PatBO Fall/Winter 2022 Runway Collection
For her Fall/Winter ‘22 Collection, PatBO Founder & Designer Patricia Bonaldi returned to her couture beginnings – traveling back in time to find inspiration from when she started her eponymous label in the early 2000s. While PatBO’s resort wear has become ubiquitous, it’s Bonaldi’s original couture evening wear designs that first put her on the map. This collection pays homage to both craftsmanship and the over-the-top early aughts styles.
The runway show, PatBO’s second to date, was held in the marble-lined atrium of New York’s historic Surrogate’s Court. The landmark building is a perfect example of Beaux-Arts architecture – opulent and decorative with clean lines – much like the runway collection itself.
Stitch by stitch, the collection is a celebration of craftsmanship honoring the talented artisans from Bonaldi’s hometown of Uberlandia, Brazil. Insanely intricate beadwork is the overarching theme of the collection and can be seen throughout – clustered on gowns, dangling from puffer coats, or in the form of fringe. For the show’s opening look, Bonaldi styled an oversized velvet wrap coat atop a sheer tulle bodysuit encrusted with hand-sewn crystals. The bodysuit took more than three weeks to create.
“I want women to feel like they are putting on a piece of jewelry when they wear this collection,” says Bonaldi. “Time is the most precious thing in life so, to me, being able to wear something that was made by hand and took considerable time to make is a beautiful experience.” While the collection was inspired by her past, it is also an evolution for Bonaldi. Familiar PatBO shapes were given an early 2000’s update this season with dropped-waists and low-slung skirts. Hips have replaced the ribcage as the new focal point for eye-catching cut-outs. But the most buzzed-about pieces were those many didn’t expect to see from the Brazilian brand – bejeweled parkas and embellished bomber jackets – perfect for St. Moritz or Sao Paulo.
For the first time, PatBO debuted hair accessories – hand-beaded headbands, pearl-embellished bobby pins, and printed silk scarves. All handmade in Bonaldi’s hometown in Brazil and produced in partnership with TRESemmé.
Stitch by stitch, Bonaldi’s vision is brought to life by talented artisans in Brazil. This season, PatBO furthers its mission to support these artisans by donating 10% of online sales to Matizes Dumont. The non-profit organization is run by three generations of expert embroiderers who are dedicated to preserving the art of craftsmanship.