PATRICIA GOMEZ-GRACIA’S STATEMENT STYLE

If you’re originally from Madrid, via Miami and LA, London could seem a slightly drizzly landscape. But as the summer sun bounces off the colourful exterior of Notting Hill’s townhouses, and steel drums chime in preparation for the annual carnival, fashion designer Patricia Gomez-Gracia, explains why it’s become home over the last four years.

‘London is a global melting pot of cultures and people,’ says Patricia, founder of Notting Hill womenswear label and namesake, Gomez-Gracia. The area’s vibrant influence on her designs has led the brand to become popular with locals, celebrities and women from both sides of the pond. ‘The sights, sounds and smells imbue daily life with sensory stimuli, all of which influence and shape the creative process,’ she explains. ‘The huge cross-section of society rubbing shoulders in close proximity has influenced how my designs have evolved.’

Gomez-Gracia’s designs are a hit with those seeking femininity in their wardrobe, marrying body-con shapes and sheer panelling with luxury fabrics and soft detailing. ‘I like to think we combine the subtlety of Madrid with the sexiness of Miami,’ she says. ‘So often people play safe with their style options and London reminds me that there are plenty of elements that can be incorporated to make each day special; I encourage women to make a statement with what they wear. London is a beautiful backdrop that deserves a glamorous wardrobe.’

Cigarette trousers, £425, and fitted blazer, £650

Having grown up in Spain, Patricia’s Latino influence is visible in her full-flowing skirts with a ruffled hem and tops dropped low at the shoulder. ‘I’ve always loved fashion from an early age, probably inspired by my mother who was extremely stylish,’ she says. ‘But I studied marketing and economics. My training has been mostly self-taught, although I learnt a lot through time spent at Julien MacDonald and Alexander McQueen, which was a fantastic learning experience.’

With such highly regarded designers showing her the fashion ropes, it’s no surprise that despite her unconventional route into fashion, Gomez-Gracia’s initial collections easily impressed industry insiders. ‘I want to offer women clothing cut for their curves that looks and feels great,’ she says. ‘It had to be a collection that would stand the test of time. I wasn’t interested in being the next hot label.’

Having dressed A-list names, from Jodie Kidd and Katherine Jenkins to Christina Aguilera and Kim Kardashian, there’s no doubt her hard work has paid off; since launching in 2009 Patricia has opened a store in Washington DC and designed Carrie Underwood’s dress for the 2012 Golden Globes. But it hasn’t all been plain sailing… ‘Our biggest setback was having the SS14, Cruise SS14 collection and several pieces from our AW13 stock stolen midway through our sales season,’ she says. ‘We had to cancel many of our wholesale appointments and private client trunk shows which made our season extremely tough, nearly putting us out of business. Luckily I have a great team that really pulled together and we survived.’

Almost Famous Dress, £1,075

There’s no doubt her determination and keen passion has helped shaped the label’s success but it’s ‘perseverance’ that Patricia cites as the real game-changer. ‘The path to get there isn’t straight forward, especially as I’ve never done this before, meaning that there is a lot of trial and error,’ she admits. ‘I know we are going to get there in the end but it will take a lot of continued hard work, a lot of talent and a little bit of luck.’ Somehow we think luck has little to do with it…

020 3287 9591; gomez-gracia.com