Patrick Welde
A sense of authentic self, joy, gratitude and peace. That’s what you will find in the man behind the carefully and beautifully styled photos of many editorials and international magazines. He’s a fashion stylist, a photographer and true visionary. To allow me the chance to dive deep into his thoughts for TheCornerZine is Patrick Welde, let’s take a look!
Describe yourself in one word.
Sincere.
What were you like as a child? Were you eclectic, energetic and full of life like you are now? Would you say you’re still a child at heart? In everything that you do?
I often considered myself as a child, I don’t much like responsibilities. When I was young, I was always outside in the country, building some fort or hut with friends in my village. I constantly had to be the star of the show either as a singer, dancer, or whatever but as long as I was in the center screaming. I was a very active and trying child; always having to be busy.
I often considered myself as a child, I don’t much like responsibilities. When I was young, I was always outside in the country, building some fort or hut with friends in my village. I constantly had to be the star of the show either as a singer, dancer, or whatever but as long as I was in the center screaming. I was a very active and trying child; always having to be busy.
When I was young, in school they would ask us what we wanted to be and you know most kids reply as a fireman, teacher, doctor, etc. Don’t get me wrong all those professions are fantastic and essential in society, but I used to respond saying I want to live in Chelsea in New York City. So, I knew very early on that what I wanted was vastly different than everyone else and I was determined to search and find it. Tell me, as a child did you know what you wanted to be? Or have an idea of?
When I was in college, I knew I wanted to be on tour with a rockstar. I didn't have a clue what that entailed, or what specifically I would do, but I wanted to be behind the stage and traveling all around the world. I always knew that I wanted to make something in relation with art. I repeatedly participated in drawing competitions for kids organized by a bank in the village surrounding mine. In which I frequently won, and of course I thought that I was going to be the next Henri Matisse but…
Did you ever struggle to find your way? Can you tell me about a time when you felt so alive yet, in the same moment, completely lost trying?
I feel alive when I have way too much work to do in the same time, and I feel that it’s impossible for me to manage everything together. I typically feel lost within this situation.
Early bird gets the worm? Or night owl?
Everything definitely depends on the season you’re talking about. In winter, I like to be the early bird. Whereas in the summer, I’m more into the nighttime spirit.
I am a lover of poetry and absolutely love to read. Tell me your genre of choice and favourite book. Or one that you have recently read.
One of my absolutely favourite books is ‘Le Petit Prince’ by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. I also love ‘Les liaisons dangereuses’ by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, certainly because I have a romantic and dramatic side. Now, I am reading ‘Orlando’ by Virginia Woolf.
Describe your personal style.
Most of the time, I wear Carhartt. I feel best when I wear some type of workwear pieces and a durable, classic pair of Dr. Martens.
Are you a very active person on social media? What’s the social network you use the most and why?
Oh, yes. Actually, I think I need to stop and take a bit of a break for 2019 with Instagram.
Would you agree or disagree that social media has benefited your life personally and professionally?
It wouldn’t be new if I said that, for our generation, everything is related with images. However, it for sure opens doors!
Pick your next adventure. Where would it be and why?
In the south of France, with a group of gypsy taking a bath in the Mediterranean sea. Mainly, because I love their culture, their traditions, their way of living and especially humanness.
If you could pin point where your inspiration comes from, what would it be?
My village for sure. I have images from my childhood always in my mind for some pictures.
There are times when no matter how hard I try, I experience writers block. Or what I refer to as ‘mush brain’. During these times, I usually have to stop and use distracting techniques or activities to get my inspiration back. Do you have any ‘distraction inspiration tools’?
Running in the forest is indeed one of my favorite things to do when I need to take a break. And, usually, then I feel better to go back to work.
Tell me one ‘trend’ you wish would stay buried.
This kind of Lycra leggings that are super flashy. They are meant for doing sports.
Are you willing to share a secret talent? If it makes you feel better, mine is quite silly actually: I can touch the edge of my nose with the tip of my tongue. What’s your secret talent or skill?
I can totally turn my arms, because one day I broke my elbow. By the way, I can also lick my elbow.
Looking ahead, where would you like to see your life and fashion career go?
Somewhere between a lost village and in the city. I like so much the contrast of silence and noise, but I need to find a balance between the two.
One thing you’re grateful for.
The education my parents gave me.
Do you set monthly or yearly intentions or goals? Tell me three.
Watching some of the movies from a list I made three years ago, growing up from year to year. To stop scrolling instagram as soon as I open my eyes in the morning! And continue to eat a lot of pizza!
When I was in college, I knew I wanted to be on tour with a rockstar. I didn't have a clue what that entailed, or what specifically I would do, but I wanted to be behind the stage and traveling all around the world.