Pat Dahnke has dedicated over 50 years to preserving the timeless essence of the American cowboy spirit while infusing it with a feminine and romantic touch. She has committed to it through her signature brand that showcases her identity, exemplifying strength, creativity, and a deep passion for her country lifestyle, horses, and family. Her ability to tackle life's challenges head-on and overcome adversity through hard work inspires many.
The journey from being a schoolteacher to a successful fashion designer and entrepreneur began when she accompanied her husband, a dress salesman, to shows and markets in Southeast Texas. These experiences provided her invaluable insights into the fashion industry as she observed, listened, and learned from various stakeholders. She later studied Color Me Beautiful to hone her skills further, allowing her to master the art of working with different skin tones and hair colors to create personalized styles for each woman. This attention to detail sets her apart as a designer who understands and cares about accentuating women's bodies and natural beauty by creating Western chic and modern designs.
Years later, the couple opened their own brick-and-mortar stores in Houston, where they successfully operated three retail dress outlets for nearly two decades, providing Dahnke with a foundation to launch her brand eventually. 1985 marked a significant turning point in Pat's personal life and business endeavors. Tragically, her youngest son's diagnosis and subsequent passing from neuroblastoma at two years old brought profound grief and loss into her life. Amidst this heartbreak, she also faced challenges in her stores due to the economic downturn caused by the oil crisis, leading to a decline in sales. Pat had to sell two of her three dress shops from a hospital room, as well as a belt line she had started to design, all while dealing with the dissolution of her marriage.
With the weight of financial responsibilities and the need to care for her two children, Pat quickly learned that she needed to do something independently and follow her artistic essence. Pat's resilience and self-expression flourished, as evidenced by the rapid sales of her designs when showcased in her remaining shop. She channeled her grief into creating meaningful designs, "I was hurting so bad on the inside that if I could make myself feel better and look better on the outside, it was kind of that 'fake it till you make it' kind of thing," she mentioned.
And she truly made it. Pat Dahnke's legacy is remarkable, spanning 55 years of dedication to crafting high-quality, signature Western outfits that make a statement and give women a way to embrace their style confidently.
Talking to the designer about Western fashion, one can't help but notice the passion and enthusiasm that lights up her eyes. As she fittingly puts it, she does not do anything normal on her clothing line; her creations are characterized by their artistic use of fabrics and each piece having a little twist, like incorporating unique elements, whether it's fringe, beads, lace, feathers, or other embellishments.
Pat's commitment to using only the finest fabrics and materials further enhances the sophistication and luxury of her designs. One of Pat's most iconic creations, the Leather Kickapoo Collar, is a testament to her innovative spirit. Invented in the late '70s, Dahnke created a detachable leather collar that could be layered over blouses and be easily laundered. The collar's ability to be transferred between different garments added a touch of versatility to its original style. Decades later, the Leather Kickapoo Collar remains a staple in Pat Dahnke's collection, with modern updates from feathers to exaggerated designs; Pat loves adding that extra flair that has become synonymous with her brand.
The label’s impact on Western fashion is undeniable; her designs have graced the pages of esteemed newspapers and magazines, and she has received numerous accolades and widespread recognition as Designer of the Year multiple times. Today, Pat Dahnke's designs are manufactured in her factory and headquarters at her ranch in Waller, TX. From there, she works with her team, who have been with her for over 25 years, to create this perfect blend of vintage style with modern lines and trends. They collaborate to do skirts, dresses, pants, jackets, and vests; and her collection includes stunning bridal gowns and accessories. She has been loyal to her style and her customers by keeping it tailored and classic and using rich fabrics; this way, her designs never go out of style, and you can wear them year after year, either to attend a cocktail party, the CMA Awards, or to the Rodeo over a pair of jeans.
As a businesswoman, Pat values her relationships with the stores that carry her brand. For her, it's not just about selling her designs but building long-lasting partnerships based on strong connections and enjoying shared achievements. The excitement she feels when retail partners eagerly reach out to schedule appointments to view her collections speaks volumes about the trust and admiration she has established within the industry. Pat has fond memories of being a guest designer at the Grand Opening of the Pinto Ranch store two decades ago. The shop purchased her collection and embraced her additional pieces that day. The way she describes Pinto Ranch as one of their best-quality stores underscores the success of their collaboration and the positive experiences they've shared over the years. Currently, she hosts an annual trunk show at Pinto Ranch, drawing customers from Texas and across the country who seek outfits styled by Pat before heading to the Houston Rodeo.
At nearly 80 years old, Pat Dahnke continues to push the boundaries of excellence and innovation, living out her days on her beloved ranch alongside her daughter, who shares her passion for the business. In 2023, her label experienced the biggest year yet, and she has no plans of slowing down. With the current year ahead of her previous accomplishments, Pat remains immersed in her work, feeling more fulfilled and energized than ever. She finds joy in raising her Spanish and Portuguese horses, which she proudly showcases in the branding of her label. Thriving on the excitement of each new day, whether riding together with her daughter in trail rides, nurturing her baby colts, or growing her brand, Pat's passion for life and her dedication to her craft shines through in everything she does.