EDGE Interview: Catching Up with Designer and Artist Patrick Church

When it comes to the fashion biz, everyone knows you can be in one moment and out the next. But out indie designer and artist Patrick Church has managed to surpass it all by keeping his collections creatively distinct, curated, and shying away from the mainstream. For a while, only New York City's gay social circles were privy to Church's aesthetic as a clothing designer and painter. But with social media, word of talent travels fast, and now Church's pieces have popped up all around the world in bold looks.

Between Beyoncé's "Renaissance" tour to World Wrestling Entertainment TV, demand for Patrick Church designs is keeping the British artist booked and busy. But he's always focused – having just finished his "State of Decay'' exhibition in NYC – on what he's working on next. And in a quick chat with EDGE, we asked him just that.

We know that you are always "switched on creatively" and always thinking of the next thing, so what is the next big thing for the Patrick Church brand?

We are working on our new drops, which usually happen every Friday! We want to take the brand in a little bit of a new direction, so we are just figuring out what this looks like for us.

And after wrapping your show in NYC. Where will we see you next?

I am preparing to do my next art exhibition in Los Angeles which I am excited about.

Moving to New York to "find yourself" has become somewhat of a cliche, but it seems to work time and time again. When did you move to New York City from London?

I moved about 7 years ago, to be with my husband, who is American. I had never been to New York before and fell in love with the city, and its energy instantly. I felt like I could be myself and grow creatively and personally, meeting so many amazing people who brought so much impact to my life. I think just wanting to be with my husband and starting the brand in the city made me want to stay.

Do you remember who or what was your art awakening? How did you know you wanted to be an artist?

I have always felt like an artist and tried to navigate the challenges of being a working artist, but it wasn't until I met my husband and he helped push me creatively that I felt like I could be a "real" artist. I am a pretty visual person and I can draw inspiration from so many things, especially people. I find strong confidence and individuality really inspiring. In regards to artists, there are so man I love. Warhol, Haring; I love Francois Boucher; I love El Greco, anyone with their own language creatively.

What have you personally learned about yourself since moving to NYC?

To try and rely on myself a little more, to push myself and to work hard, to challenge myself and not put myself in a box.

How do you think social media has changed what it means to be an artist? How would you say it has helped you?

Totally, social media is a valuable tool as a creative, I am able to share my creative universe and have found a really incredible, supportive community who I feel are like family.

How did your designs come to be featured recently on Beyonce's Renaissance stage? How did it feel to see your creations on stage?

One of the stylists reached out to me and requested some of the clothing. Seeing my designs on the stage in such an iconic setting felt like a real "pinch me" moment, and I am so grateful for that opportunity!

Is there one piece in your fashion line that perfectly encapsulates who you are as an artist and fashion designer?

Anything from my "Patrick's Originals" collections that I do. These are all hand painted, one-of-a-kind pieces, and this is how the brand was born. Each piece is unique and tells a story.

Finally, if Patrick Church could hop into the creative director chair for any fashion brand or house, which one would it be and why?

I have always been obsessed with Versace, it would be a dream to collaborate with them one day!