About this project
Cloaked in affliction, "hvalreki" is the Icelandic word for good fortune. Translated literally, however, it means "beached whale". In the unforgiving climate of the arctic circle, the misfortune of this giant beast often meant survival to a starving village. Icelanders were married to the ocean. They lived and died by it.
This collection, "The Men of Narrow Fjord" embodies the coarse, weathered voice of the Scandinavian fisherman. He lived a turbulent life as he pursued the monsters of the sea, and seldom found solace in a part of the world farthest from human habitation. In times of economic struggle, polluted waters, and the death of an industry, this man clings to the whaling lifestyle in order to preserve his culture, and above all, his identity.
The Fall/Winter collection is grounded in rugged utility, but merges with modern style inspired by Scandinavian and Asian sportswear. The silhouettes evoke broken lines, and textural distortion exposes and illuminates the distress of a character on the verge of losing his way of life. Thick, durable fabrics are used for bottom weight and outerwear garments, while soft, comfortable knits and printed wovens, inspired by centuries of Scandinavian people, comprise the top weight material.
Hvalreki is a term rooted in the bond between the Icelandic people and the sea, of the ebb and flow of life. And while the story behind its origin is one of misfortune and endless struggle, this word finds its true nature in the good fortune of perseverance.
FAQ
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
106
Backers
$5,743
pledged of $5,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on February 3.
Pledge $10 or more Pledge $10 or more
Hand-written thank you card from Derek containing "The Men of Narrow Fjord" vinyl sticker and sew-on patch
Pledge $25 or more Pledge $25 or more
Signed collection poster dedicated to donor (plus thank you card, sticker, and patch)
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
Limited edition Alternative Apparel "The Men of Narrow Fjord" T-shirt (plus signed collection poster, thank you card, sticker, and patch)
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
Signed collection sketch, hand inked and painted by the designer, dedicated to donor (plus t-shirt, collection poster, thank you card, sticker, and patch)
Pledge $200 or more Pledge $200 or more
Two front-row tickets to "The Men of Narrow Fjord" fashion show in Atlanta (plus signed collection sketch, t-shirt, signed collection poster, thank you card, sticker, and patch)
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
Dinner for you and a guest with Derek and fashion show's producer, at a swanky restaurant in Atlanta (plus two front-row tickets to the fashion show, signed collection sketch, t-shirt, signed collection poster, thank you card, sticker, and patch)
Project By
Connected as Derek BossMoney Clarkson (483 friends)
Rugged utility tangles the sleek lines of modern fashion as Derek Clarkson assembles his collection, "The Men of Narrow Fjord". Born and raised in rural Georgia, he unites the familiarity of functional trousers, pullovers and outerwear with the exoticism of lingering viking culture. Derek draws his inspiration from his travels to the Nordic circle, where he studied the relationship between function and style in one of the world's harshest climates. Moving beyond his apprenticeships with major outfitters Land's End and other independent designers, this final year at the Savannah College of Art and Design is an all out sprint to the finish, fueled by sheer momentum (and lots of caffeine). His sketches and styling, ripened after years of patient cultivation, come to life in the small hours of the night. Derek aspires to bring an antiquated beauty to the modern world of functional menswear, and welcomes fashion enthusiasts, artisan trendsetters, and friends of all kinds to join him on the way. Skál!
