STYLE FILE: Tesh Patel
ApparelSourcing Show friend, Tesh Patel, Product Development Specialist at UrbanOutfitters, shares his thoughts on personal style as well as trends for summer.
1- What inspired you to become involved in the fashion industry?
I took a slightlydifferent route to the industry after having a career in technology. BeingIndian I grew up around textiles. My family would frequently take tripsoverseas and we would spend days shopping the Indian garment markets. I wasalways fascinated by its deep cultural history, the ornately embellishedfabrics, their vibrant colors, and the global nature of the industry.
2- Who are your personal style icons inthe fashion industry?
As far as personal style, I’ve always been drawn to quality and craftsmanshipwith either a European aesthetic or something that’s edgy and aggressive. Forme, there’s something very timeless about a well fit blazer (worn over a buttondown or tee), slim fit jeans, and leather lace ups. I like the uniqueness anddapper of Ted Baker and Paul Smith; the rocker influenced rebelliousness ofJohn Varvatos; and the industrial minimalism of G-Star.
3- What is your favorite piece fromthe current Urban Outfitters collection?
I’m a big fan of our Salt Valley Western shirt collection. Fit is a huge issuefor me and they’re perfect off the rack. I’ve been buying them for years andown at least a dozen. Best of all, the lightweight flannel makes them supercomfy and versatile for daily wear, going out, or even lounging poolside.
4- Urban Outfitters is a Philadelphia based brand. Do you feel that thecompany’s Philly-based roots influence the style of its’ products?
As a global company, we’re always trying to raise the bar and stayfresh. That means leaving no stone unturned. Without giving too much away aboutthe future product, our designers have traveled to London, Tokyo, LA,Amsterdam, and Oslo seeking inspiration. The 2012 collections are going to benext level!
5- With summer quicklyapproaching, most of us are preparing our wardrobes for hot weather and beachvacations. What is your summer style?
Beach to street. It’sall about mobility and comfort, the simpler the better. I like to spend as muchtime at the ocean and outside in the city, while making that transition aseffortlessly as possible. That means a cotton tee, quick drying, highperformance board shorts, and leather flip flops. In the city, slim fit(not skinny!) linen pants, a worn in pair of Converse or suede loafers, and acotton tee. I also grew up in Atlanta, so anything seersucker is in there too.
6- Since you’re based in Philadelphia, when you vacation do you find yourselfgoing to any other regions in particular to check out the fashions there?
Without a doubt. I’verecently moved to Philly and have been spending weekends exploring the fashionin NYC. My favorite discovery has been this past Fall/Winter line ofHickey-Freeman suits exclusively for Opening Ceremony. Probably one of the bestfitting suits I’ve ever tried on. It’s as close to bespoke as you can get offthe rack.
