User:Hallorantaylor/sandbox

= Kiel James Patrick = Kiel James Patrick (born December, 28th 1982) is an American fashion designer out of Cranston, Rhode Island best known for his hand-made bracelets and belts. He founded the Kiel James Patrick brand, which produces accessories and clothing featuring nautical prints and old New England textiles. He is well recognized in the preppy and blogger worlds for his trademark style and WASPy lifestyle.

Career
He started his brand out of the trunk of his car selling reconstructed sport coats and ties to his prep school classmates, trying to push the limiting dress code of oxfords and ties. The school caught on and cracked down on dress code, and his products were no longer able to be worn at the school. He then took his handmade bracelets and began selling them a Crafters Markets in Cape Cod.

The brand evolved to primarily hand-made bracelets and belts, made from old family tartans, regimental stripes, madras patterns and high quality woven goods from Scotland, England, Ireland and the USA. He then launched his website in February 2008, selling his bracelets and belts online and to high end boutiques.

When Sarah Vickers joined the brand, other accessories were added as well including headbands, bags, earrings and shirts. Sarah Vickers and him ran the company by themselves for a few years, producing over 12,000 bracelets. Now, he employs 20 other Rhode Islanders and has 100% ownership of the company. The company is heading in the direction of women's apparel with a line of Sarah’s line original Dresses, Skirts, Oxfords, and Bags.

Inspiration
Inspiration for his designs primarily comes from early American designs as well as the shore towns of New England. As a child he would attend golf tournaments with his grandfather and he was drawn to the unusual outfit combinations that would combine plaid with stripes and polka dots with chevron. When creating his first products, he looked to his own style that he had cultivated over the years and the first bracelets sold were made of fabrics he had cut from his own collection of vintage neckties, belts and blazers.

He often refers to the Kennedys as inspiration for his brand as well as his lifestyle.

Lilly Pulitzer
In the Spring of 2013, Kiel James Patrick partnered with Lilly Pulitzer to release a collection of one-of-kind bracelets made from Lilly Pulitzer original fabrics. These were not sold to the public, but rather given away in an online contest.

Brooks Brothers
In the Fall of 2014, Kiel James Patrick partnered with Brooks Brothers to create a special line of bracelets using the fabric from Brooks Brothers ties that would be sold in all Brooks Brothers stores as well as online.

Head of the Charles Regatta
In the Fall of 2013 and 2014, Kiel James Patrick partnered with the Head of the Charles Regatta creating custom woven bracelets at the Brooks Brothers tent located in Cambridge.

Tommy Hilfiger
Kiel James Patrick partnered with Tommy Hilfiger in 2011, with Patrick's bracelets featured in the Meet the Hilfigers Campaign. Kiel was then featured on the Tommy Hilfiger blog in 2013.

Controversy
In 2012, well known clothing retailer based in Wisconsin, Lands' End, released a belt that looked extremely similar to one that Kiel James Patrick had previously released, but was produced in China instead of the USA. This created controversy in the blogger world, with Patrick himself commenting on his disappointment over the rip-off.

Social Media
Kiel James Patrick is selling a lifestyle when it comes to his brand. He embodies classic New England elegance and displays this in his everyday life. He utilizes all forms of social media to help sell his products including Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. Both Kiel and Sarah run and write their own lifestyle blogs. All advertising and marketing is done via social media in place of traditional print advertising. The people in front of the brand are also the people behind the brand. All of his employees are seen in company photoshoots and are often featured on his and Sarah's blogs and Instagram s. Kiel has been called "Mr. New England" and "The King of Prep" by many fashion bloggers.