Whitaker Malem: Partners in life and leather

by Robin Wyllie-Scholz
Deputy Editor

Whitaker Malem, the iconic fashion duo composed of Patrick Whitaker and Keir Malem, was almost over before it began. 

After Malem helped Whitaker put together a collection for his fashion design degree show in 1987, creative differences seemed to spell the end of their partnership.

“We vowed never to work together again,” said Whitaker.

Luckily for the two hundred-some students sitting rapt in the Michigan Theater, that vow didn’t last long. Thirty-five years later, Whitaker and Malem are not only business partners, but life partners as well. 

The duo visited Ann Arbor as part of the Penny Stamps Distinguished Speaker Series– a program in which Stamps, the University of Michigan’s art school, brings influential artists and creatives to speak to students and members of the public. 

Walking onto the stage, the pair were quite a sight. Both are bald, and sported fantastic mustaches and thick black-rimmed glasses. Despite their imposing presence, they weren’t uptight– Malem gleefully admitted to the audience that his checkered blazer came from “a Nordstrom Rack ten years ago”.

With a comfortable banter that can only be established from decades of living and working together, Whitaker and Malem took their audience on a journey of their work. 

As a “two-man company” Whitaker Malem has collaborated with fashion legends like Alexander McQueen and pop stars like Doja Cat. 

“Our touchstone is to try to work with people that we like,” said Whitaker. 

That strategy has done them well. With input from costume designer Lindy Hemming and director Patty Jenkins, they created over 160 costumes for the Amazon warriors of 2017’s “Wonder Woman”. 

Making armor for an island of fighters was a good fit for Whitaker Malem, whose medium of choice has long been leather. 

“We like to think leather has a past, present and future,” said Whitaker, explaining their love of the material. 

With their experience in film, fashion and art, Whitaker Malem have cemented themselves as icons.

“It’s amazing to see those two lifeforms standing in front of you that interact in so many different industries,” said Sutton Theodore, a student in Stamps who attended the talk.

Whitaker and Malem were quick to encourage the members of their audience who hope to pursue creative careers. Whitaker’s advice was to use the opportunity provided by social media to get into the spotlight.

“If you make something that’s interesting enough, someone’s gonna look.”

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