Meet Patrice Goodluck: the vivacious up and coming fashion designer who’s turning heads with her unique clothing line. Patrice creates original, one of a kind pieces that are always sure to impress. Fortunately for us New Yorkers, Patrice’s collection is based here in the city…but fear not if you live somewhere else. Patrice is sure to become a national sensation soon enough.
Sonic Eclectic: Patrice, tell me a little bit about yourself?
Patrice Goodluck: I came to the United States from Trinidad when I was ten years old. I’ve been making clothes since I was five. Growing up on an island, I learned that if you want something, you have to make it yourself.
SE: What is the name of your clothing line and where did it come from?
PG: The name of my clothing line is DeCaul Janele. DeCaul is my last name and Janele is my middle name.
SE: Now do you do only clothes, or are you involved in other things as well?
PG: Well in addition to clothing, I also make jewelry, handbags, shoes, and menswear. I create everything by hand, so every piece is one of a kind.
SE: Philosophical question for you: What does fashion mean to you?
PG: Fashion is life, it’s something that’s just right. My style is unique and super fabulous. It can be described as a mix between avantgarde and unusual.
SE: And how did you get started?
PG: 
I always loved making my own clothes. When I was eleven years old, I wanted to be a ghost for Halloween. So, I did what any eleven year-old would do and designed my own costume. As I grew older, I decided to turn it into a business. Now, the collection ranges from $200 and up, depending on the work involved.
SE: What inspires you?
PG: Everything around me inspires me. I don’t sketch anything, I sit down and just make it. Many designers sketch their work first, but I have the vision in my head already.
SE: So tell me about this zipper collection. You’ve been called the “Zipper God” by locals; where did that come from?
PG: I was looking in Elle Magazine about a year ago and saw a zipper skirt made by Phillip Lim. I decided to challenge myself to make something even better. From that, a zipper phenomenon came along.
SE: Are there any fashion designers in particular that you like?
PG: I used to be obsessed with Jean Paul Gaultier, but now I like Marc Jacobs.
SE: Where can people purchase your collection?
PG: Facebook is like my virtual store. You can friend me at Patrice Goodluck (DeCaul Janele) or email me at[email protected].
SE: Have you designed clothes for any famous people?
PG: I’ve designed pieces for Steph Jones, Patrice Roberts, Akira Adel, and Raye Six.
SE: Do you have any upcoming fashion shows?
PG: Actually I do! In late August or September, I will be having a jungle themed fashion show. I will be choosing a venue and completely transforming it into a beautiful jungle. Amongst plants and fake monkeys, I will be displaying 50 pieces of women’s wear and men’s wear.
Be sure to check out Patrice’s collection online and look out for her in the future.