A celebrated American designer with more than 25 years of experience in the fashion industry in America and Europe
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Robinson grew up in Southern California where he began designing clothes for fellow surfers at the age of 14. After moving to New York and attending the Parsons School of Design, Robinson became an assistant to American-born couturier Patrick Kelly in Paris in 1986. He left Paris to work briefly for Albert Nipon in New York, then returned to Europe as the Design Director for Giorgio Armani in Milan. Robinson transformed Giorgio Armani’s ailing Le Collezioni line into a profitable international apparel company over his four year tenure. Robinson, a New Yorker at heart, moved back in 1994, to become Senior Vice President of Design, Merchandising and Marketing for Anne Klein.
By 1996, Robinson was more than ready to go out on his own and started his own collection, winning numerous awards and named one of Vogue's top 100 rising stars in 1996. His eponymous women’s label was picked up by Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and Barney’s among others. In April 2003, Robinson became the Creative Director of Perry Ellis Women’s Sportswear and then in 2005, was named Artistic Director for Paco Rabanne.
Robinson has been a Council of Fashion Designers of America member since 1994. In March 2004, Robinson received a CFDA Fashion Award nomination in the Swarovski Perry Ellis Award for emerging Talent in Ready-to-Wear category - a fitting tribute to his hard work.
In May 2007 Robinson designed an affordable collection for Target Corporation's Go International line.
Robinson was selected in May 2007 to serve as executive vice president of design for Gap Adult and gapbody. Robinson oversaw all elements of design and marketing for Gap women's and men's apparel, accessories and intimates lines worldwide.
In 2010 Oprah, Anna Wintour, and Patrick Robinson co-chaired the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala.
In May 2013 Robinson was hired as global creative director of Armani Exchange. 2016 marked the full launch of his Paskho.