A Conversation With Footwear Designer Justin FitzPatrick

This is a good opening-door collection. I got to see the collection and definitely appreciated it.

Troy Alexander Project: What inspired you to get involved in fashion and create J.FitzPatrick?
I knew I always wanted to have my own company and make an impact in this world. When the time came to decide what I wanted to do, I thought about what I loved, and decided to create my own shoe line. I have always been into style, as growing up in America you are very much judged by how you put your outfits together, and shoes were always my favorite part of my outfit. So it had to be shoes….and my name had to be a part of it. I did not like my entire name to be a brand, so I shortened it and made J.FitzPatrick.

Troy Alexander Project: What is your first fashion memory?
This is a tough one in reality. It stems back when I was 10 years old, getting a new pair of shoes was always a big deal and made me excited. My parents did not have a lot of money when I was growing up as a youngster, so I had to settle for Payless shoes, but I always got the best pairs that looked cool and could be passed off as fresh, so my first fashion memories were from Payless Shoe Source scouring the best shoes that I could find.

Troy Alexander Project: What are your favorite brands?
I would say Ralph Lauren & Gieves & Hawkes (as I work with them and am fortunate enough to wear their clothes). If I were rich, I would probably shop at Ralph Lauren or bespoke. I find myself attracted to more affordable stylish brands like Zara, H&M and Uniqlo.

For shoes, Gaziano & Girling, Riccardo Bestetti and Septieme Largeur.

Troy Alexander Project: Who are your style icons?
To be completely honest, I never really looked up to any “style icon” for their style influence. I always admired Fred Astaire as he loved his spectators, but my style icons are regular people that I see in the streets, or some of my stylish friends growing up. People influence me, not celebrities that are always in the eye….it’s a lot easier to be stylish when you are rich, that’s why I appreciate it when I see regular people walking the street that have great style but are not necessarily wearing expensive brands or clothes that were altered perfectly by their tailor.

Troy Alexander Project: Describe your style in five words?
Unpredictable, shoe-heavy, vibrant, simple and urban(ish).

Troy Alexander Project: What are your style secrets?
I don’t have any to be honest…I am quite simple. I dress simpler to when  I was a teenager, only now, I’m wearing nicer clothing. I like to match colors as that was what I did in my youth. If your shoes were red and black, then your shirt had to have red and black in it. Only now, I wear ties and such. I keep the same logic, wearing a suit, dress shirts and smart-casual wear….no secret, still just a kid inside dressing like I was when I was 18….maybe that is my secret, being youthful and not getting to stuffy!