Back in the hot summer months Jake Shears donned a pair of skin-tight leathers just for Loverboy – the memory is still burned in our mind. Trust. But these weren’t just any ordinary leathers. No, these were custom Patrick Church hand-painted leathers. So we thought it was time we spoke to Patrick himself and get one of our faves to model – Louis Bubko.
So here they are modelling Patrick’s latest collection ‘Drive Thru’ and after the images, you can find out how they met, what they think of the shoot and yes, even their favourite Mariah Carey songs. Who knew?!
Patrick Church
What was the first piece you created and what was the inspiration?
A leather biker jacket I painted for a friend. I was inspired by the motifs I was already painting. The leather was just another canvas, another way for me to express myself.
Is your work gender specific?
My work is genderfluid but I don’t think too much about it.
What was it about Louis that you felt best represented the Patrick Church brand?
I think his spirit is so free. He’s so funny. I thought he really embodied the pieces. He has an amazing energy and it really relates to the brand.
Tell us about the pieces he is modelling.
Louis’ modeling various pieces from my new collection. This is the first time my work has been produced instead of being completely hand painted. That’s allowed us opportunities to design work that wouldn’t have been possible before. The foundation of the collection are the prints which I painted by hand and are reproduced on the fabric. We used mesh and satin fabrics to create a luxurious experience while wearing the clothes.
Jake Shears wore your work in our recent shoot. Which of your clients has been your favourite to work with?
Everyone I’ve worked with is so special. I do a lot of custom pieces and working with each client is such a different experience. I love them all!
What are you working on next?
Wait and see!
Lastly, we are named after the iconic Mariah Carey song. What is your favourite Mariah song?
‘Honey’, it reminds me of my husband.
Louis Bubko
First of all, is your house rid of evil spirits yet? Did they leave you alone?!
Yus! Yes the evil spirits are exercised – thankfully that was just an Air BnB in the Hamptons so I don’t have to return.
Joking aside, tell us about your short film. Is acting something you want to pursue a lot more?
Me and Sebastian Sommer, the director, were together filming a music video and after shooting we decided to make a groundbreaking horror film. We have a really similar sense of humour. We shot everything super quick at 1am and then edited on my phone at 2am. And yeah, of course! I really enjoy playing different characters and I’m always down to act, I’d love to start taking classes.
Tell us about your help-line 1-800-Barbette. How did you come up with the idea?
I just felt like there needed to be more positive and proactive outlets for people to deal with their problems. There’s too much negativity nowadays. I like sharing my experiences and what I learn out of them with other people in the hope that it’ll make whatever they’re going through a little easier.
Besides Patrick’s work obviously, which pieces have been your favourite to model?
I love working with Jeremy Scott and Moschino because I love the team of people and the clothes are always so funky.
How were you ‘discovered’ when it came to modelling?
I’ve been able to meet and work with a lot of amazing people that have all helped me get where I’m at today. I don’t think there’s a definitive moment of ‘discovery’. I will say that social media really aided me in getting jobs and developing myself!
How did you come to meet Patrick? What was it like modelling this collection?
I met Patrick at an ASOS dinner last year. We sat next to each other and he was so much fun! It was great shooting this new collection. It’s amazing to see how Patrick’s art and clothing has grown into this beautiful brand. I’m so happy that Patrick wanted me to be a part of it and I’m very excited to see the brand grow even more!
Lastly, we are named after the iconic Mariah Carey song. What is your favourite Mariah song?
My top three are ‘All in Your Mind’, ‘Vision of Love’ and ‘Obsessed’.
Yas Kween. A true lamb.
For more on Patrick & his work see www.patrickchurchartist.com or follow him on Instagram.
Follow Louis on his personal Instagram. Find out more about 1-800-Barbette.
Credits
Images: Nik Antonio
Direction: David Motta
