Folk Fortune fuels trend to vintage-luxury
Scarcity is a good thing when it comes to fashion. After all, it’s never ideal for a true style aficionado to own the same thing as, well, everyone else.
But, finding that special something in a world of big brands and fast fashion can sometimes seem impossible. That is, until you stumble across a unique young brand like the Vancouver-based company Folk Fortune.
The brand offers cool, naturalfibre accessories, as well as oneof-a-kind, pre-loved fashions — all designed and hand-picked by founder Michaela Smeaton — to shoppers who are looking to stand out in the sartorial crowd.
Smeaton chatted with Postmedia News about designing ‘unique’ goods, what’s new for spring and answering the question: What would a bohemian, modern woman want?
What is Folk Fortune?
Folk Fortune is a brand of natural-fibre accessories sold through our online site, as well as wholesale to stores around the world. We combined our custom brand with vintage clothing, accessories and home goods to create a fashion, bohemian vibe.
Is there a story behind the name?
We started on Etsy and finding something that was available across multiple platforms was a challenge. I landed on Folk Fortune because I’ve always been inspired by travelling and folk art and fashion, but as well this idea is about connecting people. Fortune represents the more luxe side — answering the question: What would a bohemian, modern woman want? She wants a little folk and always wants a fortune.
What makes it different from other boutiques?
It’s a story of a lifestyle. What makes things interesting is the way they are shown. You can take a simple, natural beautiful basket and show it in a way that’s new. Sometimes, the vintage inspires the brand collection and vice versa.
Where are your products made/designed?
Everything is designed in Vancouver, and each season, I create/cultivate a collection and work with artisans in different countries. Currently our goods are made in Taiwan, Morocco, the Philippines and Bali. Most of the hand-sewn embellishments are done here in Vancouver unless the orders are over 500 units, then we have the entire process done by our artisans or outsourced with local seamstresses.
What’s new for spring ?
We have a wide variety of new raffia shoes, Bali rattan bags, and raffia pompom items.
What is the price range?
Typically, $30-$250.
Where can people learn more about Folk Fortune?
I invite everyone to check out folkfortune.com or follow us on Instagram at @folkfortune.