CELEBRITY CLOSETS

Patricia Barker

IN THIS FEATURE: Meet Patricia Fashion Focus Biography

If you had to describe your style in one word, what would it be?

ECLECTIC. I ATTEND BLACK TIE DINNERS IN ELEGANT GOWNS. I WEAR MY ADIDAS SWEAT SUITS AND TENNIS SHOES FOR DASHING AROUND TOWN, BUT I FEEL MOST COMFORTABLE IN MY COWBOY BOOTS, JEANS AND POLO SHIRTS.

Tell us about a red carpet moment that made you feel fabulous.

THE PATRICIA BARKER GALA DINNER, HELD IN MY HONOR. EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT FROM THE MOMENT I STEPPED INTO THE ROOM, THE ELEGANT TABLES THE FLOWERS THE MUSIC AND ALL THE WONDERFUL FRIENDS THAT CAME TO CELEBRATE WITH ME.

Tell us about a red carpet moment that you would like to forget.

FALLING OFF A CURB WHILE GETTING OUT OF THE CAR AND SPRAINING MY ANKLE. I WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL AND MISSED THE WHOLE PARTY.

When you travel, what kinds of things do you shop for?

SINGLE ITEMS LIKE A PIECE OF ANTIQUE JEWELRY OR A NEW COAT OR SCARF. I LOOK FOR SOMETHING THAT HAS STAYING POWER. I ENJOY REMEMBERING MY TRIPS BY THE TRINKETS I FIND AND ADD TO MY WARDROBE SO WHEN I WEAR THEM I CAN REMEMBER THE TRIP AGAIN AND AGAIN.

Where have you traveled in the world – just for the shopping?

VIENNA – VIENNA’S MOST TRENDY SHOPPING MILE IS THE KAEMTEN STRASSE RIGHT DOWNTOWN IN THE CENTRE OF THE CITY. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF SHOPS AND BOUTIQUES, RESTAURANTS AND CAFES TO FALL IN LOVE WITH.

What’s the scariest thing in your closet right now?

SCARIEST THING WOULD HAVE TO BE MY “DIRNDL”, A GIFT FROM MY AUSTRIAN MOTHER-IN-LAW. A “DIRNDL” IS A TYPE OF TRADITIONAL DRESS WORN IN AUSTRIA, BASED ON THE HISTORICAL COSTUME OF ALPINE PEASANTS. I HAVE YET TO WEAR MINE.

Do you think you will ever give anything away or sell your memorabilia?

I HAVE ALREADY BEEN ASKED FOR MY FIRST AND LAST PAIRS OF POINTE SHOES. I WAS OFFERED A LOT OF MONEY. I THINK ONE DAY I WILL SELL THEM AT AUCTION AND PUT THE MONEY IN MY FUND, THE PATRICIA BARKER ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND AT THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST BALLET, TO ENABLE OTHER DANCERS TO FULFILL THEIR DREAMS.