up because we’ve got an incredibly special guest this week! Meet Patrick Carrow, the creative genius behind Patrick Michael Accessories, the one-of-a-kind handbag brand that takes sustainable luxury to a whole new level.
💡 Make sure you tune in and subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch the video and see all of the products described in this episode.**
From his background in fashion design at Drexel University to interning with the legendary Alexander McQueen, Patrick’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.
His handbags—crafted from upcycled, discontinued, deadstock upholstery fabrics — are wearable art pieces that are as eco-conscious as they are stylish.
If you love unique accessories that make a statement and don't exist anywhere else in the world, this episode is for you.
Plus, Patrick’s Philadelphia storefront is a creative haven for local artists, proving that small businesses can thrive through collaboration.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
From Passion to Purpose: Patrick’s Fashion Journey
- Patrick took a non-traditional route into fashion, enrolling at Drexel University later in life, where he discovered his passion for design.
- The career-defining moment? Interning with Alexander McQueen in London, where he experienced a creative awakening that set the tone for his brand.
- His upbringing in a creative household (his mother was a cake decorator and quilter!) played a huge role in his artistic approach to design.
The Art of Sustainable Handbag Design
- His passion for NOT contributing to the global overconsumption fashion crisis led him to source outrageous, discontinued upholstery fabrics, preventing excess high-quality materials from ending up in landfills.
"Every handbag is one of a kind — no two pieces are ever the same..."-Patrick Carrow
- He started with wallets and expanded into clutches and structured bags in various sizes, all with signature cabinet pull closures as bag handles.
- His design process is deeply personal—he lets the fabrics dictate the shape rather than sketching designs first.
The Business of Handmade Fashion
- Patrick’s business started at street festivals before evolving into a brick-and-mortar store where he collaborates with other artists and designers in Phily's "Restaurant Row" neighborhood.
- The 10 local artists that showcase their products foster a true creative community that gives their customers shopping experiences you won't find anywhere else. Supporting small brands and shopping small is the name of the game!
- One of his most heartwarming collaborations? His 83-year-old mother’s quilted "cozy bowls", a microwave-safe fabric bowl that keeps your hands safe from hot dishes!
Styling & Fashion Advice from a Handbag Designer
- Let the bag be the statement piece — style your outfit around it!
- Versatile fashion is the basis of creating interesting and unique looks — his clutches can be dressed up for a wedding or evening event in addition to denim for any casual-chic outfit.
- Future Fab GNO Idea: His upcoming bridal party "Build-A-Bag" events allow brides and their parties to customize their own handbags while sipping champagne. #fabbuullouuuss
- His work has gained recognition at the Philadelphia Art Museum’s Contemporary Craft Show— and his next goal? The Smithsonian Craft Show! #yyyaaassss
What We’ve Learned This Week
Patrick Carrow is the definition of creativity, sustainability, and craftsmanship. His one-of-a-kind handbags are proof that fashion can be both stylish and eco-conscious, and his commitment to supporting local artists is exactly the kind of energy we love at Fashion Crimes Podcast. We love supporting small brands that are changing the fashion industry for the better!
If you’re looking for a statement bag that no one else has — or want to support slow fashion brands — Patrick Michael Accessories will be your next bag purchase.
Shop & Follow Patrick:
🌐 www.PatrickMichaelAccessories.com
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LINK:
#FashionCrimesPodcast #SustainableFashion #HandmadeBags #FashionOver40 #SupportSmallBrands #SlowFashion #HollyKatzStyling #PatrickMichael #Accessories #Handbags #FashionOver50 #PatrickCaro #FashionDesign