Founder

Jatin Patel is a British designer and creative director of South Asian heritage, with Gujarati roots. His work explores the relationship between identity, power and transformation.

A PRACTICE BUILT THROUGH MAKING

Trained in fashion design at the University for the Creative Arts, where he later completed a Master’s degree with distinction, his foundation lies in historic tailoring, draping, surface manipulation and disciplined craft.

Across more than 25 years, his experience has spanned designer-led fashion, garment construction, one-off commissions, editorial and special projects, commercial production, freelance development, creative enterprise and cultural leadership.

This breadth of experience has given him an understanding of both conceptual design and technical delivery, from the construction of a singular piece to the practical realities of production.

DESIGN LANGUAGE

His early fascination with mythology and costume matured into a design language centred on form, symbolism and transformation.

His work draws on heritage without being confined by it. Architectural construction, historic tailoring, embellishment and contemporary design are brought together to create clothing that feels personal, commanding and alive on the body.

INSIDE THE ATELIER

At Kalikas Armour, Jatin oversees each commission from concept through to final fitting, balancing technical construction with emotional intelligence, visual impact and cultural purpose.

Working directly with each client allows the design to develop around the individual, the occasion and what the garment needs to communicate.

For Jatin, design is not excess.
It is clarity constructed for empowerment.

BEYOND THE ATELIER

Jatin’s practice extends into cultural strategy, creative enterprise and cultural leadership.

He was part of the core group that authored Medway’s Ten-Year Cultural Strategy, co-chaired Medway’s UK City of Culture 2025 bid and serves as Vice Chair of Creative Medway, leading on Creative People.

He completed six years as Chair of Ideas Test, an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, and continues to support the organisation as a Trustee.

This combination of design practice, cultural leadership and creative enterprise gives Kalikas Armour a perspective that extends beyond fashion alone—connecting craft, identity, representation, place, creativity and contemporary British culture.