Top Wardrobes in Britain: Patricia Zhou

      Upon entering Patricia Zhou's home in East London, the satellite Who What Wear UK team and I were enveloped in the warm glow of golden-hour light, accentuated by the gentle sheen of the floor-to-ceiling wooden paneling adorning her apartment. Her design-oriented living space, which she shares with her partner, exudes a modernist loft vibe reminiscent of the '90s, providing an ideal backdrop for her diverse soft furnishings, travel mementos, and of course, her expanding wardrobe. Both her home and attire reflect her vast international travels and dance career, tracing her journey from the Kirov Academy Ballet in Washington, D.C., to The Staatsballett in Berlin, and all the way to L.A. Dance Project in California. In 2019, she chose to leave the company life to pursue her own solo ambitions and creative endeavors. Since then, Patricia has choreographed and directed her own short films (don’t miss "Orange Tree" here), as well as movement-directed for clients like Rodarte, Flannels, and Nike. This has established her as a prominent tastemaker and brand ambassador for an ever-growing list of luxury, sports, and fashion labels. While her foundation is in ballet, she seeks to integrate a contemporary perspective into classical techniques. Through her films, teaching, and work in the fashion industry, she aims to share the joy of movement with a broader audience and elevate the perception of dance as a storytelling medium. Fresh from a class she teaches at Danceworks Studios in London, Patricia gives us a tour of her home while showcasing her favorite wardrobe pieces and signature looks, all set to a playlist of '80s synth hits, '90s house anthems, and contemporary pop (she's a big Dua Lipa enthusiast). We discuss her entrance into the fashion world and how it seamlessly aligns with her growing presence in the ballet and performance community. Thank you for welcoming us, Patricia!

      (Image credit: Phill Taylor; Patricia Zhou.) Patricia is dressed in a Mithridate shirt, Marine Serre bodysuit, Puma Speedcat Satin Ballet Sneakers, Molly Goddard bag, COMPLETEDWORKS earrings, and Adanola trousers. You grew up between Canada and the U.S. How did these places shape your style? I mostly grew up in the States, having lived in Canada only until I was four, and I spent many summers in China, too. The town I grew up in was a small suburb in Michigan. I’m not sure how much it influenced my style, but it certainly made me feel out of place. I wanted to wear different things, while others sported Hollister jeans and UGG boots, paired with North Face fleeces—those were the trends back then. During summer break, my sister and I would visit Beijing and spend time with our family. One of my favorite activities was shopping at the old wholesale centers that were more common in Beijing during the '90s. I remember getting sparkly hot pink jeans, but I usually spent my time picking out Hello Kitty pens and stationery for school. When I returned, I felt too self-conscious to wear those fun jeans since it wasn't "cool" to stand out.

      You later lived in Washington D.C., LA, Berlin, and now London. What style tips or aesthetics have you picked up from those cities, and have any found their way into your daily wardrobe? That’s a complex question! I don’t think I truly discovered "my" style until a few years ago, so it’s hard to pinpoint specifics. Growing up, I had my mom defining my style, and then adapting to the cities I lived in to blend in, which left little room for me to explore my own preferences until recently. In Berlin, there was a disdain for looking too fancy or making an effort, with many opting for practicality—black jeans, t-shirts, and Adidas trainers were the norm. I appreciate that in London, individuality is celebrated, and people freely wear unique clothing as a means of self-expression. In LA, the car culture meant there wasn’t much street style as you would find in pedestrian cities like NYC or London, so I can't say I drew much inspiration from what I saw daily. However, I love the Americana style of cowboy boots and fringes that are common around LA. When I first moved to London, I was immediately struck by the sheer number of people I encountered daily, whether on the streets, in the tube, or anywhere. It reminded me how vital it is to see how others express themselves through their clothing, as it inspires me.

      (Image credit: Phill Taylor; Patricia Zhou.) Patricia is dressed in a JW Anderson top, UOOYAA jeans, Maison Margiela shoes, Coach bag, Chanel bag charms, and earrings. What’s your earliest fashion memory? When I was around six years old, my godmother gave me a fluffy grey coat that I absolutely adored. I remember my excitement over