During the holiday seaon of 2012, I began working on the development of two new private labels for the Drake General Store. Arborist came to life as a kitschy moniker for the contemporary twists on Canadiana and heritage that the Drake General Store is famous for. Arborist, while an obvious nod to the Canadian logging heritage, also carries a retro 1970's sensibility, a homage to that era when graphic prints hit their initial heyday. Logo and Packaging design by Petra Cuschieri effectively plays on the strong sportswear inspired retro sensibility set out in the art direction I put forward.
Several graphics were designed as feature elements of this collection by Bryan Da Silva, Niall McLelland and Jenny Boucher. The collection was designed to include well priced items including cashmere sweaters, graphic socks, and great lakes inspired winter-wear. The retro kitschy branding is successfully achieved in these products, some of which already have waiting lists as they near hitting stores.
Product will launch for Holiday 2013 exclusively at Drake General Stores and online at drakegeneralstore.ca.
