House of Patterns Is Stitching a Future for Fashion in Downtown Phoenix
What many people don't realize is that there's a quiet fashion empire slowly building in Downtown Phoenix. And it's for everyone, regardless of age, experience, or background.
Breaking into the fashion industry can seem insurmountable, given the connections, financial investment, and time it requires. Not to mention, the competition is fierce in high-demand markets like Los Angeles and New York City. So, why not do it here?
Tricee Thomas, founder of House of Patterns (formerly known as The Garment League), is breaking down barriers through her organization, which is built on education, production, and a mission to strengthen Arizona's creative ecosystem.
Weaving Local Talent Into the Workforce
House of Patterns recently relocated from another nearby Downtown location to the 5th floor of the Ten-o-One building, right in the heart of the Roosevelt Row arts district. On any given day in the studio, you'll find students sketching outfit designs, operating sewing machines, analyzing fabrics, and learning about the key components to building a "tech pack,” a detailed instruction manual used to manufacture a garment.
In a world that has increasingly relied on overseas manufacturing due to rising costs or a lack of local educational opportunities, Thomas is out to prove that this type of work and skill-building can be done right in our backyard, ultimately benefiting everyone in the long term and adding to the growing Arizona talent pool.
Thomas sees an opportunity to strengthen Arizona's fashion ecosystem through local partnerships with schools, employers, and workforce organizations. "We should be partnering right here in this city, but we're partnering in New York," she said, emphasizing that developing local talent should be matched with local industry connections.
Tailoring Opportunity for the Next Generation
A key part of House of Patterns is the educational opportunities it offers children. The organization provides fashion education for youth ages 7 to 17, giving them the chance to try their hand at every aspect of the design process. Ethan and Beck, high school sophomores and co-founders of the brand Industrial Rebirth, spend their summer days in the studio mocking up and fabricating clothing inspired by the city's architectural landmarks, like Midtown's BMO building and public artwork like Janet Echelman's "Her Secret is Patience" in Civic Space Park.
Another student, who has been part of the House of Patterns youth program for over five years, recently designed and made a jumpsuit that her grandmother modeled in a fashion show. "It's a skill; by the time they graduate from high school, they will be more advanced than most people in the industry," Thomas said.
Often, these children come from underprivileged communities, and this is an opportunity for them to channel their creativity into something positive and supportive. Thomas is currently working to secure scholarship opportunities with local educational institutions and workforce development programs, but she's known for doing whatever it takes to provide a path for these children during their most formative years. "I will work for free all day long when it comes to teaching a kid," Thomas said.
Cutting a Pattern for Community Connection
In addition to pattern making, technical design, and manufacturing, House of Patterns teaches people of all ages about the modeling industry, whether you want to be in it or work alongside it. The organization provides the tools to build confidence and put those skills to the test.
Each year, House of Patterns hosts On Central, a fashion show that originated in the heart of CityScape and features emerging and established designers. This year, the show incorporated the Valley Metro light rail. Models deboarded the train and transitioned seamlessly onto the runway. Every summer, House of Patterns hosts "Phoenix Swimweek,” featuring the latest swimwear styles and trends. Previous host locations include Eden Rooftop Bar at Hotel Palomar, the Pemberton, and, most recently, their new office/studio location at Ten-o-One.
The organization also seeks opportunities to tap into the community by bringing "pop-up" fashion shows to local events like Downtown Phoenix Inc.'s annual Black History Month event, CAN I KICK IT? at Civic Space Park, which presents an additional opportunity to highlight designers and give models their reps.
House of Patterns sets the stage for an emerging hyperlocal fashion ecosystem in Phoenix, spanning technical expertise and networking, and provides a unique opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate a highly important and underserved art form.
So the question is: why leave when you can build something monumental here?
Whether you're looking to enroll yourself or your child in one of House of Patterns' programs, or your organization is interested in supporting the cause through donations, scholarships, or hiring, Tricee and her team welcome the opportunity to connect. Reach out to House of Patterns by emailing info@houseofpatterns.co to learn more about how you can get involved.