It was always clear Patrick Cupid would end up in fashion. The designer showed an early interest in it – sketching and designing clothes for his dolls as a child. Since then, he has honed his design craft by studying at top schools around the world, including Parsons School of Design and Politecnico di Milano. After working as a design consultant and stylist across the U.S. and Europe, Cupid is now settled in New York to build his namesake brand.

Now an Interim CFDA Member, we caught up with the designer to learn more about his path in fashion.

What does it mean to you to be an Interim CFDA Member?

Being an Interim Member of the CFDA tells the world PATRICK CUPID is a credible American fashion brand.

What is one thing you are looking for help with in terms of running your business?

Business details, I am a big picture person and solo entrepreneur. So having the CFDA to advise, aid, and answer questions is a huge deal. My brand PATRICK CUPID is my brainchild and in truth, it takes a village.

What is one career-defining or ‘pinch me’ moment you’ve had so far?

There isn’t just one moment. I have several of these and am glad they continue to happen. It’s part of learning and a way of knowing I have something tangible. These moments are for the good of the brand. Whether problem-solving supply chain issues, navigating a pandemic or being selected as an interim member of the CFDA – each moment has moved the needle forward for PATRICK CUPID.

In July 2020, The Industry. Fashion wrote a feature called “The One to Watch.” Shortly after, I received the CFDA and Vogue’s A Common Thread ICON360 grant [with Harlem’s Fashion Row] opening several doors. As a result, I produced Quaranta for my Fall 2021 collection. Nominated for two LJFFF awards, I traveled to see the film in an actual theater. A few months later, I am talking to Lisa Smilor at the CFDA. I left my full-time job at Li & Fung to focus on building PATRICK CUPID. I knew I was headed in the right direction.

How would you describe your label to someone not familiar with the brand?

It is a “semi-style” dressing that doesn’t belong to one group or demographic—combining the understated elements of luxury and leisure fashion to reveal a genuinely individual aesthetic. PATRICK CUPID is an elegance and femininity that is dainty. The brand speaks to women who love being themselves.

patrickcupid

@patrickcupid