Name:
Patricia Bonaldi
How your clients refer to you:
Fearless and strong yet sensitive and nurturing.
Company:
PatBO
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
PatBO has seen strong momentum in Brazil and this year it felt right to expand. July 2017 marked the launch of PatBO.com and the start of my US business. It has always been a dream of mine to bring PatBO to the US.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
I was born in a small town in the country side of Brazil and grew up in Uberlândia where I opened, Patricia Bonaldi, a namesake multi-brand store. My clients started requesting custom made gowns which quickly turned into an evening wear collection. I opened several stores in Brazil and in 2012, combining my design heritage with creative freedom in a more contemporary way, my bolder ideas began to take shape and PatBO was born.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
From the beginning, colors and embroidery have been a part of the brand’s DNA. I built the business on a single thread and that art of craftsmanship remains a foundation of each collection. I find seasonal inspiration from my surroundings.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
Each piece in the collection is hand touched, it tells a story. The authenticity of our story combined with bold colors and designs is specific to PatBO. We are at the start of what I hope will be a very long and successful journey in NYC.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
There is truth in everything we do. We are connected to our history and to our brand values. Each collection speaks for itself. The intricate details found in each piece is a perfect example of the dedication and human passion that goes into its creation. We offer an authentic story.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I spend most of my time between Uberlândia, where my factory and school are located and São Paulo where I have an atelier. I am present throughout the development of each collection to make sure every piece is perfect. I love working with my team and find constant inspiration from being surrounded by such amazing and dedicated people. I also love to travel, to discover new cultures and place. I travel a lot with work but always stay a few extra days to enjoy the place I am in.
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
For dinner, Freeman’s Alley – such a cool vibe, tucked away from the street! I love going to Vintage shops and came across What Comes Around Goes Around, another one of my favorite spots.
How do you benefit mamas?
The detailed embroidery that I do is a rarity in Brazil. Rather than outsourcing this important component of the business to other countries, I established a School in my hometown for the express purpose of keeping the special craft of embroidery and beading alive in Brazil. Today, more than 300 local women are now able to support their families because of the skills and tools they have acquired at the school. These women inspire each collection with their passion, their stories and their spirit.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
That our pieces touch them. They can feel the love and care that I put into every detail of the collection.
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
Giovani Bianco ( creative director) , Jorge Grimberg ( fashion journalist) , Luiz Claudio ( Apartamento 03 – creative director)
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
“Whatever happens around you, don’t take anything personally… Nothing other people do is because of you. It is because of themselves.”