Vancouver Fashion eZine - Online Magazine | Lingerie

It's been a long time since Patricia Fieldwalker sat down at a sewing machine to make her very first silk camisole. From the high of her successful launch in Paris to the day she had to begin over, it has been an astonishing journey. Beautiful silks, soft French lace and exquisite tailoring are trademarks of the PF Adagio Collection-a standard at Bergdorf Goodman's for over 25 years-and all the luxurious garments are still custom produced here in Vancouver.

Fieldwalker never had formal training, but feels she absorbed the skills by default. "My mother was a couture dressmaker who sewed for us all the time. It was all very European and beautiful. I grew up with that ethic." Initially she was employed at UBC, but retired to start a family - 3 active boys. "In the midst of all this [mayhem] my husband and I were going to a play. I guess I had a creative streak because I decided I wanted to wear a camisole underneath my suit. There was nothing in Vancouver made with silk and good lace so I thought, 'I can do this myself.'" It was considered very daring at the time and she began to receive requests to create garments for others.

PF Adagio took it's first step into the big time with Eaton's. An appointment was set up for their buyers to view her collection - a camisole, a half slip, a chemise and a cover-up. "They were waiting for me to show them the line and I didn't even know what that meant, but 2 weeks later they called with an order." Good silk lingerie with French lace was a cutting edge concept at the time. "These were the early '80's - a time of mass consumption and Dynasty. I was in exactly the right place at exactly the right time." The addition of a sales manager helped land accounts in Seattle such a Nordstrom. Then their sales manager decided to head to New York to see how the collection would be received. Although his first appointment proved unsuccessful, the next at Bergdorf Goodman was a pivotal moment for the company. "They loved the collection and if you have Bergdorf Goodman that's it." 25 years later that New York store is still one of her customers with over 20 garments in their basic stock. Since that time the business has expanded to include customers in the U.S., Europe, Japan and Australia. It has been featured in international fashion magazines such as Vogue and movies including Fatal Attraction and Pretty Woman.

Fieldwalker designs 2 collections a year as well as pieces for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Christmas. All are bias cut for that couture fit. "Colour is absolutely important and should always be 'cosmetic.'" While traditional colours like Ivory, Nude, Pink and Pale Blue are always available, there are amazing pops of fashion colours like Ruby, Teal and Dior Rose. Pastels fabrics are mixed in appealing combinations: Powder Blue trimmed with Turquoise, Tangerine trimmed with Pink. Alternating matte and shiny sides of the silk creates a luxurious texture and hand-dying her own lace allows the creation of new colour combinations. Fall will feature Chocolate lace on pastels and nudes and a stunning new take on holiday with Chocolate lace on Ruby. The extensive collection includes bridal, pyjamas, gowns, kimonos, and a cheeky line called Black Magic. Newer to PF Adagio is silk resort wear and a fine imported Swiss cotton fabric.

Exquisite tailoring, unique detailing and stunning use of colour define the strengths of Patricia Fieldwalker as a designer. Her loyal customers (many with her over 20 years) are a tribute to her commitment to excellent. For more information on PF Adagio check out the website at www.pfieldwalker.com.