From Clothes To Ceramics - Things Made To Be Loved

For ceramic artist and maker Patt, getting dressed is about self-expression, craftsmanship and finding things you’ll love for years. From a much-loved silk scarf discovered in a tiny secondhand shop in Japan to the handmade ceramics she creates in her Oxford studio, she shares why the things we choose to live with become more meaningful when they have a story, a sense of character and a little bit of soul.

If your personal style had to be described in three words, what would they be?

Playful, effortless, eclectic.

What are you wearing when you feel most yourself?

Usually something quite simple and comfortable, but with one piece that has a bit of personality, an interesting shape, a great colour, or something slightly unexpected. And almost always jewellery. I love clothes that feel effortless but still considered.

Do you dress for yourself, for other people, or for how you want to feel?

Definitely for myself, but also for how I want to feel that day. Clothes can completely shift your mood. Sometimes I want to feel put together, sometimes creative, sometimes just really comfortable. I think getting dressed is another little form of self-expression.

What’s the best piece you’ve ever found secondhand?

My favourite find is probably a silk scarf I came across in this tiny secondhand shop in Japan. It was one of those places completely packed with treasures, and I remember spotting the scarf and immediately loving the colours and pattern. I had no idea who made it or where it had come from, which somehow made it even more special. Now whenever I wear it, it takes me straight back to that trip. I think that’s what I love most about secondhand pieces, they collect stories as they move from one person to another.

Whats your favorite clothing brand and why?

I don’t think I have one favourite brand anymore. I’m much more drawn to individual pieces… the material, the cut, the colour, how well something is made. I think being a maker myself has made me appreciate craftsmanship much more, so I’d rather own something beautifully made that I’ll keep for years than buy into a particular label.

What would you tell someone who’s curious about selling their clothes through an agency, but isn’t sure where to start?

Just start with the pieces you know you don’t wear anymore. I think we all have beautiful things sitting in our wardrobes because we feel guilty getting rid of them, especially if we spent a lot on them. Selling through an agency takes away so much of the effort, and I love the idea that something you’re no longer wearing can become someone else’s favourite piece. It keeps good clothes in circulation rather than constantly buying new.