Patachou, A Tale of Family, Fashion and Friendship

The Patachou studio is every little fashion lover’s dream. Moodboards filled with sketches and fabric swatches are propped against crisp white walls, and perfectly pressed outfits hang neatly on rails in every corner of the room. It’s here that Marta and her mum bring the brand’s creations to life.

Growing up surrounded by beautiful clothes is something that Marta looks back on fondly. “Our company is a cherished family business, founded by my beloved grandmother, Madalena,” says Marta, “I have the sweetest memories of seeing designs come to life and exciting trips to meet clients.” Following in the fashion footsteps of her mum and grandmother is also something that inspires Marta and, in turn, the collections that she creates for Patachou. When asked if she and her mum have a similar sense of style, Marta doesn’t hesitate to answer: “We definitely share the same taste, which is quite funny and often surprises people!” And does that same harmony translate into the studio, we ask? “We agree on almost everything when it comes to creative decisions. This deep connection allows us to work seamlessly together, making our journey in Patachou both joyful and productive."

Just a short trip inland from the cobbled streets of Porto is where Patachou calls home. This part of Portugal boasts a rich history of textile and garment production, and every one of Patachou’s unique designs is crafted with the utmost care using the finest materials. Their Portuguese heritage also plays an important part in the details of Patachou’s creations. “Growing up in a country known for its amazing textiles, especially in the north, has given us a deep appreciation for quality and craftsmanship,” Marta tells us. “When it comes to our designs, you’ll notice a lot of beautiful embroidery, intricate lacework, and classic styles that feel both timeless and fresh. We always aim for a perfect mix of tradition and modernity.” And it is this classic combination that’s helped Patachou become a trusted and loved brand with families and children all around the world, including a certain mini British Royal: “I remember watching the Trooping the Colour on TV, and suddenly I saw Princess Charlotte wearing Patachou; it was a dream come true. Seeing our creation on such a beloved little princess was a testament to the love and care we put into our designs.”

 “We hope our clothes help children express their unique personalities and step into the world with confidence, style, and happiness. After all, our slogan is Spreading Smiles!” 

Marta Sousa and Sofia Ferreira

Patachou designs clothing for children of all ages, so ensuring that every collection offers something fresh and new whilst staying true to Patachou’s distinctive signature is something that Marta is well versed in. “Our inspiration comes from all sorts of places,” she tells us. “We look at the latest fashion trends but we also draw a lot from the traditional crafts, beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture of Portugal. We are also inspired by the everyday joy and innocence of childhood — watching how kids interact with the world around them gives us so many ideas.” Marta and her team pride themselves on developing Patachou’s own unique prints on the most special fabrics, including soft cotton, velvet and lace. “These materials not only look beautiful but feel great against the skin,” says Marta, “allowing kids to move freely and enjoy their day. Ultimately, we want every child wearing Patachou to feel happy, proud, and ready to create wonderful memories.”

Our time in the Patachou studio ends where it all began, back in 2014 when Marta first met with the Childrensalon buying team in what was to be the start of a very special relationship. “I was amazed by Childrensalon and the entire team and company. It was an exciting moment, full of anticipation and the promise of new opportunities,” Marta tells us when thinking back to our first meeting. “Since that moment, we've grown together, collaborating closely to bring unique and exclusive designs to life.” And it is those exclusive designs that have become some of our most popular and loved looks. “We proudly work together with Childrensalon to create the most exclusive pieces. Our design process for these exclusive pieces is a true collaboration. We work closely with our design team and the buyers from Childrensalon, brainstorming and sharing ideas to craft the best pieces. It's such a fun and magical experience, and over the years, we've become like family.”