Holly's story
Hi! I'm Holly Wang, the founder of Miss Patina.
It’s been a 15-year journey since I first created Miss Patina from a small market booth in East London. I want to take this opportunity to thank our customers for supporting my women-run small business.
Coming from a humble background, I was inspired by my grandmother, a dressmaker, to pursue my fashion dream. I never imagined that Miss Patina would be worn by celebrities like Taylor Swift, Jenna Coleman, and Pippa Middleton, or loved by women around the world.
It’s been a challenging yet rewarding journey. As we celebrate our 15th Anniversary, I’d like to share more of my story with you. I also hope you’ll join me in sharing your own stories with Miss Patina—such as your first Miss Patina dress and your unforgettable memories with us.
At Miss Patina, we value sharing happiness through every detail and finding little joys in life.
Every Miss Patina design tells a story, but the most beautiful stories come from you, our cherished customers. Your memories, moments, and love complete the Miss Patina story. Thank you for being a part of our journey.
Love,
Holly
It’s been a 15-year journey since I first created Miss Patina from a small market booth in East London. I want to take this opportunity to thank our customers for supporting my women-run small business.
Coming from a humble background, I was inspired by my grandmother, a dressmaker, to pursue my fashion dream. I never imagined that Miss Patina would be worn by celebrities like Taylor Swift, Jenna Coleman, and Pippa Middleton, or loved by women around the world.
It’s been a challenging yet rewarding journey. As we celebrate our 15th Anniversary, I’d like to share more of my story with you. I also hope you’ll join me in sharing your own stories with Miss Patina—such as your first Miss Patina dress and your unforgettable memories with us.
At Miss Patina, we value sharing happiness through every detail and finding little joys in life.
Every Miss Patina design tells a story, but the most beautiful stories come from you, our cherished customers. Your memories, moments, and love complete the Miss Patina story. Thank you for being a part of our journey.
Love,
Holly
How my journey began
My grandma, in her 90s, was a dressmaker. I still remember, as a little girl, sitting next to her sewing machine, using her leftover fabrics to make little dresses for my dolls.
Grandma was my early inspiration in fashion, and I have always loved things with history. When I wore a red gingham skirt to school, which Grandma had made for me from her old skirt, my classmates laughed at me. Despite this, I found joy in digging through my mum’s wardrobe and wearing her outfits. Mum, a school teacher, always dressed elegantly and smartly. This is likely why I am naturally drawn to academia styles.
At 17, I had a life-changing car accident. I was injured and stayed in the hospital for half a year, missing the university entrance exam. During my time in the hospital, I spent a lot of time drawing dresses. This creative outlet brought me positive energy during a painful period. Later, I decided to go to London to study, immersing myself in the rich history and culture of the city. I explored vintage and antique shops, which fueled my passion for fashion even further.
My business was actually a continuation of my master’s study at the London College of Fashion. I spotted a market niche based on my studies, and that’s when the idea for Miss Patina was born. I wanted to create newly made vintage-inspired fashion fused with traditional crafts and contemporary fashion. Initially, I went to Brick Lane with my classmates to sell some reworked vintage clothes, and soon after, I started my own label.
Grandma was my early inspiration in fashion, and I have always loved things with history. When I wore a red gingham skirt to school, which Grandma had made for me from her old skirt, my classmates laughed at me. Despite this, I found joy in digging through my mum’s wardrobe and wearing her outfits. Mum, a school teacher, always dressed elegantly and smartly. This is likely why I am naturally drawn to academia styles.
At 17, I had a life-changing car accident. I was injured and stayed in the hospital for half a year, missing the university entrance exam. During my time in the hospital, I spent a lot of time drawing dresses. This creative outlet brought me positive energy during a painful period. Later, I decided to go to London to study, immersing myself in the rich history and culture of the city. I explored vintage and antique shops, which fueled my passion for fashion even further.
My business was actually a continuation of my master’s study at the London College of Fashion. I spotted a market niche based on my studies, and that’s when the idea for Miss Patina was born. I wanted to create newly made vintage-inspired fashion fused with traditional crafts and contemporary fashion. Initially, I went to Brick Lane with my classmates to sell some reworked vintage clothes, and soon after, I started my own label.
Why design cat-inspired outfits?
About ten years ago, on a freezing day I found a pregnant street cat and gave her refuge in my studio. Shortly after, she gave birth to four adorable kittens and began breastfeeding them. I was so moved by this touching moment that I designed a jumper featuring a mother cat breastfeeding to commemorate it. Since then, I have launched a new cat-themed design every season, from angel cats to mermaid cats, musical cats to book kitties, and even tributes to David Bowie and The Beatles.
My story with cats never ends. Earlier this year, I was in tremendous pain as my dad passed away. On the 61st day after his passing, I discovered three newborn kittens resting in a plant pot outside his study room on the 4th floor. The mother cat took two kittens the next day but never returned for the last one. My mum and I decided to adopt this poor kitten, nourishing him with love and milk. We named him Nian Nian, which means “remember.” Like a little angel, he brought sunshine and new hope to our lives.
At Miss Patina, we celebrate fun, quirky imagination with original details. I hope to share positive vibes with women everywhere through my designs and remind them to find joy in life’s small moments and be grateful for the beautiful little things that life has to offer.
It’s not just about the cute creatures but also about life. Cats have inspired me and allowed me to share joy through my designs. They’ve given me new hope and positivity in life while facing adversity.
My story with cats never ends. Earlier this year, I was in tremendous pain as my dad passed away. On the 61st day after his passing, I discovered three newborn kittens resting in a plant pot outside his study room on the 4th floor. The mother cat took two kittens the next day but never returned for the last one. My mum and I decided to adopt this poor kitten, nourishing him with love and milk. We named him Nian Nian, which means “remember.” Like a little angel, he brought sunshine and new hope to our lives.
At Miss Patina, we celebrate fun, quirky imagination with original details. I hope to share positive vibes with women everywhere through my designs and remind them to find joy in life’s small moments and be grateful for the beautiful little things that life has to offer.
It’s not just about the cute creatures but also about life. Cats have inspired me and allowed me to share joy through my designs. They’ve given me new hope and positivity in life while facing adversity.
Why design bird-inspired outfits?
You might have noticed that, besides cats, there are many bird-inspired elements in Miss Patina designs. The reason is Lucky, a magical little budgie who can speak English and Chinese!
Lucky’s tale began in summer 2019 when he was rescued by my mum on a stormy night with a broken wing. Under her care, he thrived and learned to speak both English and Chinese. He can say phrases like “Miss Patina, I love you” and “Every design tells a story,” becoming a symbol and inspiration for Miss Patina. (Watch video to listen lucky speaking )It’s very rare for budgies to speak long sentences, and Lucky is an exception.
In 2022, something even more magical happened. Lucky met Elizabeth, another rescued budgie. They fell in love and welcomed two precious baby budgies into their family. Since their birth, Lucky has been taking care of Elizabeth, feeding her while she cares for their babies.
Inspired by Lucky and his lovely family, I designed the bird collection. I feel so grateful to life for these little joys that inspire me, and I hope Miss Patina outfits bring a smile to your face.
Lucky’s tale began in summer 2019 when he was rescued by my mum on a stormy night with a broken wing. Under her care, he thrived and learned to speak both English and Chinese. He can say phrases like “Miss Patina, I love you” and “Every design tells a story,” becoming a symbol and inspiration for Miss Patina. (Watch video to listen lucky speaking )It’s very rare for budgies to speak long sentences, and Lucky is an exception.
In 2022, something even more magical happened. Lucky met Elizabeth, another rescued budgie. They fell in love and welcomed two precious baby budgies into their family. Since their birth, Lucky has been taking care of Elizabeth, feeding her while she cares for their babies.
Inspired by Lucky and his lovely family, I designed the bird collection. I feel so grateful to life for these little joys that inspire me, and I hope Miss Patina outfits bring a smile to your face.
What I have learned - Lifelong Learning
As you know, I started Miss Patina from a small market booth in East London. Back then, I never imagined that my designs would be loved by customers around the world, including celebrities. But my 15-year journey has taught me that anything is possible.
To me, entrepreneurship is a process - a journey of self-discovery, lifelong learning, and uncovering new potentials within myself. It’s about facing challenges, learning from mistakes, and continuously striving to become a better version of myself.
When I first started my market booth, I had no idea I could come this far. I only had passion, starting from zero. I didn’t have all the skills and expertise, but I’ve been learning continuously throughout the journey. I’ve developed marketing skills, leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and learned to direct photoshoots, edit films and photos, design graphics and websites, and even public speaking and teaching. Now, I also do live sessions to promote Miss Patina.
I used to be introverted and not confident at all, but now I feel like I’ve become a different person. Self-belief is something you build through practice.
To me, entrepreneurship is a process - a journey of self-discovery, lifelong learning, and uncovering new potentials within myself. It’s about facing challenges, learning from mistakes, and continuously striving to become a better version of myself.
When I first started my market booth, I had no idea I could come this far. I only had passion, starting from zero. I didn’t have all the skills and expertise, but I’ve been learning continuously throughout the journey. I’ve developed marketing skills, leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and learned to direct photoshoots, edit films and photos, design graphics and websites, and even public speaking and teaching. Now, I also do live sessions to promote Miss Patina.
I used to be introverted and not confident at all, but now I feel like I’ve become a different person. Self-belief is something you build through practice.
to be continued...