Jatin Patel is a second-generation British man with an Indian heritage. His ancestral family hails from Gujarat and settled in the East Midlands of England. Speaking to Asian Voice, Patel said, “I grew up with a complete combination and amalgamation of cultures, the East and the West-leading to my unique perspectives, understandings and expression with lived experiences of the diversities of the various communities.” He pursued a career in the arts and his education includes a BA Hons Degree and a 1st class masters in Fashion.
Patel has 20 plus years of experience in the fashion industry, including showcasing RTW collections at the Royal Academy for London Fashion Week and Pret a Porter Paris and more recently at Fashion Scout at LFW.
Patel is a Creative Director and fashion designer of Kalikas Armour, a slow fashion brand and creative consultancy offering direct to client bespoke made to measure commissions for special occasions with collaborations and unique projects with international charities and social organisations utilising creativity, culture and artistic expression to open dialogue for impactful change.
Helping the booster drive
During the first lockdown, Jatin Patel had to pivot and change in the pandemic and is currently helping the vaccine booster drive through the creative and cultural sectors. Patel became part of a small cohort of creatives who came together virtually to create a 10-year cultural strategy and construct the new Creative Medway ( Kent, England) cultural compact agency and he was elected as Spaces and Places champion. He also joined Medway's Bid to become UK City of Culture 2025 and become a Trustee and Co-Chair of the Board. He believes that the power of transformation through creativity and culture, outreach into the community, focusing on diversity and inclusion are a real step, a real change.
Patel believes that utilising fashion as a force for good in partnership with charities and social organisations to open dialogue instigates impactful change for people our climate and Earth.
Creating sustainable fashion
Addressing the paradigm shifts in fashion post the pandemic, Patel said, “With shows and events, all cancelled but as expected ingenious ways to showcase and sell-emerged from big brands to small independents. The move to digital and online challenged new ways to express and connect with the well-informed audience. Personally, sustainability, ethics, responsibility and accountability are the major shifts in the industry highlighted for a fairer system, more inclusive and diverse and positive impact on the earth and our environments. My own slow fashion brand in investigating and implementing sustainable materials and processes.”
Importance of Asian culture and heritage
Patel explained, “The richness of the diverse history of a place and people, the epic mythology of legends and stories of traditions and customs and rituals of culture with the strong foundations of community, a real sense of “family” relationships and bonds of belonging and togetherness cultivated through faith, belief and vibrant celebrations of festivals and occasions. The resilience and determination for continuous betterment. Ultimately it’s the concept of learning and bettering oneself constantly, For me it’s the beauty and tensions of having various cultures come together to create something truly unique.”
