After Filson was acquired by Bedrock Manufacturing, their dusty image needed to be updated to speak to a younger demographic — even internally the brand referred to itself as an “attic find.”
Every corner of the brand’s visual language was scrutinized and triaged for updates. Product photography, labeling, packaging, signage — each was simplified, stripping away any unnecessary decoration, and slowly built back using the brand’s rich archive as a model.
The main challenge was keeping the brand’s soul in-tact when creating new assets — matching the originals as closely as possible. Filson’s cult following (and recent rediscovery by a new generation) was spurred by it's distinct aesthetic. It was key to find new ways to use brand codes that have existed, in some cases, for over 100 years.
Print catalogs and e-commerce account for a large percentage of the brand’s sales, and both demand constantly updated imagery. Filson manufactures products that last a lifetime, so it’s important to emphasize not only the heavyweight materials, but the aging process of the garments. Always lit with natural light, prioritizing authenticity.
Design work for Filson has an emphasis on clean lines and vintage-inspired typography. It’s important that the graphic work is allowed to patina naturally in its environment, rather than applying faux-vintage textures to simulate age. Since 2012, Strange Practice has supplied Filson with countless apparel graphics, signage work, catalog work, marketing materials, and more.
Creative Direction: Maurizio Donadi, Alex Carleton
Additional Art Direction: Danny Harmon
Strategy & Additional Design: Partners & Spade
Neon Manufacturing: Western Neon
All location photography by Peter Sutherland for Filson
Imagery © Filson
