Patrice Ramos-Diaz: Patterns in paradox

The fashion industry is a very fickle one. To say that survival in fashion requires constant change, well, that will have to be the understatement of the century. And interestingly enough, it is precisely because of fashion’s dynamics that one is able to abstract flash-in-the-pan, one-hit-wonders from genuine, lasting talent that will set benchmarks and leave milestones.

Fashion designer Patrice Ramos Diaz has been in the industry for 10 years now. That’s to say the least about longevity or staying power. Her work, recognized and often applauded by peers, colleagues and seniors, is a pure manifestation of her passion, dedication and vision for her craft. She explains, "What keeps me inspired are simple pleasures like being surrounded by beautiful fabric, trims and components. It is also the thought that there’s still so much room for improvement and there is still so much to learn. It is always challenging." She adds, "I am inspired by people who work hard, the dynamic ones who constantly try to break boundaries." Having spent most of her growing years shopping for fabric with her mom on weekends and tinkering with their sewing machines at home, it was inevitable that Patrice get into the fashion business. The time and commitment that she has invested in fashion design have, more importantly, given Patrice a more in-depth perspective into the craft. She observes, "My style now is more refined, while still maintaining the elements that make my work interesting and fresh. I have a new level of consciousness for construction and quality. I think that I have reached a tipping point wherein I am finding new direction for my business. Being marketable gives me comfort and confidence in my craft." Striking the ideal and delicate balance between ingenuity, professionalism and a good business sense has served as good foundation for her success. Patrice enthuses, "I am still around designing happily because family, suppliers, friends in the industry, co-designers, clients and my staff are supportive of me. Now, I have come to figure out new ways to grow in my business which is something that I am currently working on now." What Patrice will be pulling out from her box of surprises, however, we have yet to anticipate.

Her distinctly feminine pieces that translate romanticism and whimsy in contemporary context, have reached out to women whom, she describes, "are the understated types, exuding a sense of style that whispers instead of screams for attention." The description, quite rightfully, suits the kind of individual that Patrice is. A woman who opts to spend her days at the workshop or alongside her subordinates at her factory, Patrice keeps to rather productive, low-profile lifestyle. "My days are long yet they always feel short. I’m at work by 8 a.m. and I try to be back home by 8 p.m. to check on my children’s homework. I hardly attend evening functions unless it’s necessary. I try to exercise twice a week with my husband — we play a game of squash or hit the driving range," narrates this woman of many facets.

Also a mother to three endearing boys — Quito, Aki and Luis — and loving wife, confining Patrice into one specific category can be a tall order. The kind of certainty and conviction that Patrice exudes is evident while remaining subtle. She is the private person — mom and wife — in equal and identical manner as she is the celebrated designer whose name resounds among those in the fashion industry. Many will agree that Patrice is a pleasant paradox. An irony of sorts that is impossible to box let alone ignore especially when she expresses, "A woman of allure has charisma and a deep sense of purpose. Sometimes, it is not about the 24-inch waist line, but the way a woman bites into a burger or the way her hair falls in an organized mess."