Michigan may be known for its beautiful scenery and for producing some of the most powerful forces in entertainment, but there’s more to the Great Lake State than meets the eye. Michigan is home to prominent cities, such as Detroit, Flint and Grand Rapids, all of which have burgeoning fashion scenes of their own. One designer from Metro Detroit, Desyree Nicole, is living proof that fashionable talent exists outside of populous areas such as New York and Los Angeles, as she’s the founder and creative director of Todd Patrick, an inclusive menswear brand. Today, Todd Patrick debuts at New York Fashion Week, and we can’t wait to see its new collection.
Desyree sat down with Blavity News to discuss Black women’s perspectives on menswear, inclusivity in clothing brands and how her upbringing in Michigan influenced the creative direction of Todd Patrick.
Todd Patrick's Inspiration
While many clothing companies claim to be inclusive, only offering limited sizes for an even more limited demographic, Todd Patrick is the real deal. While using her talents to style NFL players, Desyree noticed that there were little to no options for plus-sized men.
“I used to work with NFL players, and my job was to help find them cool stuff to wear. When I started going into these stores, I noticed that even when I got the 2XL and 3XL options, those stomachs were still poking out. I was like, ‘yeah, we’re gonna have to make you something, bro,’ so I started making a lot of custom stuff,” she told Blavity News.
“And then, that helped me fund what Todd Patrick is today. I’ll never stop making plus sizes because it really helped me cultivate a brand where it’s inclusive, too. We might not carry it on the shelf, but I do make it known to people that I can make any size. It might take me a little bit more time, but it is accessible to all body shapes.”
Plus size representation in clothing brands
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Fashion has always been used as a method of self-expression, which Desyree feels should be afforded to everyone, regardless of size. While other luxury brands continue to take their time in showcasing inclusivity for diverse body types, she states that Todd Patrick will continue leading the way in catering to plus-size bodies.
“I think fashion is so much a part of self-expression. To leave a group of people out where they feel like they can’t fully express themselves when it comes to certain fabrics is something I ain’t rocking with. I believe in the confidence that fashion can exude out of somebody when they feel fly. I think it could be for everybody, and all brands don’t have to do it, but we’re going to do it. That’s just our brand, and we’re going to stick by that, and that’s what we’ve been doing,” she said.
Michigan's influence on Todd Patrick
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Desyree’s upbringing in Michigan profoundly impacted what Todd Patrick is today. The luxury clothier was raised by her mother in Waterford, Michigan, and would travel to the west side of Detroit on the weekends to spend time with her dad’s side of the family. When reflecting on her background, she believes that her experiences with various people from different walks of life are what Todd Patrick is today.
“I think it just allowed me to be more well-rounded and see more of the world along with different lifestyles and people. I think Todd Patrick is an exact cultivation of that — it’s a little bit of everything,” she said.
“From my travels to my upbringing, I think it’s just who I am in a nutshell. There’s no specific design that you could be like, ‘this is ToddPatrick.’ I feel like it’s forever evolving. And also, just the drive I would say that my mom had motivates me as a creative director. I possess that same drive.”
The intersection of business and romance
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While Desyree is the founder and creative director of the luxury clothing brand, her fiance Gabriella Paulino co-leads Todd Patrick alongside her as the chief operating officer. When asked how the two can co-exist as romantic and business partners, Desyree feels that the foundation of their union, the friendship, is what keeps them aligned.
“I think we probably dated for maybe a year and a half or two years before I even started the brand. I’m sure she was probably like, ‘okay, have fun,’ but then, the more the brand grew, she got on board and spearheaded the business and operations side, so I was allowed to create fully. Some couples can’t do it, but Gabriella is my best friend. Outside of our relationship as a couple, this is my friend, and it’s no different than starting a business with one of your homies,” she told Blavity News.
“We really have each other’s best interests at heart, and she knows me as a creative, and I know her as a creative, so we’re able to balance each other out. I think that works best for me as a creative. Always having someone there to bounce ideas off instead of having to call, text or call a meeting. I think it’s been good.”
To keep up with Todd Patrick, visit their website or follow them on Instagram.
