When Nature Calls

A pair of celebrated designers find a home, and fresh inspiration, in a leafy corner of Cambridge.

By Erin Byers Murray

: Village People: Patch NYC's Don Carney, left, and John Ross in their Huron Village living room. Photo by Tanit Sakakini.

During their 10 years in Manhattan, John Ross and Don Carney, the duo behind the Patch NYC fashion label, earned acclaim and a widespread following for their line of handbags. Then two years ago they traded the relentless pace of New York City for the sleepy sidewalks of Huron Village, shifted their focus away from bags, and watched as business boomed. Today, Patch NYC’s costume and one-of-a-kind jewelry and home accents are sold in 300 stores worldwide.

“From the beginning, our work has been somewhat nature-inspired, so it’s nice to be where there actually is nature,” says Ross. “Now, the inspiration is immediate.” Adds Carney, who grew up in nearby Lexington, “Because we have most of our pieces made here, we have resources to work with as we’re designing, plus we have the space and peace and quiet that allows us to step back and enjoy the process more.” Their latest designs are strongly stamped with a Bay State influence: nautical motifs, images of local flora and fauna. So, have they considered changing the name to Patch BOS? “It would have to be Patch Cambridge,” Ross says. “But that doesn’t have quite the same ring to it, does it?”

Local Accents
Don Carney on the stories behind Patch NYC’s latest creations.

1. Jewelry. “We’ve collected vintage charms and beads for years, but thanks to all the nearby antiquing, our collection’s really grown.” (One-of-a-kind sterling necklaces, $275–$350, Joanne Rossman and Nomad; costume jewelry, $60–$175, Calypso, Hudson, and Nanette Lepore)

2. Sketches. “A hike through the Maine woods in autumn inspired our ink drawings, as well as the images on our pillows.” (Ink drawings, $1,100–$1,600, Louis Boston; French burlap pillows, $115 each, Hudson)

3. Totes. “These were motivated by trips to the Todd’s Farm flea market in Rowley and the need for an attractive, functional carryall for the things we found there.” (French burlap market totes, $155 each, Louis Boston)

4. Fabrics. “The floral and wood-grain patterns recall the plants and trees of New England.” (Velvet pillows, $160 each, Louis Boston)