What was once discarded is now a unique treasure. We transform upcycled shirts into one-of-a-kind creations, giving them a new life and purpose. Witness the magic of turning waste into something beautiful and sustainable.
I’ve been in love with secondhand clothes since I was a teenager. There’s something about the story behind each piece — where it’s been, who wore it, why it was loved. I started selling vintage at 18, and always imagining it would one day lead to creating my own brand. So here we are.
Patcha was born out of a mix of gut instinct, frustration with the fast fashion system, and a deep belief that clothes can be made differently — with joy, creativity, and care for the planet.
Here’s how it all unfolded:
2018
I started selling vintage when I was 18 — just a rail of handpicked pieces and a love for clothes that told stories. It was my first step into fashion, and I was hooked.
2023
I took a chance and set up a stall at Portobello Market in 2023. I was just looking for a bit of extra cash after coming back from travelling. Now 2 years later we have a perminat stall there and will find PATCHA Vintage there every weekend
2023
That summer, I interned at a sustainable fashion tech company in Amsterdam. It opened my eyes to the bigger picture: how tech and design can help us rethink fashion’s future.
2023
Later that year, I travelled to Kenya. Seeing the effects of fast fashion first-hand in the Mitumba's- piles of discarded clothes, communities overwhelmed by waste - changed everything. I thought I cannot create a fashion brand that produces new, but instead incorporates waste.
May 2024
In Nairobi, I took 5 damaged shirts to a local tailor and asked them to turn them into a pair of trousers. When I saw the result, I knew I was onto something. I made 60 more - and they sold.
That’s when Patcha was officially born.
Since then, we’ve sold over 1,000 pairs of trousers and saved more than 6,000 damaged shirts from landfill. And we’re only just getting started.
September 2024
Patcha won the Sustainability Award at Burghley. It was such a proud moment !
So much more to come, and thank you for all your support so far. We couldn't do it without our amazing customers.
About Patcha London
Patcha London was born in 2022, inspired by an unforgettable year abroad visiting South America, predominately Peru. I completely fell in love with not only the rich culture, but the story telling of each product they produced there.
During my time in Peru, I discovered that alpaca fibre is the softest, most durable material in the world. Learning about its origins and sustainable qualities, I knew I had to share this treasure with the world. So, I teamed up with talented local artisans to create unique, handcrafted hats that embody the essence of Peru.
Guilt-Free Fur:
One of our core principles is to use only guilt-free fur. It is neither practical nor ethical to kill alpacas for their hides; instead, we use pelts from alpacas that have died of natural causes. Young alpacas can succumb to extreme weather, illness, or accidents, and rather than letting this loss go to waste, local farmers use the alpaca for food and its pelt. This practice supports the farmers economically and ensures that no alpacas are harmed solely for their fur.
Small and Limited Batches:
At Patcha London, we believe in quality over quantity. Each hat is handcrafted in very small, limited batches, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and a unique product that stands out. This approach not only maintains the exclusivity and integrity of each piece but also supports sustainable and ethical production practices.
Supporting Local Artisans:
We are passionate about supporting economically disadvantaged producers. By partnering with marginalised artisans and family businesses in Peru, we establish long-term, secure working relationships that honor traditional craftsmanship. Our mission is to provide a clear supply chain from artisan to consumer, connecting you with not only a beautiful product but also the incredible stories behind it.
Discover how fast fashion contributes to environmental damage in Kenya and learn about sustainable solutions to reduce clothing waste. Learn how we are trying to make a difference.