Collection Preview: Fort AW17

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Each season Fort clothing commission a different artist to interpret their source of inspiration for their new collection. For the Fort AW17 collection the selected artist is Sydney Smith whilst the inspiration for the collection is taken from Sable Island National Park Reserve. The quality of the collection and illustrative print is testimony to the attention of detail and skill of the designers and co-founders Sarah Kawasaki and Derrick Hodgson. This is a young Canadian label with flair and durable child friendly pieces for AW17. We fell in love and we think you will too.

AW17 will be the sixth collection by designers and co-founders Sarah Kawasaki and Derrick Hodgson of Canadian label Fort. The inspiration for the collection is taken from Sable Island National Park Reserve. This unique island is home to over 400 free roaming Sable Island Ponies, protected by law from human interference. Sable Island has a long and fascinating human history which spans more than four centuries. Canada’s first life-saving station, established in 1801, was built there. Sable Island is a demonstration of survival in an unlikely environment. An ethos that Fort like to compare with children running free and resilient in the playground.

The designers: Sarah Kawasaki and Derrick Hodgson

Fort clothing co-founders Sarah Kawasaki and Derrick Hodgson — Sarah Kawasaki and Derrick Hodgson et Al

Derrick and Sarah bring a design background to the line. Derrick is an established illustrator and gardener, whilst Sarah has a background in fashion and advertising. The pair experience Canada’s diversity through the eyes of their two children and bring it to life with Fort.

“Producing Fort in Canada in an environmentally responsible way, is our way of giving back to the adventures we have in our own backyard.” D.H.

The selected artist: Sydney Smith

Sydney Smith Fort Illustrator AW17 — Sydney Smith, Illustrator

Sydney Smith was named best illustrator by the New York Times for his work in The White Cat and Monk. He is also the recent recipient of the prestigious Governor General Award for his illustration work in ‘Sidewalk Flowers’ by Jonarno Lawson. Sydney discovered his love of children’s illustration while studying drawing and printmaking at NSCAD University in Halifax. Some of his first experiences illustrating children’s books were for the new editions of Sheree Fitch’s older books (Mabel Murple, There Were Monkeys in My Kitchen and Toes in My Nose). He has won awards for his illustration for Mabel Murple, There were Monkeys in My Kitchen, and Music is for Everyone. Sidewalk Flowers has been printed in ten countries and 8 different languages. Originally from Halifax, Sydney Smith currently lives in Toronto.

Fort AW17 Preview

Fort AW17 collection